Congratulations - You made it! You are an incoming freshman at the University of Minnesota. Your first year of college signifies a new beginning, but it is also an ending, a farewell of sorts to the ways you're used to studying for school. Even if you were one of those fortunate individuals in high school who managed to "get by" with minimum study time, chances are good that this year you'll find yourself needing more time for studying in order to succeed as a college student.
As you begin your first college courses this fall you will likely discover that they are quite different from those you took in high school. It is important to understand that instructors will expect you to know the material that is covered in class lectures, in addition to the material that is in the readings, regardless of whether the readings were discussed in class. This requires considerable planning and self-discipline on your part. Keep in mind that students have been successfully transitioning to college for many many years, so it can be done! It just takes some thoughtful effort on your part.
The standard recommendation for college-level study is two to three hours outside of class each week for every hour spent in a classroom. For example, if your Spanish course meets one hour every day, five days a week, you should plan for at least 10 hours of Spanish study outside of class each week. For math courses it has been suggested that you plan for two hours of study each day in order to succeed. Remember that it is better to plan for maximum study time in case you need it. If you expect to study 30-45 hours a week (on average), then you eliminate the danger of being too short on time and under-prepared for courses and exams.
In addition to planning your study schedule, remember that it is important to have time for social activity! Remember that your college experience is going to be shaped by what happens both in and outside of the classroom, so make sure you schedule adequate non-academic time. The University of Minnesota campus offers a great variety of activities that can be a well deserved diversion from textbooks, so take advantage of them! With time you will find the right balance of social activity and academics that works for you. As with many skills that you will acquire in college, learning to successfully balance and schedule your time is a skill that you find useful for the rest of your life.
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