Freshman Pitfall #2 - Time Management the First Week

Semesters are very short – 14 to 15 weeks on average, but during the first week it seems like you have all the time in the world.  Some professors don’t do too much during the first class except go over the syllabus.  (Some schools have an “Add/Drop” week where you can easily change your schedule, so some professors don’t like to get too deep into their subject until the class roster is finalized.)  Keep in mind, though, that some will start lecturing the very first class and expect the students to be prepared to take notes and to study the syllabus on their own!

Even though it might seem that you don’t have a lot to do, it is important to get into good study habits right from the start. Look at your new schedule and decide when and where you will study.  It doesn’t have to be at the Library, but be sure it is a productive location.   Also, be willing to make changes if what you are doing is not working.

Some things you can do the first week:

·       Read all your syllabi.

·       Record all major exams, papers and projects on a monthly calendar.

·       Preview your textbooks.

·       Read the preface and Note to Students.  (I know this sounds unusual, but often authors give your information about how the book is organized or why they organized the book the way they did.

·       Start to read chapter one!

Keep in mind that it is easier to start your new study schedule from day one as opposed to making changes once a nonproductive schedule has become habit.

Next week we will continue on with more time management problems and solutions.

*****

First Semester Success: Learning Strategies and Motivation for Your First Semester (or Any Semester) of College, by Dr. Arden B. Hamer, is available at amazon.com, wordassociation.com and barnesandnoble.com.  Click on the upper right link.