Habits of Highly Successful SNHU Students

Transitioning to college, whether directly from high school or after a break, can be a significant adjustment. Thriving in this new environment requires more than just academic ability; it demands a strategic approach to learning and personal well-being. Successful students at Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) share several key habits that contribute to their achievements. These habits encompass time management, effective communication, proactive help-seeking, active learning, and clear goal setting.

Mastering Time Management

Effective time management is a cornerstone of academic success. Balancing coursework, personal life, and other commitments requires careful planning and prioritization. Advisors at SNHU emphasize the importance of mapping out assignment deadlines and managing time wisely. This proactive approach allows students to stay on top of their responsibilities and avoid feeling overwhelmed.

Understanding the root causes of time management struggles is crucial. Are students procrastinating, or do they dislike the course material? Addressing these underlying issues can lead to more effective time management strategies. By prioritizing responsibilities and allocating time accordingly, students can achieve a better balance in their lives.

The Power of Effective Communication

Clear and prompt communication with instructors and peers is another hallmark of successful SNHU students. Building relationships with professors and advisors early on provides a significant advantage. When students encounter roadblocks, these established relationships enable instructors and advisors to offer support and guidance.

Instructors possess in-depth knowledge of their courses and can provide valuable feedback on student work. Advisors, including academic, career, and financial aid advisors, are available to guide students and connect them with helpful resources. By actively engaging with these resources, students can unlock more learning opportunities and gain a deeper understanding of the subject matter.

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Proactively Seeking Help

Successful students understand the importance of seeking help when needed. SNHU offers a variety of resources to support students, including tutoring and advising services. Taking advantage of these resources can make a significant difference in academic performance.

"There is nothing wrong with seeking help. In fact, it is a great way to further understand a topic.” Many schools have tutoring, coaching and static resources to help guide students through topics. The Online Accessibility Center (OAC) provides accommodations for students with disabilities, ensuring that all students have the opportunity to succeed.

Engaging in Active Learning

Active learning involves actively engaging with course materials and participating in discussions. Rather than passively absorbing information, successful students take an active role in their learning process. This may involve reading and taking notes, watching tutorials, or listening to lectures and course materials.

A Stanford University study demonstrated the effectiveness of active learning. Students who believed they were responsible for teaching a computer program performed better on tests than those who used it as a learning tool. This highlights the importance of taking ownership of one's learning and actively seeking to understand the material.

Setting and Achieving Goals

Setting clear academic goals and tracking progress toward achieving them is essential for success. Having a clear vision of what you want to achieve can provide motivation and direction. Breaking down larger goals into smaller, more manageable steps can make the process less daunting and more achievable.

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Commitment is key to achieving long-term goals, such as earning a degree. There may be times when you feel like giving up, but it's important to persevere and stay focused on your goals. Celebrating small wins along the way can help maintain motivation and reinforce progress.

Beyond the Classroom: Getting Involved

School isn’t only about studying. You can also join clubs and organizations and attend events. By getting involved, you’ll find activities that interest you and meet people in a less formal setting. Ana Duarte Ramirez, a criminal justice student at SNHU, is actively involved in several clubs and organizations, including the National Society for Leadership and Success (NSLS), Student Engagement Council, and Student Leadership Mentor Program. Her involvement has allowed her to manage leadership roles while excelling academically.

Prioritizing Self-Care

Taking care of your physical and mental well-being is crucial for academic success. It is important to be aware of your own personal needs and to pay attention to those needs. When we neglect our basic needs, we begin to feel detached, frustrated and often lose the momentum that we have worked so hard to achieve.

Sometimes you’ll need to take a step back from your work and decompress. Getting enough sleep, eating healthy, and engaging in activities you enjoy can help reduce stress and improve focus. Don’t wait until graduation to celebrate. Giving yourself credit for your accomplishments and celebrating your wins can boost your morale and motivation.

The Importance of Metacognition

Consider how to maximize brain function when making your study plans,” said Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) writing coach Lydia Henry. “In other words, you should think about thinking (called metacognition). Everyone is different, and your study techniques can be different too.

Adapting Study Techniques

Don’t be afraid to change up your routine and use new study techniques from time to time. A 2014 study found that students who took notes on laptops retained less information than students who took notes with pen and paper. While technology offers many benefits to learning, don’t be afraid to keep your study sessions traditional with a pen and paper.

Overcoming Challenges

Just like any life-changing event, transitioning to college will take some time. Sometimes, there's going to be bumps in the road. Katlyn Genovese ‘23 connected with the university's Online Accessibility Center (OAC) for the accommodations she needed and stayed committed to her coursework. “You’re going to want to give up a thousand times, but don’t,” she said. Having started his degree in 2019, Green was in school while working through the COVID-19 pandemic.

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