How to Succeed in College: 99 Student Success Tips

Here's how to succeed in college in only four words: Have good, consistent habits. Sounds pretty simple, right? Maybe a little too simple? After all, what defines "good?" Many people achieve college success by paying attention to what works for other students. Yet, that's not always a sure-fire method. Some students do well in spite of their bad habits, which can make it hard to sort out what will actually work for you. Thankfully, plenty of time-tested advice exists to help you out.

It all boils down to this: Successful students tend to practice habits and mindsets that allow them to feel in control of their education. They don't study harder; they study smarter. They often experience less stress than other students. And they enjoy the learning process rather than seeing it as merely a means to an end.

Of course, knowing how to be successful in college also requires knowing your own definition of success. For this article, being a successful student means following through on your college or trade school education and doing what's necessary to put yourself in position to establish and sustain a rewarding career after you graduate. (It doesn't necessarily mean having the highest grade point average among your classmates, although that could be one outcome.)

What follows are 99 tips on how to succeed in college inspired by advice from a diverse range of people, including popular authors and researchers like Cal Newport, Daniel Coyle, Kelly McGonigal, and Olivia Fox Cabane. Some of these tips may not work for you, and that's OK. But the more of them you try, the more likely it is that you'll find yourself moving toward college success.

Student Success Tips

• Choosing Classes
• Setting Goals
• Motivation
• Time Management
• Going to Class
• Studying Tips

• Test-Taking
• Money Management
• Health and Wellness
• Career Preparation
• Networking