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Have you heard how difficult college can be the first year? Transitioning from high school to college is no walk in the park. Many students move out of their comfy, safe homes to tackle life as an *adult* for the very first time, causing students to struggle under the pressure. Balancing part-time jobs, club activities, sporting events, socializing, and course work can be daunting, but it doesn*t have to be.

Contrary to what your classmates say, the key to succeeding in college is not networking, joining as many social clubs as you can, or attending every party on campus. The key to succeeding in college is hard work*plain and simple. And to help you succeed, we*ve come up with a few simple tips to make the transition from high school student to college student easier:

1. Purchase a portable file cabinet. In your file cabinet, keep important documents in hanging folders. Documents like: school transcripts, college acceptance letters, letters of recommendations, resumes, scholarship information, bills by name, emergency contact numbers, and your social security card.

2. Purchase a planner. While it may seem *dorky* to carry a planner with you everywhere you go, it's a great way to make sure you don*t over-commit yourself. Pencil in extra-curricular activities, but PEN in school and job obligations. While you can cancel extra-curricular activities, or arrange them to fit your schedule, classes, test dates, and work days cannot be altered. And to help remind of those important test dates, highlight the dates with a yellow marker.

3. Set realistic goals. One reason some college students don*t succeed the first year is because they do not take the time to set realistic goals. In your mind's eye, you are Superman and can accomplish anything you set your mind to, even if it means juggling two important obligations on the same day, at the same time. But real life isn*t a movie. You cannot be in two places at the same time, nor can you complete a three hour project in only 30 minutes. Know your goals. Understand them, break them down into smaller, more manageable tasks, then schedule specific dates and times on your calendar to complete those tasks.

4. Find a study partner. Difficult classes should never be taken without the help of a study partner. Study partners are great for bouncing ideas off, keeping you accountable when you*d rather flake on a difficult subject, and even encourage you to seek a tutor. They also make planning regular study sessions fun!

5. Visit your student advisor or counselor. Student counselors are available to help make your transition painless. They can provide a list of resources for scholarships and grants, make sure you stay on track academically, provide a list of tutors, and even offer advice on personal subject matters that may be causing havoc in your school life.

6. Keep your space clean and organized. When your living space is clean, your soul feels relaxed and you*re more apt to study than run away. An organized space will also save you from missing important deadlines and keep you from spending hours searching for your latest college assignment.

7. Have fun. All work and no play not only makes Jack a dull boy, but when you don*t take the time to have a little fun, your work and study schedule can feel burdensome which can hurt your study habits and test scores.

Finally, take care of your health by making time for exercising, getting plenty of rest, and eating healthy foods.