•Attend class regularly and take detailed notes.
•Regularly check your school’s Learning  
Management System. Most colleges use a system 
like Canvas or Blackboard. Make sure you check 
frequently for resources and updates.
•Form or join a study group to review class material 
with your fellow students.
Manage Your Money 
Now is the time to learn about banking, budgeting, 
and credit cards to help you manage your finances. 
The choices you make now will help you create a solid 
financial foundation. Learn more about smart money 
management at college at www.missbehelpful.com.
Types of Bank Accounts
Banks offer several types of accounts to meet their 
customers’ needs.
•Checking accounts provide easy access to your 
money for everyday purchases by using checks  
or a debit card. You can use your debit card to  
purchase digital textbooks online. You can link your 
checking account to receive direct deposits from 
employers and to use apps like Uber and Venmo.
•Savings accounts accumulate interest on funds  
that you have saved for the future.
Credit Cards
When you use a credit card, the bank or company that 
issued it lends you money to make a purchase and 
requires you to pay it back with interest. Many college 
students get into financial trouble by accumulating 
debt they cannot pay back. Use credit cards only for 
amounts that you can pay back within the billing cycle.
Take Care of Your Health
Making smart choices about your health and 
well-being is crucial to your success in college and 
growth into adulthood.
•Know the dangers of alcohol. Pressure to participate 
in activities involving alcohol can be strong on some 
campuses. In addition, alcohol-related incidents are a  
leading cause of injury and death among college-age 
students. Remember: the legal drinking age is 21.
•Do not use illegal drugs. Most colleges have a 
zero-tolerance policy for the possession or use of 
illegal drugs. Do not socialize with students using 
illegal drugs, or you may find yourself in the wrong 
place at the wrong time.
•Be responsible about sexual activity. If you decide  
to engage in consensual sex, visit your campus 
health center for guidance and resources. Campus 
sexual assault remains a significant concern at most 
schools. It is most prevalent when drugs and alcohol 
are involved. 
•Fit exercise into your schedule. Working out can 
help you blow off steam, stay centered, and keep 
your spirits up. College fitness centers offer a broad 
range of fitness activities from weight training to yoga 
to kickboxing and rock climbing.
•Get your eight hours. Getting enough sleep will 
keep your brain sharp, help you see things more 
clearly, and stay healthy. Plan ahead so you do not 
end up pulling all-nighters to meet your deadlines.
•Eat well. Most cafeterias offer a vast selection of 
foods at each meal to meet a variety of dietary needs, 
from gluten-free to vegetarian. Choose a balanced 
diet to energize and nourish yourself. Seek support  
if you are experiencing food insecurity.
•Seek help quickly for any concerns about your 
physical and/or mental health, including stress.  
The campus health and counseling center is  
available to you.
•Set limits on social media use. Take control by 
utilizing your phone’s screen time setting, scheduling 
specific times to use social media, or turning off  
notifications. Be mindful of what content you  
consume and its impact on your mental health.
62
 
Make a Plan to Close  
the Financial Aid Gap 
Before the school year begins, ensure you have a 
solid plan for covering any gap in financial aid, such as 
applying for a payment plan. Otherwise, you risk issues 
that may impact your future at college., e.g., an unpaid 
balance may result in your account being put on hold and 
render you unable to register for the following semester.
Pathways  
 to  Prosperity

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