I’m not sure if you’ve looked at the calendar lately, but we’re creeping towards that dreaded first day of class. Are you ready? Are you sure? In college it’s pretty unlikely you’re going to hold up a chalkboard sign on your front porch that says “First Day of Sophomore Year! When I grow up, I want to be a dancer and a paleontologist.” (But if you do, please post a picture and tag me in it @beingbonmot!)
Your back to school shopping for college looks very different these days than it did in primary school. I have students who obviously spend a lot of time thinking through their first day outfit. Some obviously spend none at all. Nonetheless, Back to School season looks much different once you’re up and out of the house.
I see this thing happen at the beginning of every semester, especially in the fall. Students take one of two paths. They either hit the ground running, more prepared than I am for the first day of class. Or they resign themselves to a slow start, not really worrying about reading or checking in on course material until the first exam or quiz looms. I’d argue that most all college students intend to take the first path, but you know what they say about good intentions…
So I’ve put together these seven suggestions to help you choose the best path heading into a new semester in college. Because in the words of my muse, Benjamin Franklin, “By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail.”
** This post contains affiliate links. I may earn a small commission from any purchases you make at no additional cost to you. I love school supplies, and I wouldn’t recommend any products I haven’t used.
Sylla-Business
Find your course syllabi before the first day of class. They are usually available online. Read them, calendar any important dates, and pay special attention to policies and procedures. If you have questions, ask them during the first class meeting. They don’t call it “syllabus week” for nothing!
Organization Orientation
Get organized for the semester before it starts. Open note folders on your computer and think through your approach to class notes, handouts, and other course materials. If you’re a luddite like me, label your notebooks and sharpen your pencils. Shop for supplies including highlighters, sticky notes, and pens in lots of fun colors (Paper Mate Flair are my absolute favorite).
Double-check that syllabus for blue book and scantron requirements, and buy them early. Nothing incites panic like a shortage of blue books during midterms. If you’re looking for a gold star from your professor, keep a dry erase marker and small stapler in your backpack for when theirs runs out of ink or staples. And trust me when I tell you that you always want to have an extra pen or two on hand for when your class crush asks you to borrow (just sayin’).
Serious about Scheduling
Set your schedule – I often talk about treating college like a job so preparing your schedule is very important (see “How to Succeed in College in 5 Easy Steps“). Start by putting all of your class meetings and labs on your calendar. Make sure all of your exam, quiz, and other due dates are there too (or use this cool planner I swear by). Think through your lunch, snack, and coffee breaks before the term starts. Put study and reading time on your calendar where you have obvious openings. If you schedule this time like an important meeting that appears on your calendar (or Apple Watch), you will be more likely to honor the commitment.
If you like to work out, this is an excellent opportunity to find time in your schedule to do it. Most universities have a fitness center with great group exercise classes. Try to fit one of those into your schedule, especially early in the semester. It’s also a great way to meet new people!
Reading Readiness
First, buy/rent your text books. Next, start reading. No seriously, start reading. At the very least, open your textbooks and get a feel for what you’re dealing with. If your syllabus has outside reading assignments early in the semester, go find them, download/print them (save them to that folder you’ve already opened in Word), and have them ready. But my best advice – start reading.
Find Your Way
Take a tour, especially if you’re new to campus. Stroll around and find your classrooms. If you’re feeling ambitious, locate the restrooms and maybe pick a seat. Do you have enough time to get across campus to your next class? I still do this if I’ve been assigned to a new classroom. Back-to-back classes can be tricky, especially if you like to loiter and talk to friends after class (or if your students like to hang out and talk to you…).
Sharing is Caring
Share your schedule with your loved ones. Be sure your parents have a good idea about when you’ll be in class, especially if you talk to them often. Knowing you have a 9:00 a.m. class will save your mom’s feelings when you don’t answer her call. It’s also a good idea to let everyone know when you’ll be home for holidays and other breaks.
(Sidenote to any parents reading this: It is REALLY poor form to make travel reservations or other plans for your college-aged kid without consulting their class and exam schedule first. It’s even poorer form to send said kid to ask for an exam makeup or other accommodation because of your willy-nilly reservations. I mean…)
Healthy Habits
Rest up, hydrate, and get ready to learn. You’ll have the most energy and enthusiasm for learning at the beginning of the semester so capitalize on it. Be conscious of the need for balance from the first day. Choose your late nights wisely. Also recognize and capitalize on opportunities to meet new people and experience new things. This is college for crying out loud. Enjoy it! And hydrate. Hydration, real hydration (not Thirsty Thursday hydration) is key.
One final note: Call your mom.
You’re off to great places. Today is your day! Your mountain is waiting so get on your way.
Dr. Seuss