August 29, 2008
In the words of KISS member Ace Frehley: “Back, back to school I’ll teach you all the things that you never knew You’re going back, back to school I’ll give you everything and you know it’s true ’cause it’s back to school for you!”
It’s true! Summer’s out and schools back in, or is about start up again, and you need all the preparation you can get. Unless you’ve been taking summer classes or studying till late in the library all summer, you’re completely out of the loop. Here’s a few tips that’ll get you back on your college grind.
Get to know your roommate and others in your residence hall. The people you live with, most of whom are going through similar experiences and emotions, are your main safety net — not only this year, but for all your years. You may change roommates after the first semester or you may stay roommates for all four years — just take the time to get to know your fellow first-year students.
Find the ideal place for you to study. It may be your dorm room or a cozy corner of the library, but find a place that works best for you to get your work done — while avoiding as many distractions as possible.
Go to class. Obvious, right? Maybe, but sleeping in and skipping that 8 am class will be tempting at times. Avoid the temptation. Besides learning the material by attending classes, you’ll also receive vital information from the professors about what to expect on tests, changes in due dates, etc.
Get involved on campus. A big problem for a lot of new students is a combination of homesickness and a feeling of not quite belonging. A solution? Consider joining a select group — and be careful not to go overboard — of student organizations, clubs, sororities or fraternities, or sports teams. You’ll make new friends, learn new skills, and feel more connected to your school.
Strive for good grades. Another obvious one here, right? Remember the words of the opening paragraph; while good grades could have come naturally to you in high school, you will have to earn them in college — and that means setting some goals for yourself and then making sure you work as hard as you can to achieve them.
Take advantage of the study resources on campus. Just about all colleges have learning labs and tutors available. If you’re having some troubles, these resources are another tool available to you. Another idea: form study groups.
Establish a routine study time. Getting into a rhythm at the beginning of every term will help you stay focused and disciplined. Lacking a routine may lead to bad habits or apathy.
Make a friend in each class. If you have to miss a class, you can call your classmate and get the lowdown on what you may have missed. Also, often times partner projects are assigned and it is awkward to have to work with a stranger. If you already know someone in the class, it relieves any tension there may otherwise be.
Don’t procrastinate. Whatever the assignment may be, if you have some free time, just do it now. Otherwise, you’ll be stuck doing it later. If an assignment takes longer than you had expected, you’ll have wished that you had begun it sooner instead of waiting until the last minute.
Prepare for each class as though there would be a pop quiz. The benefit of this is two-fold: firstly, you’ll be more able to participate in class; secondly, you’ll be prepared if there actually is a pop quiz.
Be on time for each class. Better yet, come early. Sit down and get relaxed before class begins. Professors like students who are always present and never late. Moreover, you’ll be doing yourself a favor by knowing exactly what material was covered each day. If you have trouble actually getting up early and going to class, consider taking an online class. More universities are beginning to make this an option.
Become familiar with your college town. Know where the local grocery store, gas station, pharmacy, and hospital are. You may need them all at some point during your college career.
Party. Mingle and meet people. Don’t stay locked up in your room or your library all the time. Go out and enjoy yourself every once in a while. Just don’t party too hard too frequently.
Sources:
http://www.quintcareers.com/first-year_success.html
http://oedb.org/library/college-basics/88-surefire-tips
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