TIPS FOR SUCCESS FROM FELLOW STUDENTS

By marcia

Wednesday, Aug. 26, 2026

Tips from fellow K-State students

student panelists giving the Wildcat hand sign
Jeff Warner, Allie Cloyd, Lex Bouslog, Annie Moss, Brett Wyckoff, Evan Maschler and Sandi Hettiarachchi spoke at our K-State Kickoff New-Student Welcome Session on Fri., Aug. 21, 2026.

Go to class! You’re not in high school anymore; nobody will make you go to class. You have to choose to. Showing up shows initiative and shows your professors that you care, are engaged with the material and want to get value out of this experience. It’s the easiest way to get ahead, make connections, and have references for future applications.

Get involved! Whether it’s Concrete Canoe Team, Model U.N., Collegian Media Group, Water Ski Club, K-State has lots of student organizations you can join! They offer a great way to meet people and gain leadership skills. If you missed the Activities Carnival yesterday, go to the next one in January.

Explore, network and grow professionally. Explore academic options like minors and certificates; participate in research, teaching and other activities; and join interest groups for the socializing and networking. Take advantage of networking and professional development opportunities. Talk to professors. Talk to strangers. Connect with people. Get out of your comfort zone.

Use a planner, prioritize your time, and manage your schedule. Assignments, activities and other tasks will build up and require advance planning. Get involved but learn to say ‘no’ when you need to.

Take care of yourself. Get good sleep, make time to enjoy your hobbies, and take opportunities to connect with people. Protect your mental and physical health. Get involved in things that give you joy.

Talk with your advisor. Advisors know more than most of us about ways to reach our goals or even just figure out what they are. When you’re feeling overwhelmed, they can help you reflect and plan for your future.

 

Additional tips from the Dean’s Office

Do your homework on time. Don’t get behind; it’s hard to catch up! If you need help, many resources are available—see below.

Your professors are here to help you. Take advantage of their office hours, weekly times set aside for you to drop by and ask questions about courses, assignments, and study tips.

Get help with study skills or find a tutor. K-State’s Academic Achievement Center is your one-stop shop for personalized support with classes. Also, several College of Arts and Sciences departments offer tutoring and other support:

  • The Modern Languages Department provides tutoring, group study and advising in the Kirmser Language Center.
  • The Quantitative Learning Center offers free, drop-in assistance for undergraduate math, physics and statistics courses from 9:30-5:30 weekdays.
  • The English Department’s Writing Center offers in-person and online support to K-State students from all disciplines and experience levels.

Get the academic support you need. For student-focused help related to advising, enrollment, graduation, academic policy and more, contact our college’s Center for Student Success and Engagement in 107 Calvin Hall, 532-6904, artsci@k-state.edu, Mon.-Fri., 8 a.m.-noon and 1-5 p.m.