It’s that time of year again! As hundreds of students embark on one of the most rewarding adventures of their lives, Dr. Debora Johnston, Keiser University’s Flagship Campus Dean of Academic Affairs, shares these tips for success – both inside and outside of the classroom.

1. Set Clear Goals – Setting goals early is a powerful way to stay focused, motivated, and intentional about your experience. Define what success looks like for you – grades, skills, experiences. Don’t forget to make your goals SMART: 

• Specific: Clear and well-defined.
• Measurable: Trackable progress.
• Achievable: Realistic given your time and resources.
• Relevant: Aligned with your values and priorities.
• Time-bound: Set a deadline or timeframe.

It’s important to set different types of goals, not just academic. Think about what you want to gain personally or socially in your first year. Break goals into short-term (semester) and long-term (yearly) objectives. Review often and adjust as needed!

2. Master Time Management – Improving your time management skills can help you stay on top of your responsibilities, reduce stress, and make more room for the things you enjoy. Consider breaking large tasks into smaller, manageable steps with deadlines. AI tools can be used to create study plans, track assignments, and set reminders. Always be realistic and kind to yourself – don’t over-commit. It’s also important to identify time-wasters and unproductive habits and eliminate them from your daily routine! 

3. Develop Effective Study Habits – Developing effective study habits can make a huge difference in how well you understand and retain information. Use active learning techniques such as summarizing, teaching others, and flashcards. Eliminate distractions by finding a quiet, comfortable space to study – like in the KU library! Or if you study better with others, strategically plan group study sessions. Be sure to space out your learning and review the material regularly – you can’t cram!! Try Anki or Quizlet to automate this process. You can even ask AI to generate flash cards or quiz questions based on your study material! 

4. Attend Classes and Participate – Attending class is one of the most important habits for academic success, especially in your first year. You’ll hear examples, stories, and insights from your instructors that will help you understand the material better. You’ll also have the opportunity to ask questions and receive immediate clarification. Show up to class prepared and ready to participate!

6. Build Relationships – Building relationships – whether with classmates, professors, staff, or mentors—can make your first year more enjoyable and successful. Take the time to connect with your professors before/after class or during office hours. Follow KU on social media to learn about campus events and activities. You can also join academic clubs to enhance learning and networking.

7. Take Care of Your Well-being – Taking care of your mental health in your first year of college is just as important as doing well academically. It helps you stay balanced, focused, and resilient. Be sure to prioritize self-care – this means getting enough sleep, making healthy meal choices and staying hydrated, and enjoying a short walk on campus to boost your energy or mood! To manage stress proactively, use techniques like deep breathing, journaling, or meditation. Most importantly, seek help if you’re feeling overwhelmed—KU offers mental health and academic support.

8. Use Campus Resources – Finding out about campus resources is a smart move—it can make your college experience smoother, more enriching, and more successful. Visit your academic advisor to learn more about the academic support resources KU has to offer! 

9. Reflect and Adjust – Reflecting and adjusting is essential for personal and academic growth. Take the time to regularly assess what’s working and what’s not. Flexibility and willingness to adapt your strategies will serve you well. College life is full of change – new subjects, people, and challenges! 

10. Stay Curious and Open-Minded – Challenge yourself to try new things that may be outside of your comfort zone. For example, socially – attend networking events and practice making new connections. Embrace challenges as opportunities to grow.

Dr. Debora Johnston is a seasoned leader in higher education with over 20 years of experience, including 14 years at Keiser University. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Business from Grand Valley State University, a Master of Business Administration from the University of Phoenix, and a Doctorate in Business Administration from Walden University. Originally from a small town near Lansing, Michigan, Dean Johnston now resides in Loxahatchee, Florida, with her husband, their seven-year-old daughter, and three energetic French bulldogs.

Transform Your Future at Keiser University

Since 1977, Keiser University has been empowering students like you to achieve their career dreams. As one of Florida’s largest private, non-profit institutions, founded by Dr. Arthur Keiser and Evelyn Keiser, we’re committed to your success with:

• Over 100 degree programs from associate to doctoral level
• Recognition as the No. 1 university in the U.S. for Social Mobility by S. News & World Report (2023)
• Proud membership in the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities
• A legacy of excellence in education spanning more than 45 years

Don’t wait to start building your future. Contact Keiser University today and take the first step toward your dream career. Call Toll-Free: 888-KEISER-9  or Contact a Keiser Campus near you. Schedule your campus tour and learn more about our flexible programs, financial aid options, and career services support.