7 Tips to Get Back on Track If You’re Struggling in College

It’s not unusual to feel overwhelmed when you’re in college. When you balance school with the demands of work and your personal life, there might be stressful moments along the way that make you want to throw in the towel. Whatever challenges you might face, it’s important not to give up. Instead, focus on getting the support you need to get back on track. Remember, ending up with a career you love is worth the effort it takes to get there.

1. Reflect:

Take a moment to think about when you first started struggling. You might be able to pinpoint an exact moment, such as an exam or personal life event, but it could be a combination of things that caused you to fall behind. As you reflect, try to identify any bad habits that might be holding you back and think about how you can replace them with good habits that allow you to reach your goals. It is essential, to be honest with yourself about what needs to change, but don’t get discouraged. Everyone faces battles from time to time; what matters is how you choose to rise above the challenge.

2. Talk to someone:

It's critical to have a support system on whom you can rely through difficult times. If you're having trouble, seek help from someone you trust, such as a professor, advisor, career counsellor, or a friend or family member. They can comfort you that everything will be ok and provide you advice on how to proceed.

3. Get help:

Asking for help is never a sign of weakness. It is a sign of strength! In many institutions, students can take advantage of various career and academic resources, including Canvas, academic tutoring, the writing center, or study groups. These resources can help you get back on track and maintain positive results.

4. Stay organized and manage your time

Breaking down your to-do list into smaller, more manageable activities is one method to stay organized. Also, make sure you're allotting yourself reasonable amounts of time to complete tasks. Spending more time on something is preferable to rushing through it in order to complete it quickly. You may wish to get a planner to keep track of deadlines, assignments, and crucial dates.

5. Set goals and stick to them:

Setting goals is an excellent approach to track your progress. Consider both short- and long-term goals so you always have something to aim for. A short-term goal, for example, could be to raise your grade by the end of the semester. Graduating by a certain date could be a long-term goal. Keep track of your goals in your calendar and set milestones to check in on your progress.

6. Create a plan:

Don’t just get back on track; make a plan to stay on track. Think about what you need to do differently moving forward to be successful. For example, once you find a study routine that works, make a plan to prepare the same way for future exams. Before the next term starts, take the time to figure out your goals for the next semester. Come up with a system that helps you balance school and life as best as you can.

7. Take a deep breath:

Finally, take a deep breath and realize that this is just a bump in the road, not the end of the road. Think of your challenges as a learning experience that will help you grow and become stronger. Don’t beat yourself up for struggling, and remember that your well-being is always the most important thing. When the weight of school and life gets you down, remember the reasons why you are earning your degree. If you focus on how far you’ve already come rather than how far you have to go, it will be easier to stay motivated.