How to Survive College

The Ins and Outs of going through the College Experience

Let’s be real: college is not easy. Classes pile up, deadlines sneak up, your social life competes with your GPA, and sometimes you wonder why you even signed up for this in the first place.

But here’s the truth — college isn’t just about making it to graduation. It’s about setting yourself up for the life you want afterward. If you can survive (and thrive) here, you’ll build habits that carry you into every part of your future.

So how do you make it through? Here’s what I wish somebody told me:

Build Relationships, Not Just Resumes

Get to know your professors — they can be the difference between an average opportunity and a life-changing one.
Find mentors: older students, alumni, even professionals who will give you the real advice professors can’t.
Surround yourself with people who lift you up, not those who drain your energy.
Meet new people. I had gotten my first internship through a friend's recommendation freshman year.

Manage Your Time Like It’s Money

Read all of your courses syllabuses and put all your assignments due dates in a calendar. You will thank me later
Start Studying for exams at least 3 weeks before it takes place
When Registerning for classes do not take 8 am or 7pm classes.
Don’t waste energy pretending to multitask — focus beats busy every time.

Use Campus Resources (Most People Don't)

UIC Career Center

UIC AAAN Resources

UIC Tutoring Services

The tutoring center, the career center, even counseling services — they’re included in your tuition, but most students never touch them.
Join Handshake its an app that connects you to job opportunities and UIC Career Services
Take advantage of resources at the African American Academic Network. They even have scholarship opportunities
Career fairs aren’t just for jobs — they’re for practice. Every handshake is a rep.
Free workshops (résumé reviews, LinkedIn sessions, coding bootcamps) — stack these now, they pay off later. (Shamless NSBE Plugin)

Grades Matter, But Skills Matter More

Aim to get a Minor that complements your Major. Ask yourself what sets you a part from everyone else. Example: Computer Science + Business Administration
A high GPA is good, but projects + experience + relationships get you hired.
Learn to actually apply what you’re studying — build something on your own, join a hackathon, work on side projects.
Document your wins. Keep a running list of projects, achievements, and skills. Future you will thank you when it's time to work on your resume.
Look at becoming a Teachers Assistant or a Lab Assistant. They pay money

Protect Your Energy

Sleep is Important try to get some. Sometimes it can be hard but its worth it
Move your body — gym, sports, even walks. Your brain works better when your body isn’t running on fumes.
Don’t compare your path to everyone else’s highlight reel. You’re on your journey, not theirs.

College isn’t something you just survive — it’s the training ground for your future. Every late night, every connection, every small win is shaping the person you’re becoming. The goal isn’t just to get out with a degree, but to walk out with direction, confidence, and momentum.

So don’t just survive college. Use it. Shape it. Make it work for you.