You’ve done a lot to get where you are. Beginning your college journey may bring up a range of emotions. Whether you’re feeling excited, anxious, overwhelmed, or something else, these 6 steps will help you put your best foot forward on day one.
These 6 steps will help you prepare for a strong start on your first day
You’ve done a lot to get where you are. Beginning your college journey may bring up a range of emotions. Whether you’re feeling excited, anxious, overwhelmed, or something else, these 6 steps will help you put your best foot forward on day one.
Save yourself the stress of finding where your classes are on the first day. A day or two before your classes start, use a campus map to find each class and get an idea of how long it takes to get to them so you can be on time. While you’re finding your classes, keep an eye out for places to study, hang with friends, or grab a coffee while you’re on campus.
Most students take notes during class. If you plan to use a laptop, bring a spare notebook and pens, just in case. Some professors do not allow electronic devices in their class, while other classrooms may not have a reliable wi-fi signal. And don’t forget to bring a charger for any electronics you need. If possible, get all the required materials for your classes before they begin. You can usually find a materials list in your syllabus.
Your course syllabus might not be the most eye-catching document, but it’s likely full of very useful information! It will tell you useful things, like maybe you don’t need to buy the textbook or how many tests or papers there will be, and if there’s a group project or something. Professors leave valuable information in there that could save you when midterms/finals come around.
Having a planner can help you keep all your work in a single place so you never forget an assignment. Google Calendar and Tasks are free and easy to use. You can set up reminder alerts, recurring due dates, and access it from your phone or computer. Some schools even have their own apps (or a student portal) designed to help you keep track of your coursework. Keeping your notes tidy and organized can also help you review after the lecture is over.
One of the greatest things about college is the space to meet new people and make new connections! This is a chance to start fresh. Don’t be afraid to introduce yourself to the person sitting next to you. Building friendships, and having a group of people you work well with can take you a lot farther than just passing a class. They can become the support network that keeps you motivated through your entire college journey.
College provides a lot of new and exciting experiences, and it can be very tempting to short yourself on a good night of sleep. However, getting ample amounts of sleep (7-8 hours/night) will help you stay focused during class, improve your concentration, and it can boost your overall academic performance. Not getting good regular sleep can affect your memory, your attention and your mood. Pretty hard to sit through classes like that.
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