Back to school season can be nerve-wracking and filled with new hopes and anticipations.
Especially attending a university in the heart of Atlanta, you can become quickly overwhelmed just by the thought of it. Here are a few tips and tricks to tackle the school year and make it your best academically, while also meeting new people and having fun!
Making your schedule can and has been one of the most anxiety-filled tasks to get done, but there are things that you can do to help you prepare for schedule making season. Make sure to visit your academic advisor at least three weeks prior to your scheduled time slot. Usually, these time slots are based upon classification or if you are enrolled in Honors College. Once you visit your academic advisor, they will help you plan out a schedule to meet your requirements for your intended major, but it is all up to you to decide times, days, and locations.
Be sure to take into account that if you are not a morning person that it would be in your best interest to not set yourself up for an 8:00 a.m. class. Not only will you regret it deeply, but it will not leave a good impression on your professor who you also might need for a recommendation letter in the future. Also, it is always a good idea to formulate a “backup schedule” just in case a class fills up, so you won’t end up frantically trying to find another one the morning of your scheduled time.
Another very crucial point is to research these professors before you sign up for their class! Utilize ratemyprofessors.com and any friends or classmates that may have had that instructor before. Professors can ultimately make or break a course sometimes, so make sure that they have all the qualities you are looking for. Also, if you are a student who tends to skip a few classes here and there, you might not want to take a class with a professor who is known for taking mandatory attendance… for the sake of that GPA.
Location of classes is also key, especially at GSU. Give yourself enough time to commute or walk to your classes because depending on the shuttles, they can leave you running late. For example, if you have a class in the Aderhold building, it would be best not to schedule a class by the Petit Science Center five minutes apart. Be mindful of the location of buildings on campus and allow yourself that walking time so you’re not sprinting across campus.
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Lastly, if you happen to have more time on your hands in between classes, you can stop off in plaza right outside the Student Center which is where most events happen in between classes. This space is also an area for students to socialize or to watch the Greeks stroll from time to time. However, if you are not the socializing type or you would rather have some time to yourself to finish up some assignments, the library is the perfect place to go. The library offers so many resources to students here at the university like printers, laptop check out, iMacs, and even a coffee shop if you want to grab a bite to eat and a quick coffee.
Back to school season can be a lot on your plate when you start thinking about everything, but with proper planning college can and will be such a positive experience-filled journey. GSU is an amazing, helpful school to attend with many resources at your disposal, but it is all up to you to decide how to use these resources to your advantage and make it a productive school year!