 Study with a group. Research shows that students who collaborate in study groups often earn the highest grades and survive college with fewer academic problems.
 Get to know at least one person on campus who cares about you. He or she might be your SP/C counselor, some other instructor, your academic advisor, someone at the counseling or career center, an advisor to a student organization, or an older student. You may have to take the
initiative to establish this relationship, but it will be worth it.
 Get involved in campus activities. Visit the student activities office. Work for the campus newspaper or radio station. Join a club or support group. Play intramural sports. Most campus organizations crave newcomers – you’re their lifeblood.
 Learn about campus helping resources. Find out where they are. Academic and personal support services are usually free and confidential. Successful students use them.
 Meet with your instructors. Students who do tend to stay in college longer. Your instructors are required to have office hours; they expect you to visit.

 Find a great academic advisor or counselor. Be sure he or she is someone you can turn to for both academic and personal guidance and support.
 Visit your campus career center. A career counselor can help you learn more about your academic major or find another major that suits you better. If you can’t decide on a major immediately, remember that many first-year students are in the same boat. Instead, talk about your options.
 Take advantage of support services for students of color. If you are a student of color, find out if your campus has centers for students of color or non-traditional students. Pay a visit and introduce yourself. Take advantage of mentoring programs that a center might offer.
 Enlist support of your spouse, partner, or family. If you are a returning student, you may need to adjust household routines and duties. Let others know when you need extra time to study. A supportive partner is a great ally, but a non-supportive partner can threaten your success in college. If your partner feels threatened and tries to undermine what you are doing, sit down and talk it over or seek counseling.