It seems as though the semester ended last week, yet college students everywhere are beginning their college fall semester. Whether you are an incoming freshman or just starting your senior year of college, there are several tips that every student should consider when striving for a successful semester.

1. Become an expert of time management

Maintaining a sane composure throughout the semester begins with time management. One of the biggest problems holding students back from success is procrastination. Bad planning comes from procrastination. Students often have the mindset that at the start of the semester they will have all the time in the world to finish assignments and begin to put them off. Their aspirations wind up feeling like a 20 car pileup. Staying on top of obligations can easily be done by arranging your schedule accordingly.

2. Get started early on studying

You can be on top of getting assignments done, but a failed exam can be the death of a grade. There have been too many instances where students think that doing all of the assignments will be enough to receive a respectable grade, when in reality exams count for the greater part of the grade. A great tip for studying is to study in spurts. Studying for hours on end and cramming before a test is not the best method of studying. Instead, study for about an hour before your next class, as well as after, and if that doesn’t work, create a study schedule you can stick to. If you intend to memorize something, you probably will.

3. Invest in appropriate academic tools

It never fails: On exam day, there is always that one classmate who shouts across the room asking for a pencil or paper. Don’t be that one person. You may be seen as unprepared and negligent. Make sure you are prepared with the appropriate tools to be successful in the classroom. Are group projects a large portion of one of your classes? GroupTable is collaborative software that can help you manage group and study projects by saving time, organizing to-do lists, and creating discussions between you and your group members. You can manage all of your groups, including social organizations and clubs, within the program. Tools like GroupTable can greatly assist in time management, which is one of the most important academic tools a student can utilize.

4. Discover a study spot you can effectively utilize

Find a spot where you can focus on what’s in front of you. Don’t study in your room, because those video games will look much more appealing than the notes in front of you. If you have a designated spot chosen for your study session, make sure you bring proper materials, maybe a drink or a snack to assure you don’t leave your spot for anything! If you would rather study with another person or in a group, study with friends who are just as motivated to study as you are. Leave your cell phone in your dorm, and limit your Internet usage solely for homework or research, and avoid Facebook or Twitter.

5. Be familiar with your way around campus

No, that doesn’t mean finding the quickest route to your dorm room after a night hitting up the local bars. There are so many resources on a college campus that students don’t take benefit of. Take your own personal tour around campus to learn what your school has to offer. From academic advising and career counseling, to the gym and health center, there are countless perks that students don’t take advantage of in college. A college campus isn’t limited to the library and dorms; college is expensive; experience everything your campus has to offer.

6. Seek help

There are many factors that could contribute to a struggling student. Not doing well academically does not necessarily mean you are a procrastinator, or lazy. More students are seeking mental health counseling than you think, and things like stress or emotional trauma can negatively contribute to a student’s performance in class. Academic and career counselors are also a good resource if you believe you need guidance. These resources are almost always free for college students; there is always someone who can assist you if you aren’t achieving what you believe you are capable of.

7. Be responsible for yourself

You’re in college now, and your parents aren’t going to be there to advocate what you should or should not do. The perfect occasion to assert your newly gained independence is in college. Carefully managing your finances helps your gain perspective on responsibilities. Take care of you and your body. That doesn’t necessarily mean you need to go to the gym on a daily basis; going to the doctor is something a lot of students tend to forget about as a college student. As convenient and tempting as it may seem, try not to let fast food be your go-to choice of food. Stay healthy, stay active, and maintain a reasonable sleep schedule.

8. Take classes that you are interested in and enjoy

I’m sure you know someone, or may even be that someone, who has changed their major more than they change their clothes. Find something you will enjoy. If you are stuck taking classes or majoring in something that you won’t take pleasure in, studying is going to be the last thing you will want to do. If you are passionate about something, you can succeed.

9. Become involved in something

Becoming involved in an intramural sport or a club can help you take your mind off studying, lectures, and things that may be overwhelming. There are many benefits of getting involved with something on campus; you can meet new people, rid those isolated feelings you may encounter in a new environment, and become exposed to new cultures, experiences, and opportunities that may be advantageous to you in the future.

10. Achieve some real world understanding

College is the perfect opportunity to gain some real world experience. Partake in community experiences, internships, seminars, or anything else that could help you try your knowledge in the real world. These are great learning experiences and something that can help your career during and after college.

We hope that you get the most out of your upcoming semester and that you found these tips to be helpful. Remember that GroupTable is always here to help you stay productive and on top of your group projects, study groups and clubs.

It’s the middle of the semester and you have that group project due in a few weeks.  Group projects can be very stressful, but have no fear GroupTable, a student group management software has some tips to help you and your group project team.

1. Communication is Key

Communication is a key for a successful group to function. Maintaining frequent contact with group members will help everyone stay in the loop. If someone says something you don’t agree with don’t criticize them. Seek to understand their point of view and then express yours.

2. Assign Tasks & Set Deadlines

Assign tasks based on the strengths of each group member. Tasks should be specific, measurable, attainable, realistic and time bound. Assigning tasks and setting deadlines will keep everyone in the group
on track, increase accountability and keep your group from procrastinating.

3. Make Everyone a Leader
If you notice something that can be done better in your group, take on a leadership role. It’s a great way to enhance your leadership skills and ensure that work gets done. Each member of the group should act as a leader from time to time. Keep Organized Typically groups have a lot of files and messages being sent back and forth. It can be very challenging to keep everything in order and make sure everyone has the most updated information. Using an online group collaborative tool can help you manage everything.

4. Go Virtual
Sometimes it can be very challenging to get all group members together at the same place and time. Meeting online through chat or using a group discussion board can really make life easier.

Try GroupTable.com to manage your group projects and study groups.  GroupTable will save you and your group from a lot of stress.

Good luck the rest of the semester!