<p>I'm a freshman. I was attending an out of state private school but moved back home and am now attending a local community college. It's only been a few months since I started, but I feel like I'm doing something wrong.
All my friends I had in HS are now too busy or moved away. So I'm practically a loner and have a lot of spare time. I'm only taking 3 classes for now due to a temporary transportation inconvenience. Everything makes it's possible for me to get good grades. I have the time and academic money. Both of which I lacked at my previous college. Even the curriculum is more forgiving than the private college.
Thing is, not everything is going as planned. I'm not seeing the grades I'd like to see. At first I eased through the tests, homework, and quizzes but its changing for the worse. E.g., First math test: 98/100, second math test I took last week was 72/100.
I do admit, I spend mostly ALL of my time all day just carelessly browsing the internet. Looking at youtube videos, facebook, forums, AND playing BF3 or League of legends. I've even thought about selling my amazing pc gaming rig I've built myself, valued well over $1k just so I could concentrate on school for now. And I'm willing to sell it if that's the problem that's keeping my grades down. So while I do think the problem is time management and dedication, I think I should sell my pc and just keep my laptop. That way I'll be playing less video games or browsing, and I'll just pick up my textbook for once and read/study.
What do you guys think?</p>
<p>You put a lot of pressure on yourself buddy 
But good job on the effort. If you really are going to push yourself and commit to getting top grades, then try to avoid going near your computer. Spend time in a quiet room with little distraction or go to a library. Read a lot and study if that’s your goal.</p>
<p>I concur. School is a job and what you are doing is not doing your “job”. Quit gaming unless all your studying is done.</p>
<p>You already know what your problem is- the only thing now is to stop it. Try the Cal Newport “autopilot schedule.” It’s pretty effective if you’re having a difficult time carving out study time among all your other non academic distractions. You could also unplug and store your video game materials until the semester is over. Without that in the way, you’ll find plenty of time to do the things you need to do. Good luck!</p>
<p>@Packers1 - It actually depends on the kind of person you are. Some people can play games and study at the same time. Some are very successful in life even though they played games and did other activities in college while studying so it all depends on you.</p>
<p>But yea, if he wants to study, find a quiet place with no distractions :)</p>
<p>@windrider yeah, some people can budget their time to include gaming and studying. Others can’t. OP clearly cannot since he is struggling with school right now. </p>
<p>OP I would suggest getting rid of the gaming system. I know it sucks cause you put so much time/effort/money into it, but right now you can’t handle both. You’ll get over it after a little while, and then be so glad you did it. Maybe if you really don’t want to get rid of it you could have a friend/family member store it for you for a while.</p>
<p>I would definitely get rid of the game stuff. Maybe some of that cash will help with the transportation issues. Spending all that time of the computer is not going to help with any of the things that you need to improve. If you get off the computer and get out and do stuff, you will have a chance to make some new friends. maybe even reconnect with some old friends from when you were younger. </p>
<p>If you make studying a habit, like brushing your teeth before bed, you will have an easier time of putting in the time. Give yourself a few hours every day, at the same time, to devote to studying. You might not feel that you need the block of time some days but if you sit down to do something you will probably find something to organize or rewrite in your notes.</p>
<p>he fact is that if you are not going to give school your full effort you will not get the grades that you want. Don’t forget that there are always study groups to join up with. That will help you to get some study time in as well as help you to socialize with some new people. College is the best place to make new friends.</p>