Coming to college is a huge change from high school – more work, more freedom and more responsibility. The stereotype of “Work Forest” often increases the anxiety of new students, but do not let it  intimidate you.

While many believe “Work Forest” is a curse to campus, there are ways to handle the heaping amounts of homework and ultimately achieve success.

The simplest skill to master is time management. Although you have infinitely more free time in college than in high school, your workload also increases, so assignments and responsibilities pile on quickly. Do not leave your work until the last minute because you’ll stress out and the quality of your work will suffer.

“Start studying for things ahead of time. In high school. It tended to be easier to study the night before and still do well, but that won’t work well here,” sophomore Julia said Mayner.

“Tests are more difficult and intensive than in high school. Studying the week before for just an hour each day creates a much less stressful situation for you and will help you be more successful on tests,” Mayner said.

Find what study habits work for you. Whether you prefer to work in a dorm lounge surrounded by friends or need to take refuge on the sixth floor of the library to be productive, knowing how you study best is essential to succeeding at Wake Forest. There are many places around campus to work — the library, the dorms, Benson, Farrell Hall and Reynolda are some good examples. While there is always something going on at Wake Forest, don’t let it distract you. When you are studying, take the time to actually study and put your phone away. You’ll work more efficiently and can move on to hanging out with your friends and doing other activities quicker. Everyone needs to study, so do not rush it because you feel that you are missing out.

Wake Forest has so many activities and clubs, so get involved on campus. While you may think that joining a club takes away time from studying, these are great outlets to de-stress and take a break from your workload. Finding a club or activity that you love  will actually help you succeed.

Your professors are a great resource when you have questions. Go to their office hours whenever you can so you can get your questions answered.

“Don’t be afraid to go up and talk to your professors. As scary as it may seem in the beginning, they just want to help you,” sophomore Maddie Baxter said.

It may be tempting to skip class, but most professors have an attendance policy, and the amount of material covered in one class in college is more than one class in high school.

“Go to every single class. Unless you are sick or have an emergency, you need to go to class,” Baxter said.

Utilize the resources around campus such as The Writing Center, The Math Center and other tutors. You can make appointments at these centers and find students who have taken your class to tutor you. There are many ways to get help outside of your professors, so make use of them.

“Work Forest” is real, but if you use your time well and ask questions in and outside of class, you can succeed.