Things to Consider at the Beginning of the Semester

Whether you are a freshman or a returning student, there are several things to consider at the beginning of each semester.

• How are your classes scheduled throughout the day?  Is there time to study between classes?  Will you, or will you be tempted to go back to your room and relax or nap?

• Exactly when and where are you going to study?  Make sure you start the habit of enough study time this first week!

• How are you going to keep your assignments and exams under control?  Where will you record your assignments?   Make sure it is someplace you look at every day.

• How are you going to keep all of your class material organized?   Will you use one large notebook or individual notebooks?  Will you have a folder for each class?

• Are you able to buy your textbooks?  If not, ask your professor if you can borrow one or use one in the Library.

• Do you understand your school’s technology system – any programs your professors are using, the formal email account, etc.?   Many professors will not answer email from an outside account plus you will miss any all-class emails the professor sends if you are not using your school account.

• What is your plan to stay healthy?  When will you exercise?  What exactly does it mean to eat a healthy diet?  

• What help is available if you get sick?  Think about it now, not if it actually happens and your feel terrible.

This is a lot to organize and we have not yet thought about how you will actually LEARN the material from your classes.  That will be next week’s topic.  Until then, enjoy your academic experience and start the semester with good habits!