Excel in College: 7 Strategies to Overcome Academic Hurdles

The transition to college can be an exciting time, but it can also be overwhelming. Students aren't just acclimating to a new — and often rigorous — academic course load, but they are also experiencing big lifestyle changes along with exciting new social opportunities, part-time work, and more. It can be a lot to balance.

Academic challenges might come up from time to time as a result — and that's more than normal and OK. The important thing to consider is how you can build a foundation to conquer these challenges.

How Challenges Affect Academic Achievement

From navigating school-life balance to adjusting to college life, understanding difficult course material, managing test anxiety, staying motivated, and more, there can be multiple day-to-day struggles that students face. All can have potentially negative implications for someone achieving their full academic potential. That's why it's so important to develop strategies to help you face and triumph over these challenges.

How to Overcome Academic Challenges in College

While prioritizing and staying grounded in your Christian faith is key to overcoming academic challenges in college, there are some incredible additional methods that can help, too.

Learn How to Manage Your Time

The lack of good time management skills is one of the most common examples of academic challenges that many students — especially new students — encounter. Balancing multiple assignments, projects, and exams can be difficult, and that doesn't even take into account all the extracurricular and social activities that are often in the mix.

There are many strategies you can use to help manage and organize your time. Methods like time-blocking, where each block of time is dedicated to accomplishing a specific task, can be helpful and also reduce stress. Creating a schedule with study reminders — and sticking to it — can also be a simple yet transformative tool. You may also want to get honest about where you are spending your time. Limit your time on social media and put your phone on "do not disturb" while studying so you minimize distractions from texts and notifications.

Use Technology to Your Advantage

While your phone might be a source of distraction, it can also be a source of success! There are so many apps, programs, and resources out there that can help you push through many kinds of academic challenges. 

Quizlet is a popular option among students that offers practice tests and AI-powered tools to help improve grades. Otter is an app that transcribes audio in real-time, so you can easily record lectures and create notes simultaneously. MyHomework is an all-encompassing digital student planner that works across all your devices. It helps you know when everything is due and makes it easy to track and mark off assignments.

DBU offers the Navigate Student app to help students connect to numerous resources on campus. Navigate Student is a 100% free app for all students which is customized to your specific academic journey. You can find useful contact information throughout the app and even connect with numerous areas on campus who are ready to support you in achieving academic success. Areas such as academic advising, tutoring, course schedule, professor contact information, and study groups are just a look into the available support resources through Navigate. In addition, if you need specific assistance with a certain class or area on campus the Hand Raise option through the app allows you to receive unique and specific help where you need.

Develop Effective Study Skills

Studying is a skill that must be developed and practiced — and there's no one-size-fits-all for students. Some people study and learn best alone in a dorm study room. Some get the most out of study groups. Still others might thrive in study environments like the DBU library, The Sellar, or the DBU Coffeehouse. While it may be a trial-and-error process to see what works best for you, don't be afraid to seek out new places to see what clicks. 

Ask for Tutoring

Never be afraid to ask teachers and professors for help with course material you don't understand. In addition, tutors can be among the best college course helpers you can find because they comprehend the academic experience and can help break down the material in understandable, accessible ways.

DBU also has a University Writing Center that strives to offer support to all students in developing written communication skills at any level and in any discipline in a welcoming facility. 

Seek Mentorship

While you may not initially think about mentorship to help with academic challenges, having the wisdom of an experienced mentor can be invaluable. As Proverbs 27:17 (NIV) says, "As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another." 

What's more, 97% of individuals with a mentor feel they are highly impactful and valuable. At DBU, the Center for Mentoring helps students connect with faculty and staff who can help them grow academically, spiritually, and professionally as you find and fulfill God's call on your life as a servant leader.

Consider Counseling

Conquering academic challenges often includes more than just college course help. Counseling might be a supportive thing to consider if you are feeling overwhelmed.

The DBU Counseling Center promotes the mental health and well-being of currently enrolled DBU students, respecting them and honoring God through quality professional counseling services that integrate the Christian faith and enhance healthy emotional, psychological, and spiritual development. Our goal is to equip students to make changes to live a healthier and more fulfilling life, which can absolutely help with academic challenges. 

Remember Your "Why"

No matter if you're pursuing the arts, sciences, or degree completion at DBU, you're here for a reason. Your unique calling is Christ-ordained. Whenever you're lacking motivation or feel the weight of other academic challenges, it can be incredibly energizing to remember your purpose and your priorities.

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At DBU, we are committed to providing students with the support needed for spiritual, intellectual, physical, emotional, and social development to enable them to become Christian servant leaders throughout the world. Learn more about our Student Services.