It’s been years since I’ve graduated from college. For some, making the transition into seminary might be a bit intimidating. For me, I wanted to make this transition easier by preparing myself a bit.

If you are in the same boat as me–or if you are currently in seminary–have a look at these words of advice I’ve found online (and be sure to click the links to gain a richer understanding of the tips given!) on surviving your first year. . .

SOURCE: Dallas Theological Seminary

1. Exercise. Sleep well. Eat well

2. Take a 15-minute study break every 2 hours.

3. Take a speed reading course.

4. Give the Lord your best time.

5. Make time for family and friends—in and out of seminary.

6. Make a schedule for completing the semester’s assignments, and follow it.

7. Find a ministry that uses your gifts.

8. Attend social activities.

9. Be on time for classes. Don’t miss often.

10. Ask for help when you need it.

11. Back-up your computer work.

SOURCE: The Zeray Gazette

12. Get heavily involved in a local church immediately.

13. Don’t forget about the ordination candidacy process.

SOURCE: accidental seminarian: blogging political seminarian

14. Don’t take yourself too seriously.

15. Don’t limit yourself.

16. There is so much to learn but seminary is just the starting point.

17. Talk to others who have been through seminary before you, whether at your seminary or another seminary in the country or in the world.

18. Don’t think that your model of church is the only way to do church.

19. Practice being gentle, loving, supportive and merciful while in seminary.

20. If your seminary is in a remote location, cut off from the wider community, find a way to stay connected.

21. Find time to laugh, share and create memories.

22. Life is about sharing. So is seminary.

23. Thank God for every moment, good and bad.

SOURCE: www.seminarysurvivalguide.com

24. Find and use mentors.

25. Write learning objectives for your seminary experience.

26. Master your required reading list in half the time or less.

27. Seminary Syllabus Strategy #1: Get It In Your Calendar

28. Seminary Syllabus Strategy #2: Start Reading Now

29. Seminary Syllabus Strategy #3: A Writing Plan for Every Major Paper

30. Seminary Syllabus Strategy #4: A Study Plan for Each Major Exam

31. Learn how to write proper book reviews.

32. Don’t cheat.

If you have some words of advice not found in the list, please feel free to let me know about it. Just click here.