“There were plenty of ‘distractions’ everywhere in college. I saw people take it too far and get kicked out of school, arrested, (get) DUI's (Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol) and so on. These things have consequences later on. For example, I got a job working for a major beer company upon graduating with my master’s degree. They check for DUI's for up to five years prior to you being offered a job. Guess what? A DUI equals no job.”

~ Andrea Beauvais, Graduate of Master's Program in Industrial and Organizational Psychology, University of Missouri

  1. Get help fast when you fall behind. Don’t deny it if you’re struggling. Most students who fail have put off getting help. Try the opposite strategy: Meet the people who can help now, so you’ll be more likely to call them when problems arise. Ask your academic adviser about free campus tutoring programs, peer advisers, math labs and writing centers. Ask your professors for help. They will respect your honesty. In rare cases, you may even be advised to drop a course. That’s okay, too. You can always take it again when you’re more prepared.
  2. Resist dangerous distractions. In college, temptations come free of parental oversight: drinking, gambling, drugs, partying all weekend. About one in four college students suffers the consequences of drinking, including missing classes, falling behind, flunking exams or worse. Sexual abuse, assault, unsafe sex, health problems, and even suicide also are linked to alcohol use. And 1,400 college students between 18 and 24 die every year from alcohol related injuries. Some students also become problem gamblers; TV poker tournaments andonline gambling don’t help. These vices can sink your college career and your finances. Consider the fact that college dropout rates are higher in institutions located near casinos. Find safer ways to have fun and people who feel the same way.
  3. Take a break now and then. You’re under a lot of pressure. So when you’re feeling down — not depressed, just down — give yourself a breather. A long walk, a cup of coffee at the local café, a long talk with a friend who always listens, an entry in your personal journal — simple breaks like this can relieve the pressure. Taking breaks during studying every hour or two also helps sharpen your wits and renew your energy.