Equip yourself with tools to succeed in school, career, and life
Academic and life skills are essential for thriving in college and beyond. These skills support learning, career readiness, personal growth, and financial well-being, helping us navigate challenges with confidence and independence.
Strong academic and life skills improve focus, organization, problem-solving, and self-confidence. They empower us to manage time effectively, make informed decisions, handle financial responsibilities, and prepare for career and life transitions. Developing these skills early can reduce stress and increase our overall success in both academic and personal life.
Academic skills are the foundation of college success. They help students absorb, process, and retain information, manage workloads, and perform effectively in classes. Examples of academic skills include:
Time management and planning: Prioritize tasks, create weekly schedules, and avoid procrastination
Study strategies and test preparation: Active recall, spaced repetition, and practice tests
Note-taking, reading, and research skills: Efficient summarizing, critical reading, and academic research
Goal setting and academic self-monitoring: Set realistic goals, track progress, and adjust strategies as needed
On-campus resources and services include:
Academic Support services for tutoring, writing, supplemental instruction, and academic coaching
Accessibility Services for students with documented disabilities to receive the support they need
Student Success for a network of services and programs designed to help you achieve your academic and personal goals
Tips for Academic Success
Break assignments into smaller, manageable tasks and create deadlines for each
Use planners, apps, or calendars to track deadlines and plan study sessions
Participate in study groups or tutoring sessions to reinforce understanding
Regularly review notes and materials to retain information
Seek feedback from professors and peers to improve performance
REACH OUT AND ASK FOR HELP!
Career readiness skills prepare students to successfully transition from college to the professional world, ensuring they can navigate career choices and workplace expectations. Examples of career readiness include:
Resume and cover letter development: Tailor documents for each opportunity, highlight achievements
Interview preparation and networking: Practice interviews, attend networking events, connect with professionals
Exploring majors, internships, and career pathways: Research industries, job roles, and professional skills needed
Professional communication and workplace skills: Email etiquette, teamwork, problem-solving, adaptability
On-campus resources and services include:
The ACE, your one-stop-shop for all things related to academic, careers, and support. Located in the Hewes Library!
Attend workshops, career fairs, and panels to learn about career options
Connect with mentors, advisors, or alumni for guidance and advice
Pursue internships, part-time jobs, volunteer work, or projects to gain experience
Reflect on personal strengths, interests, and long-term goals
Update and refine your professional materials regularly
Financial literacy equips students to make informed decisions about budgeting, saving, spending, and planning for the future. Examples of being financially literate include:
Budgeting and managing personal expenses: Track income and expenses, prioritize needs vs. wants
Understanding student loans, credit, and debt: Know repayment terms, interest rates, and financial responsibilities
Saving, investing, and planning for the future: Start small, explore saving strategies, and learn about investment basics
Making informed financial decisions: Evaluate options, seek guidance, and plan for short- and long-term goals
On-campus resources and services include:
The Office for Financial Services for all things related to college budgeting. We know this is a scary and overwhelming topic, but our staff are friendly and compassionate. Simply reach out!
Check out this free resource from the Illinois Treasurer:
The Financial Wellness Hub has assessments to help you discover your money personality type and provides recommendations based on your results.
Tips for Financial Well-Being
Create and follow a realistic budget that includes savings
Monitor your spending habits and adjust as necessary
Learn about credit scores, loans, and interest rates to avoid debt pitfalls
Seek workshops, financial counseling, or trusted resources for guidance
Set achievable short-term and long-term financial goal
Creating a Balanced Life
Developing academic and life skills is about building confidence, independence, and resilience. Students who actively practice these skills often experience less stress, stronger coping strategies, and a greater sense of readiness for college and life after graduation.
