5 Things You Must Do to Succeed at Ball State University

Karen Watts earned her Bachelor’s degree in aquatic biology from Ball State University in Muncie, Indiana. When interviewed by Kathy Foust, she offered some tips on what future college students should make sure to do while they are attending Ball State. Though some of her tips can apply to any college, others are specific to Ball State, and all are based on her experience.

1.) Secure Valuables

It goes without saying that when you are in the middle of any kind of social atmosphere, it’s a good idea to keep your valuables secure. At Ball State in particular, you have to remember that tuition isn’t cheap and many people struggle to remain in academic and financial balance. Karen herself experienced theft more than once, so she recommends keeping your valuables locked up. She also says to avoid wearing flashy items or displaying any significant amount of cash. She further recommends that you simply present a “broke” status on a regular basis. Her theory is that other students will be less likely to try and borrow money and you won’t be the first person they target as a potential victim.

2.) Get Involved with Campus Life

College isn’t just about getting an education. There is the whole college experience to live. High school was a nightmare for some and a blessing for others, but once you get to college, that’s when you get to find out who you really are. New experiences and a diverse population can take you down roads you never even knew existed. Karen, who happened to be more of an introvert, found that joining clubs and organizations on campus was the easiest way to make new friends who shared similar interests. At the same time, those friends had interests that weren’t limited to the clubs and organizations, so she had the opportunity to develop new interests of her own. Cultivating these social relationships doesn’t just make your time at college more pleasant; it can also lead to advantages after college.

3.) Visit the Atrium

The Atrium offers everything from Papa John’s to a fresh Mexican grill to Chik-fil-A Express. Karen found that she had to limit her time there because the options were so tempting, but still found eating at The Atrium is far more convenient than going off-campus for meals. She also made use of The Atrium’s catering and delivery options when it came to large study groups and other activities. If nothing else, it’s a great place to get a soda and relax between classes while also making new friends.

4.) Apply for the Alternative Break

Ball State’s Alternative Break program allows students to travel to different areas of the world to lend assistance. It’s not just a chance to do something good outside your community; it’s an integral part of the whole college experience. For those who love to travel, it’s a great way to take a break from the daily grind of college life.

5.) Attend and Be Attentive

College life is adult life. You manage your own time. That means going to classes and paying attention even when you don’t want to. Poor attendance alone can impact your grades, but missing assignments because of poor attendance is only going to compound the issue. Ball State is a very competitive school. It expects its students to be interested in performing well and to meet or exceed requirements. It looks great to have the Ball State name on your resume and transcript, but not so great when potential employers see that you couldn’t even manage to attend your classes, much less complete assignments. College life also moves faster than high school because you have half the time to complete a course.

When it comes to your financial needs, there are steps you can take if you desire to be enrolled at Ball State. Find out how here.

Kathy Foust, a graduate of WGU Indiana and a freelance writer, has a keen interest in various college experiences. Karen Watts, member of a research team concerning aquatic biology, offered to share her experiences in order to give future college students insight to help plan their future.