Here are 10 tips to help you create a productive and memorable college experience.

1．Answer the question,“Why am I going to college? ”

Many college students really don't have a clear reason for being there other than the fact that they don't know what else to do yet.注7They take goals from family and peers, which aren't truly their own. What are you there to learn? What do you want to experience?

注7 Many college students really don't have a clear reason for being there other than the fact that they don't know what else to do yet．很多大学生对于上大学都没有明确的原因，除了一个事实——不知道还有其他的事可以做。other than意为“除了”，例如，There's nobody here other than me．除了我这里没别人。

2．Imagine your ideal college experience.

Once you know why you're going to college, imagine your ideal outcome. Whether you've already started college or not, stop and simply write down some attributes of your ideal experience. Describe them in as much detail as you can. Real life will of course turn out differently than you visualize. The point of visualization is to give you more clarity for making decisions right now.

3．Take at least one extra class each semester.

The real benefit to a dense schedule isn't that you'll graduate sooner. The real benefit is that you'll enjoy a richer experience. This sort of thing sure looks great on a resumé.

4．Set clear goals for each class.

Decide what you want out of each specific class. Sometimes you'll achieve your goals;sometimes you won't. Even if you do your best, you may still fall short. You'll have to pick your battles. Some are worth fighting; others are best ignored.

5．Triage ruthlessly.

You don't need to put an equal amount of effort into every class. Inject extra effort when it's important to you, but feel free to back off a little from classes that are a low priority based on your specific goals.注8

注8 Inject extra effort when it's important to you, but feel free to back off a little from classes that are a low priority based on your specific goals．重要的课程可以多加把劲，但对于那些对你的目标无足轻重的课程可以松懈一点。这句话的后半句是由that引导的定语从句。

6．Get an early start each day.

Getting an early start each day can help you get a lot more done, not just in the morning but throughout the day.

7．Reclaim wasted time during your classes.

Not every class is going to require your utmost concentration. Sometimes teachers babble. Sometimes they reiterate what you already know. If a class is really challenging, sit in the front and soak up every word. But if a class isn't challenging you, then sit in the back, do homework for other classes, and pop your head up every once in a while to see if there's anything worth jotting down.

8．Learn the material the very first time it's presented.

One of the biggest time wastes in school is having to relearn something you didn't learn properly the first time. When students say they're studying, most of the time they're making up for a previous failure to learn the material.

9．Master advanced memory techniques.

One of the keys to learning material the first time is to train yourself in advanced memory techniques.注9 I don't recommend memorizing by repetition because it's way too slow.

注9 One of the keys to learning material the first time is to train yourself in advanced memory techniques．学习的关键之一就是掌握科学的记忆方法。the key to doing sth．意为“做……的关键”，这个短语中to是介词。

10. Have some serious fun!

Challenge yourself academically, but give yourself plenty of time for fun as well. Don't squander your leisure time hanging around doing nothing.