"Essential Academic Tips for First-Year Students: 8 Common Mistakes to Avoid"

To all my dear first year JSSATEians,

Hello Students! As you start your first year of college, there are a lot of things to keep in mind. Some of them are academic, and some are non-academic. I will write about the non-academic stuff in my next blog, so today, let’s dive into the academic side of things. Specifically, I want to discuss some common mistakes that first-year students make when it comes to their studies. Ready? Let’s jump in!

Mistake # 1 to avoid

So, one of the biggest mistakes students make is underestimating the importance of their grades. I get it—sometimes seniors give out advice that might not be the best, like telling you grades don’t matter as much. But from my experience, and having seen generations of students, I can tell you that grades really do matter.

Whether you’re aiming for higher studies or a technical job, your grades are crucial. Even for non-technical fields like management, institutes consider your marks from high school and college.

Mistake # 2 to avoid

Now, here’s something you might find surprising: focusing on learning the subject deeply right away can be a mistake. Instead, you should focus on mastering the course material. In a semester system, the course is taught in a specific sequence that’s designed to help you grasp the subject effectively. Your first job is to follow that sequence and perform well in the course. Once you have a good handle on the course material and your grades are solid, then you can dive deeper into the subject if you want.

Mistake # 3 to avoid

Next up is note-making. Don’t just copy down everything from the board or the textbook. Instead, focus on capturing the professor’s insights and explanations during class. These are often the key to understanding difficult concepts. I’ve noticed that many students miss out on this and only jot down what’s on the board, missing out on the deeper understanding the professor is trying to impart.

Mistake # 4 to avoid

Also, make sure you’re recording your own insights. These notes will be incredibly valuable for revision and exams. And here’s a tip: always use separate notebooks for different subjects. It might seem like extra work, but it’ll save you a lot of hassle later on.

Mistake # 5 to avoid

Now, let’s talk about attendance. This might sound basic, but it’s crucial. Attending classes regularly is key to staying on top of your studies. Even if you’re behind on some topics, being present and engaged in class will help you catch up and understand the material better. You don’t realize how important this, so take my advice and make it a priority.

Mistake # 6 to avoid

Sometimes, though, professors might not teach as effectively as you’d hope. If you find that’s the case, don’t get discouraged. There are plenty of online resources available now, much more than when I was in college. Just be sure to pick one reliable resource and stick with it, rather than jumping from one to another.

Mistake # 7 to avoid

If you find yourself struggling despite your best efforts, don’t give up. It’s important to do damage control rather than letting things spiral. Even if you have a rough patch, focus on salvaging what you can and don’t let it affect your performance in other subjects.

Mistake # 8 to avoid

Finally, a lot of students are eager to dive into project work right away. While enthusiasm is great, it’s often better to focus on your coursework and build a solid foundation first. Once you have a good grasp of your subjects, then you can think about taking on projects. Meanwhile, mastering programming and mathematics will serve you well in any technical field.

Dear students, So those are some of the big mistakes to avoid in your first year. I hope these tips help you navigate your academic journey more smoothly.

Good luck, and I’m excited for you as you start this new chapter!

All the best for your first year! 

Author: Dr. Roopa D N, Assistant Professor and student counselor

(For any assistance, you may reach out to me at #114, A Block, JSS Academy of Technical Education, Bengaluru from 9 am to 5 pm)