For many, the most daunting aspect of attending Colgate University is the academics. The transition from high school can make one’s first year at Colgate an adjustment. However, most students agree that while coursework gets harder each year, one’s ability to work and study effectively also progresses. By senior year, many students juggle their thesis, difficult course loads and job applications all at the same time. So how does a Colgate student make this transformation and develop the study habits necessary for success?
First-year Kiley Shelton, a prospective biology major and member of Colgate’s softball team, explained her study strategies.
“The adjustment from high school to [Colgate] is definitely noticeable,” Shelton said. “There are a lot of smart people here and classes assign a lot of work. It’s definitely manageable, but also difficult to get ahead. A lot of the time I’ll only study for an exam one or two days in advance, just because of how busy I am.”
Shelton is not alone in having a busy schedule due to athletics; there are hundreds of student athletes at Colgate experiencing the same time restraints as a result of a Division I athletic commitment. This complicates the already difficult transition from high school to college.
“Now that we’re in season, it’s harder,” Shelton said. “We travel basically every weekend and it’s much harder to do work in an airport or hotel than it is in a study room or the library. When I’m at school, I like to study in the study rooms in [Pinchin Hall]. It’s closer than the library and just as quiet.”
Senior political science major James Foster has had more time to adapt to Colgate’s rigorous curriculum, developing his study habits throughout his time here in order to keep up. Foster transferred to Colgate after one year at Suffolk County Community College. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, his entire first year was spent taking online classes from home. Despite this, he was able to begin forming the habits necessary to succeed.
“A big thing for me was having a designated space in my house to do work,” Foster said. “I had one room with a desk that I’d go to just to do work. I was able to get a lot done actually because I knew working was the only thing I could do in that room.”
After transferring, Foster made the adjustment from commuter student to residential student and began to take in-person classes as the pandemic faded. As a Colgate student, he continued to designate a study space, choosing to complete his work in his room.
“My room is good because it’s quiet and I have a pretty nice setup,” Foster said. “My desk has two monitors, which is helpful for a lot of the things I do. Studying in my room is also good because if I need to take a break or have a meal, I don’t need to go anywhere. I can just head downstairs then get right back to studying when I’m done. It’s been perfect just dedicating that space and knowing when I sit at my desk I’ll get things done.”
Throughout his time at Colgate, Foster has become involved in several extracurricular activities, such as joining Link Staff and working on-campus jobs within the Office of Student Involvement and the Office of Fraternity and Sorority Advising. He works to balance his academics with his other commitments.
“I keep a calendar that I go through each month and fill out any important events and assignments I have,” Foster said. “I make sure I don’t fall behind on studying for exams or important meetings.”
Every student has a different journey developing their study habits and adjusting to Colgate’s academics. While most people don’t have it down in their first year, students are able to take on a more rigorous course load each year as they become more efficient and effective learners.
