Here are a few tips about college from a fellow undergrad who hopes to make your first semester a little easier...
#1 Introduce yourself to someone from each class and swap contact info with them right away—preferably said person will be sitting near you and at least appear to have it together. Tell them that you will take notes for them if they can't make it to class or are late and ask them to do the same. That way, they can text, call, or e-mail you the information that was covered that day. It's always nice to know that someone has your back in case of an emergency - like sleeping through your alarm.
#2 Everyone seems to say this, but that is only because it's true: Get to know your professors and stand out. Whether this means answering 9/10 of their silly
"let's see what my students already know" questions or simply shaking
their hand at the end of the class, do something! The worst thing you
can do is remain invisible throughout the course; if you're invisible,
you're forgettable. Being forgettable is dangerous because like us, teachers are human and they may forget to grade an assignment of yours or forget that you mentioned you had an appointment on quiz day.
#3 If you’re serious about retaining information then NEVER read your textbook
in bed. You are going
to fall asleep—every time. And
once your brain teaches itself that “study time” is also “nappy
time” you’re in big trouble.
So find a place to study that is quiet, but not comfortable. This way,
you can train your brain to focus in places similar to a
classroom setting and reward yourself with some solid, guiltless shut-eye later!
BONUS TIP: Some professors will try to scare you the first day. They will read the all-mighty, comprehensive syllabus that outlines dreaded exam dates and rules regarding proper class etiquette. They will warn you that if you do not study a minimum of two hours per class hour that you may struggle in the course. The teachers are weeding out the students who may not be willing to take the course seriously. If they succeed in making you question your potential, talk to the professor personally and seek out tutoring services. DO NOT drop the class without first testing the waters - they always make it seem colder and deeper than it really is.
BONUS TIP: Some professors will try to scare you the first day. They will read the all-mighty, comprehensive syllabus that outlines dreaded exam dates and rules regarding proper class etiquette. They will warn you that if you do not study a minimum of two hours per class hour that you may struggle in the course. The teachers are weeding out the students who may not be willing to take the course seriously. If they succeed in making you question your potential, talk to the professor personally and seek out tutoring services. DO NOT drop the class without first testing the waters - they always make it seem colder and deeper than it really is.
