How to make your life at college easier

Are you an athlete who wants the transition from high school to college to go well? 

The 4 steps you can do when you are at college to help you out so your college life gets more successful.

Step 1: Academics

• Go to class
• Do the readings in advance of the class
• Do your homework
• Find study partners or study groups to work with
• Build relationships with your classmates and your professors. 
• Ask for help if you are struggling. 
• Seek tutors if you are struggling. 
• Be intentional with how you manage your time. 

Your self-care and time management skills will be as critical as your athletic skills. 

Do you sometimes feel stressed and want to be calmer? Then take a look at this solution.

Step 2: Athletics

• Work hard
• Be early to practice
• Be prepared
• Ask questions when confused
• Build strong relationships with your teammates, coaches, trainers, etc. 

Step 3: Self-care

The demands on a college athlete are high. However, to be your best, you need to invest in self-care.

• Get at least eight hours of sleep.
• Be intentional about your food choices.
• Avoid or minimize alcohol and drugs (at some colleges, you can be suspended for drinking during the season.) 
• Communicate with your trainers, coaches if you have an injury. Minor injuries can become significant injuries if we ignore them. 

Step 4: Social

Your life as a college athlete will be very different from your friends who are not college athletes. But, it's a path you choose. 

The NCAA allows athletes to practice 20 hours a week and four hours a day. (This does not factor in travel for competitions etc. )

Your sport will be most of your social life on campus. (Not all of it but most of it.) 

Know your WHY.

Life as a collegiate student-athlete can be gratifying. However, it can also be very demanding. 

Many athletes say they want to play in college. If you love your sport, really love your sport, and you have the discipline and drive, you might be the right candidate to try and compete at the college level. 

Some athletes are in love with the concept of competing in college and do not fully understand the commitment required to play at the next level. 

Assess what you want. Know your WHY.

I loved basketball. It was a 24x7 sport for me. I ran cross country and track to improve my conditioning and speed for basketball. I sat in class with my feet in the shooting position. I was all in and wanted to play at the college level. 

My children approached sports differently than I did. Two of my three children competed in High School Sports and had no interest in playing at the next level.  

My oldest, Dana, graduated with a super GPA, traveled abroad, had several internships, and had a very different and positive college experience than I did as a student-athlete. Dana enjoyed her time playing High School Sports and knew very early on that she did not want to balance the demands of playing a sport in college with academics. 

The same is true for my son Jason. He has joined a business fraternity and traveled to Cadiz, Spain, and is very happy with his decision not to pursue golf in college. 

My youngest, Julia, is a junior in high school and wants to play DIII volleyball. 

As you think about what you want for your college experience, explore what drives your desire to compete at the college level and invest today to prepare for your transition.

You can achieve your goals with more ease if you use these 7 key skills for athletes.