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How to Excel in Your First Year at VICOEM: A Student’s Guide

  • VICOEM
  • Sep 5
  • 3 min read
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Starting college life at Vamanrao Ithape College of Engineering and Management (VICOEM) is both exciting and overwhelming. Whether you are enrolled in MBA, BBA, or BCA, your first year sets the foundation for academic success, career readiness, and personal growth. Many students struggle to adjust to the new environment, syllabus, teaching methods, and responsibilities.

This guide gives detailed, practical strategies to help you not only survive but excel during your first year at VICOEM. By following these steps, you’ll build strong academic habits, take advantage of campus opportunities, and prepare yourself for future career challenges.




Master Time Management Early:

College life comes with multiple lectures, assignments, projects, and extracurricular activities. Without proper planning, it’s easy to get lost.

  • Create a weekly schedule that includes classes, study hours, and personal time.

  • Use tools like Google Calendar or simple planners to keep track of deadlines.

  • Break large assignments into smaller tasks to avoid last-minute stress.

  • Prioritize tasks using the Eisenhower Matrix (urgent vs. important).

  • Balance studies with hobbies and rest to avoid burnout.

Developing time management in your first year helps you stay ahead of deadlines and impress both faculty and peers.


Build Strong Academic Foundations:

Your first-year subjects in MBA, BBA, or BCA provide the base for future learning. If you ignore them, you’ll struggle in higher semesters.

  • Regularly attend lectures and take organized notes.

  • Clarify doubts with faculty immediately—don’t wait until exams.

  • Join study groups with classmates for better understanding.

  • Make use of the college library and recommended reference books.

  • Practice past-year exam papers to understand the question pattern.

Strong fundamentals help you score better and prepare you for placements, internships, and advanced learning.


Participate in Campus Life & Networking:

College is not only about books—it’s also about building connections and personality. VICOEM offers opportunities to engage in cultural fests, clubs, and seminars.

  • Join student clubs (tech, management, cultural) to learn beyond the classroom.

  • Network with seniors—they can guide you on subjects, exams, and placements.

  • Attend workshops and seminars organized by the college.

  • Volunteer in college events to develop leadership and teamwork skills.

  • Build early professional connections via LinkedIn with classmates and faculty.

Networking boosts your confidence and opens doors to mentorship, internships, and career guidance.


Develop Technical & Soft Skills:

In today’s competitive world, a degree alone is not enough. Employers value practical skills along with academics.

  • For BCA students: Focus on programming languages, databases, and hands-on projects.

  • For BBA students: Improve communication, presentation, and basic finance/digital marketing skills.

  • For MBA students: Work on case studies, data analysis, leadership, and decision-making.

  • Take free/paid online certifications (Coursera, NPTEL, Google) to add extra value to your resume.

  • Practice public speaking and group discussions to boost confidence.

These skills prepare you for internships, placements, and entrepreneurship opportunities.


Take Care of Your Mental & Physical Well-being:

Excelling in college isn’t just about marks—it’s also about staying healthy and balanced. Stress, homesickness, and workload can impact performance.

  • Maintain a healthy routine with exercise, meditation, or yoga.

  • Eat balanced meals instead of relying only on junk food.

  • Talk to friends, mentors, or counselors if you feel overwhelmed.

  • Manage screen time—don’t spend endless hours on social media.

  • Ensure proper sleep cycle for better focus and energy.

A healthy mind and body keep you motivated, productive, and ready for challenges.



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