The countdown is getting closer with each passing day – are you psyched for move-in? Here’s my final post in the 2014 What to Bring series. College is a ton of fun, but it also takes a lot of work. Here’s how to find success during the first few weeks:
1. Review where your classes are prior to the first day. During Orientation, you will most likely take a tour of campus buildings so that you will know where each one of your classes are before the first week begins. However, keep in mind that the route you take to your classroom during Orientation may not be the most effective route to that particular class. Due to this, consider checking out different entrances to the academic buildings as well as timing the walk from your dorm to each class. Most likely, you will not have a walk that takes more than approximately eight minutes (and many are much shorter), but it will bring comfort knowing what time you will have to leave in order to make it to class on time.
2. Come to class early at least the first day. Showing up ten minutes early helps you claim the “best seat” in the classroom and provides a chance for you to speak with your professor and other classmates one-on-one before class begins. Once you feel comfortable, it is often okay to show up 3-5 minutes prior to the beginning of the class. Follow your professor’s instructions here: some prefer you show up early, and some don’t mind if you show up exactly on time.
3. Be engaged. Don’t be afraid to raise your hand (warning: if you don’t, you might be called on anyway.) Do the assigned readings and homework prior to attending class so that you will be well-informed of the information your professor will be presenting. This will make it easier to review anything you do not understand as well as ask any questions you may have about the material.
4. Don’t procrastinate. Haha, who am I kidding? You’re going to procrastinate. With this in mind, know your coping mechanisms to be able to move through your rushed times calmly and effectively. Do you like working out when you’re stressed? Do you practice yoga? How fast can you write a three-page paper if you’re also studying for a science test? If you don’t already know, you will find out quickly. It will make your procrastinated/fast-moving times much easier.
5. Bring a copy of your classes with you everywhere you go. Whether it be a screenshot off of KnowHope Plus, a note on your phone, or a piece of paper, you will find it is helpful to carry it around with you until you get into the swing of things. This way, if you have any questions about where a class is located, your professor’s name, or what time a class begins, you will have it available for use at any time.
Need more tips? Have questions or comments? Comment below or send me an email at sophie.guetzko@hope.edu. Follow me on Twitter @hopesophie17 for more info, too! And we’ll see you on campus very, very soon!