The beginning of a new academic season at Southern Nazarene University (SNU), whether a new school year, a new semester, or a new class, is an exciting time full of opportunities to grow academically, emotionally, and spiritually. SNU students at every level—from traditional undergraduate studies to professional and graduate studies—can benefit from building strong habits and utilizing invaluable resources.
SNU offers a supportive learning environment marked by encouraging faculty and staff, a proven cohort model, and an active alumni network. Students who engage in community and build strong connections with professors and peers often find greater success both inside the classroom and after graduation.
“SNU professors care more about you as a person than just a student,” says SNU Physical Therapy Assistant graduate Chelsea Shreffler. “They help you with your classes and pray for you and offer support when you are going through a tough time. SNU is set up more as a community which helps you succeed better through your educational journey.”
While success looks different for every student, some standard practices can make the journey smoother. Backed by research, proven strategies, and real insights from SNU alumni who have walked in your shoes, the following tips highlight areas that can help you thrive during your time as a student.
Build A Foundation With Time Management
Whether you’re beginning your college career after graduating from high school or pursuing a degree while working and raising a family, time management skills are essential for keeping coursework organized and on track.
Our free resource for managing time, school, and money shares excellent strategies for creating a plan that works best for you. Although it looks different for everyone, developing a predictable routine is the first step in adopting good time management habits.
Start by Assessing Your Schedule Fundamentals
Consider the things you need to do every day—basic self-care, meal preparation, eating, cleaning, studying, and time with friends or loved ones. Remember to set aside time for unexpected delays, such as a forgotten assignment or an unanticipated illness.
Add in Academic Needs
Once you’ve outlined daily priorities, factor in time for attending classes, studying, and working toward your educational or professional goals. Building these into your routine—and doing them at roughly the same time every day—helps create consistent habits.
Contextualize Your Goals
Think about your goals for the next year, or even the next five. Are you planning to pursue an advanced degree after completing your bachelor’s? Are you working toward a degree to advance in your current career? Setting clear goals helps you stay motivated and manage your time with purpose.
Adapt Your Physical Space for Success
A productive study environment also boosts time management. Choose a quiet, reliable workspace with good lighting and easy access to essentials like water, snacks, and supplies. If needed, explore alternative locations such as the campus library or a quiet coffee shop.
Practical Tips for Time Management
- Use a planner or digital calendar to track assignments and exams.
- Break big projects into smaller, manageable tasks.
- Establish a study routine to make learning a daily habit.
Lean on the Power of Community
SNU Professional and Graduate Studies programs use a proven cohort model that makes learning in community especially impactful. Walking through your program with the same group of peers provides a built-in support system, fostering accountability, encouragement, and friendships that last beyond graduation.
“I truly believe SNU has the edge on graduate programs with its cohort model,” says Doctorate of Education in Administration and Leadership graduate Amara Detrick. “Our cohort became a family and a support system. Knowing that I would have months of support made this program an easy choice.”
For traditional undergraduates, community takes many forms; from classmates and residence hall peers to campus clubs, organizations, and events. These connections become a foundation of support throughout the college journey.
The encouragement found in community boosts morale, provides accountability, and helps keep motivation strong.
Understanding What to Expect as a Student
The transition from high school to college, or returning to school after years away, can feel overwhelming. For traditional students, SNU offers support teams across Campus Life, Spiritual Life, and Residential Life, in addition to caring professors.
“What I have noticed that really separates SNU from other universities is the community that they build among the students and faculty staff,” says SNU Bachelor of Biochemistry and Master of Business Administration graduate Brandon Perez. “They provide opportunities for the students to help grow spiritually, individually, and relationships among others. Their foundation as a University is Character, Culture, Christ. It has really stuck out to me and has impacted me to live my life as a friend, brother, teammate, classmate, son, etc.”
Professional and Graduate Studies students can expect accelerated five- to six-week courses taken one at a time, with flexible in-person and online options. While the pace and format differ from traditional undergrad, the support and community of professors and classmates remain the same.
“I chose Southern Nazarene University (SNU) because of its strong reputation for fostering leadership and service, values that closely align with my personal and professional goals,” says Master of Management graduate Trent Bourland. “The program offered a flexible and supportive learning environment that was essential for me as I balanced my education with the demands of my career. The program not only provided the academic foundation I needed but also fostered a sense of community and purpose that has been invaluable in my journey.”
Student Resources Can Help You Stay On Track
SNU provides resources to help students thrive, and you don’t have to be struggling to use them. In fact, utilizing resources early can help prevent challenges and ensure ongoing success.
Student services such as the library, advising, writing support, health services, financial services, and career development are available to every student. Taking advantage of these tools early makes it easier to stay on track and meet your goals.
At SNU, You Won’t Walk Alone
Success in college isn’t about doing it all on your own. It’s about building habits, leaning on community, and making the most of the resources available to you. At SNU, you’ll find encouragement from faculty and staff, the support of classmates, and the wisdom of alumni who’ve walked the path before you. Whether you’re just beginning your college journey or returning to pursue your next degree, remember that every step forward is part of a bigger story of growth and accomplishment.
Your journey matters, and at Southern Nazarene University, you don’t walk it alone.
