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.

Here are seven tips to get back on the track to success:

1. Reflect

Take a moment to think about when you started struggling. You might be able to pinpoint an exact moment, such as an exam or personal life event, but it could be 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 important 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 important to have a support system you can lean on during tough times. If you’re struggling, reach out to someone you trust for advice, such as an instructor, advisor, career counselor, or a friend or family member. They can reassure you that things will work out and offer you tips for how to move forward.

3. Get help

Asking for help is never a sign of weakness. In fact, it’s a sign of strength! At Herzing, there are a variety of career and academic resources students can take advantage of, 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

If you’re having a hard time finding a balance between school, work and family, consider how you can improve on managing your time. One way to stay organized is to break down your to-do list into smaller tasks that are easier to tackle. Additionally, make sure you are giving yourself realistic amounts of time to get things done. It’s better to spend more time on something than to stress yourself out trying to get it done quickly. You might want to invest in a planner so you can keep track of deadlines, assignments and important events.

5. Set goals and stick to them

Setting goals is a great way to measure your success. Consider both your short-term and long-term goals, so that you always have something to work toward. For example, a short-term goal might be improving your grade by the end of the semester. A long-term goal could be graduating by a certain date. Keep track of your goals in your planner and set milestones to check in on your progress. When you reach a goal, reward yourself. Incentives are a great motivator and can help you stay focused through tough times.

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 in order 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 get 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. Good luck!