Making Your Daily Routine Work for Academic Success
As a first-year student, you’ve probably noticed your days starting to take shape. You know when you walk to class, where you grab your meals, and the times you’ve carved out for learning and preparation. But now is the moment to take it a step further: are you being intentional about what, when, and where your prepare and learn.
Universities are filled with resources meant to help you succeed. Math centers, writing centers, chemistry and physics labs, guided learning groups, and online platforms like Khan Academy or Patrick JMT are all designed to support your learning. These resources aren’t just for moments when you’re struggling—they are tools to integrate into your regular routine.
When I was a student, I always did my math preparation in the Math Library or Math Center. Being in that environment meant that when I ran into a problem, help was right there. I didn’t have YouTube tutorials or online videos back then, but I had supplemental textbooks and peers who could guide me. Simply being in the right place kept me focused, gave me confidence, and helped me prepare more effectively.
You can do the same by scheduling your preparation time in spaces where support is available, deciding in advance which resources you’ll use, and building those habits into your weekly routine. Academic success doesn’t happen by accident. It happens when you surround yourself with the right tools, at the right time, in the right environment.
Parents play a crucial role in this process, even from afar. By asking your student about the resources they are using, where they are doing their learning and preparation, and what strategies are working for them, you encourage reflection and intentionality. You don’t need to solve their problems, but guiding them to think about their routines and the supports they have can make a meaningful difference.
Faculty and staff are equally important. When instructors share the availability of tutoring, learning centers, or guided learning groups, or even recount their own experiences seeking help as students, it normalizes the practice and reduces stigma. Reminders about resources embedded in syllabi, assignments, or classroom conversations can nudge students to take advantage of what’s available, helping them build confidence and improve outcomes.
Intentional habits are the foundation of academic success. By creating structured routines, leveraging campus and online resources, and engaging the support of parents and faculty, students can thrive not just in their first year, but throughout their entire university journey.