The Secret to College Learning and Success

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Question: Dear man of 1000 thoughts how do I increase my reading retention. I like reading but boring text books bore me. 

Answer: This is an issue I understand all too well. Let’s start and admit that you don’t have a reading retention problem. You like reading; in fact you said it yourself. You have a problem reading textbooks for class. It’s important to understand this is not a problem with you, it’s a problem with the textbook. It’s a problem with classes you’re taking and it’s a problem with how people tend to view their education.

Nobody is going to have a fun time reading a textbook that you’re required to read. So, here’s my solution: do not read it. Do not waste your money buying textbooks at the beginning of the semester. Pay attention in class and take notes during the lecture. Textbooks are a waste of money. If for some reason you really need to during the semester, borrow a classmate’s.

I mean honestly, what kind of scam is that? You’re paying many thousands of dollars yearly to attend this university and go to these classes for what? To get information out of a textbook? No, that’s not why. That’s what some people think, but these people have an obtuse view of what they are doing and will probably not succeed in life. Unless you have a major that’s an actual skill, such as engineering, you’re not going to school to learn facts from a textbook. You’re going to school to get your degree. Guess what? It’s 2013, and any silly information they would like you to think is exclusive to their textbook or class you can look up on the Internet for free, or go to a library and read for free. Remember Good Will Hunting? Matt Damon showed this to us.

The goal is to pass, yo.

Question: How do I stop procrastinating with ALL of my schoolwork?

Answer: Why do you need to stop? There are people who procrastinate their work to the very last night and that’s when they perform best. That’s just how these people function. If you’re one of these people then maybe you should stick to it. However, I assume you’re not one of these people as you want to stop it. This can be difficult because usually if you’re in that position you have been doing it for quite a long time to where it’s become habit. You’re going to have to shake things up.

Change everything you can. Where do you usually do your work? Do it somewhere else. If you do it in your dorm, go to the library one day and tell yourself you are not leaving until you get a certain amount of work done. Find a classmate and work with them. Set a time you both are going to work together, having another person there could give you the added pressure to start the work. Maybe they don’t have to be doing the same work, set up a “group study” type session and work with some friends.

Nothing is surefire and what works and what does not work depends on you a person. Try finding a friend who is also a procrastinator and hold each other accountable. What you always need to do is believe in yourself, you can get it done if you believe it.

Question: My roommates are very loud and obnoxious. I’ve gone to the RD several times and spoken to them personally. However, they do not change their ways. What do you suggest I do? 

Answer: I would recommend you sit down and communicate with them like people.  Don’t give them any kind of speeches or just tell them you’re upset, but actually have a conversation. Believe it or not, people don't like to be talked down to. Communication is always key.  Judging by your phrasing, you’ve already decided how you feel about them and that isn’t going to change. Some people don’t mesh well, and you don’t want to be living people you’re uncomfortable with. Move out or suggest that they do.

This content of this article was originially published in WCSU's The Echo on 3/19/2013