Lectures, deadlines, late-night study sessions, and many social chances are all part of the hectic college experience. However, it might be stressful to juggle everything, let’s face it. What if you were able to hack your way to a more efficient and seamless college experience? I have put together a list of 25 useful suggestions that can help you save time, money, and worry. You will wish you had found these sooner, I promise.
25 College Life Hacks You’ll Wish You Knew Sooner
1. The 10-Second Email Rule
If an email takes less than 10 seconds to compose (such as verifying attendance or asking a brief question), send it right away. Overthinking basic messages is a waste of time. Your future self will thank you for keeping your inbox organized.
2. Use Apps to Turn Notes Into Flashcards
Remove the manual notecards. Apps such as Quizlet and Anki allow you to digitize flashcards and study on the fly. Bonus: you may exchange decks with students and divide the task..
3. Make Consistent Use of a Planner App
Your brain is not designed to retain all of the deadlines. As soon as you learn about assignments, tests, and activities, enter them into a free planner tool like Google Tasks or Todoist. To prevent last-minute panic, set reminders.
4. Learn to Take Power Naps
You can regain attention by taking a 20-minute snooze in between classes. You will be able to handle afternoon lectures like a pro if you set an alarm to prevent oversleeping.
5. Group Projects using Google Calendar
Create a shared Google Calendar for collaborative work to easily manage schedules. To hold everyone accountable, color-code assignments, establish due dates, and schedule meetings.
6. Use Mason Jars to Freeze Your Leftovers
Mason jars stack well, but there is not much room in the dorm fridge. Prepare large quantities of food, store it in jars, and reheat portions as required. No more ramen meals at the last minute or food waste.
7. Get the Lecture Slides in Advance
Print or download the slides in advance if the professor uploads them before class. During the lecture, underline important topics or write questions in the margins.
8. Purchase Over-the-Counter Generic Medicines
Why spend more money on name-brand allergy medications or pain relievers? Generic versions are half as expensive and contain the same components. During pharmaceutical sales, stock up.
9. Learn Keyword Shortcuts
Learn keyboard shortcuts such as Ctrl+C, Ctrl+V, Ctrl+Z, and use Ctrl+F to search for keywords in long documents to save time during the semester.
10. Use Campus Printers Strategically
For last-minute printing, campus libraries often have shorter queues than department labs. Print double-sided to save paper and money.
11. Keep a “Stupid Questions” List
Not sure how to cite a source or where the exam room is? Write down every little question and ask your professor or TA during office hours. Better safe than confused.
12. Store Snacks in Your Backpack
Granola bars, trail mix, or fruit can save you during back-to-back classes or all-nighters. Hunger is the ultimate focus-killer.
13. Record Lectures (With Permission)
You can use your phone’s voice memo application to record lectures. You can listen to the recordings during your commute or while doing laundry to help you understand difficult material better.
14. Split Textbook Costs With Friends
Textbooks are pricey. You should divide the textbook expense with your friend before taking turns to study. You should share login information for digital books but make sure you avoid getting caught.
15. Turn Old Sheets Into Cleaning Rags
Just because they are old doesn’t mean they are no longer useful. One of the ways I was able to save money in college was by reusing things. I turn old sheets or towels into cleaning rags by cutting them into squares. I use these rags to clean the house – this saves me some money.
16. Use a Laundry Basket With Wheels
It can be stressful to carry heavy laundry to the mat, the best way to solve such problem is by getting a laundry basket with wheels. It makes it easier to haul the clothes to the laundromat and have fun doing that. The best part? You can use it for grocery shopping too.
17. Assign Essays a “Fake Deadline”
Although professors assign deadlines, you should set your own 48 hours in advance. If you get sick or your printer breaks down, this buffer will save you.
18. Maintain Vital Contacts on the Speed Dial
On your phone, note the numbers for your roommate, academic adviser, and campus security. You can not predict when you will need them most.
19. Use a Shower Caddy with Holes
A plastic caddy with drainage holes keeps your shampoo from sitting in water (and becoming unpleasant). These are commonly seen at dollar stores.
20. Take Photos of Whiteboards
After class, professors often post comments on the board. Take a snapshot photo before running out. It is quicker than duplicating everything by hand..
21. Free Coffee on Campus
Many groups and activities provide free coffee to attract students. Follow your campus’s social media profiles to receive notifications—free caffeine fixes.
22. Use a Password Manager
Managing numerous logins? LastPass, a free program, securely saves passwords. There will be no more frenzied resets before online tests.
23. Purchase a Portable Phone Charger
Dead batteries during all-day sessions are the worst. A pocket-sized charger guarantees that you never miss a crucial call or deadline notification.
24. Learn Basic Sewing
A modest sewing kit can repair damaged backpacks, lost buttons, and torn clothes. YouTube videos make things simple—no need to phone home for assistance.
25. Refuse Without Guilt
Just because you don’t want to disappoint people doesn’t mean you should go to extreme lengths to please other people. If you feel like an event or programme outside of studies doesn’t work for you, you should refuse it politely.
Conclusion
College passes by far too quickly. Remember to have fun! Do not be too hard on yourself, and do not be scared to make mistakes. You only have four years, thus it is not worth your time to worry about little matters! Make the most of these four years!