The First Days of College - 12 Decisions That Change Everything

This book guides new students through foundational early decisions that establish habits, mindsets, and strategies their college success depends on. Its sharp focus on the pivotal first days-combined with its evidence-based grounding in cognitive psychology and the lived experience of those who work most closely with new college students-sets it apart from other college guides. The book is also unique in its emphasis on motivation rooted in the values and aspirational identities students bring with them to college. This attention to a personal "why," and to the people and causes students are studying for, provides the kind of sustaining motivation students need to meet the academic and personal challenges of college. The book is built on a decision-centered framework, with each chapter exploring a specific choice students make about formative habits, mindsets, or strategies. Topics include time management, studying to understand, thinking about money, staying safe, focusing on the future, and telling one''s personal story. This structure anchors complex concepts-such as chunking information-within everyday decisions and behaviors. Each chapter concludes with a "Playbook" of practical activities to help students apply the ideas and strategies discussed.

Product details

• Authors: Steven L VanderStaay, Steven L. VanderStaay
• Publisher: Bloomsbury Academic
• Languages: English
• Product format: Paperback / Softback
• Release: 23.07.2026
• EAN: 9798216383062
• ISBN: 9798216383062
• No. of pages: 176
• Subjects: Guides > Self-help, everyday life > Family; SELF-HELP / Personal Growth / Success, STUDY AIDS / College Guides, FAMILY & RELATIONSHIPS / Education, Self-help & personal development, Self-help, personal development and practical advice, Higher & further education, tertiary education, Higher education, tertiary education, Educational: Personal, social & health education (PSHE), Colleges of higher education, EDUCATION / Schools / Levels / Higher, Educational: Social and life skills