by: Sheryl Roessler
Getting the semester off to a “good start” may present some early challenges, as you’re settling into new classes, meeting new people, and quickly understanding that coursework piles up quickly. With decades of experience helping college students acclimate themselves to a new environment, or facilitating the return to a familiar one, I have developed this list of best-practices for college students to ensure early success to start a semester. Read through these “College To-Do’s”:
1. Meet with your professors or TA’s so they know you.
Set up weekly meetings for asking questions, making sure you have all the information needed to study for a test or understand a long-term assignment.
2. Good Notes
Record the key points of the lecture or textbook. If not sure about the quality of your notes, ask your professor or teaching assistant during office hours. Can also record lectures so they can listen to them later to verify their notes; just make sure you get permission from your professor.
3. Go over all notes on a daily basis.
Spend time each day either rewriting or typing notes you take in class. You will remember more when test comes up.
4. Stay Organized
Keep a detailed calendar with all your commitments; include classwork, social events and extracurricular activities. Block out time each day to study. Have an accordion file to keep all papers returned for each class.
6. Unplug
Set boundaries for yourself: for example, no Facebook during class or study time.
7. Don’t Cram
Pace yourself. Study a little bit each day, rather than saving it all for the week before the exam.
8. Find your best study space
Either find a quiet place in the library, or a coffee shop depending on your style. Listen to music or complete silence. Try a few different kinds of environments and see what works for you.
9. Create a study group
Helpful before an exam is to find a few students to study with and compare information.
10. Check emails daily.
Professors often communicate this way as well as all areas of the college. Letting you know when class is canceled, etc.
11. Eat healthy/good protein/breakfast
12. Make time to workout!
13. Leave your dorm room open to meet people especially in the first couple of weeks.