1.) Talk to your professors
Professors are people too, and they aren’t as scary as you’d think. If you are missing a class or struggling, don’t be afraid to send them an email to explain things, or set up a time to meet with them in person. Going need a bit more time on a paper? SEND THEM AN EMAIL ASKING FOR AN EXTENSION. It is better if they know what is going on rather than avoiding them.
2.) Email Ettiquite: Keep it short.
Professors, advisers, and anyone else you might be interacting with via email are busy people. They don’t have the time in the day to read your long, drawn out emails with every mundane detail (I learned this one the hard way. I sent a long email to my adviser about classes and studying abroad, etc and it took her 2 weeks to reply with 4 sentences). Keep it short, only put in the information needed, and make the Subject line as precise as possible. These people are often getting 20+ emails a day and might skim through for important things first.
3.) Get to know your advisor.
This is so incredibly important because they are your first, direct resource to Mount Holyoke’s Chain of Command. You will need them for recommendations, class registration, future planning, etc. You want your advisor to like you! Try to meet with them outside of Academic Advising – maybe once or twice more in the semester. Let them know how you are doing in classes, what your plans are, what you are interested in studying, etc. Also, if you REALLY don’t get along well with your adviser, don’t be afraid to switch with a professor that you click with. It won’t hurt their feelings, and above all, you want an adviser that is willing to help you succeed.
4.) Have a game plan
You don’t necessary have to have your major and minor, or the next four years of classes planned out (although if you do, I applaud you) but you really need to look at the big picture when choosing your classes from now on. You can’t afford to say “Oh, I’ll take Interpretive Dance and Who’s your Farmer at Hampshire because they SOUND so cool.” Start getting your distribution requirements out of the way first, then maybe take a course or two that really interests you. Have back up courses while registering for classes, because things fill up and then you are frantically searching for another course to take last minute, and you are certain you are NEVER going to find an open class, and then you cry. You fall into a chasm of despair because your perfect schedule for next semester is completely ruined. Basically have a game plan and have back up plans. If you think you *might* major in the sciences, which have many credit requirements, take things like basic chemistry NOW.
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5.) Get involved on campus.
The great thing about Mount Holyoke is that we have something for everybody. SGA, Class board, Zumba, Every Body, In Touch, Acapella, Bellatrix, Outing Club, Cultural Houses, Taboo Dialogue, Club Sports, Zinesters, Knitting Club, Eco-Reps, – I could go on. There really is something on campus to satisfy your every interest. Your four years goes by so quickly, so make sure your taking advantage of it while you can. Meet people who share similar interests, try something you’ve never done before, or just find something to do that will get you out of your dorm for a few hours. Clubs can be a really great experience at MoHo – but don’t overdo it. You can’t do everything. Pick two or three that you really like and stick with them.
6.) Do something impressive with your summers.
I know your first summer back everyone wants to hang out with old friends and take a break from the craziness of the semester, but this is crucial time you could be using to build up your resume. Of course you can still hang out with friends, but try working a part-time job or doing volunteer work. Really take advantage of your time off and do something that will help later on in your Mount Holyoke career. Internships, taking classes at a local college, traveling, Summer Camp Counseling, recreational sports teams, etc. Don’t hibernate this summer – get out and do something.
7.) Struggling? Don’t be afraid to ask for help.
Mount Holyoke has a really great support system for its students. Don’t be afraid to make an appointment with your academic Dean to talk through things like taking a class pass/fail or requests for an extension. Counseling Services is also a really great resource to talk with about almost anything. Don’t wait until the last minute to ask for help. These people are here to help you succeed, and so even just dropping in and speaking with them about how you are doing and what you are struggling with can be really helpful for you. Having trouble finding where to start a paper? The SAW center is another great resource on campus to help talk you through the writing process and sort out your ideas. The great part about them is that you can go at any stage of your paper, and they will help you through it.
8.) APPLY FOR JOBS FOR NEXT YEAR NOW
No one told me that if I wanted a job for the fall that I needed to apply in the spring. You are no longer guaranteed a job at Dining Services, so make sure you browse Jobx and apply for things now. Positions fill up fast, so get on it!
9.) Find the perfect balance
Try different things and find out what works for you. Do you work best in your room? In the library? During the day? Late at night? Do you need to start a paper the week before or can you write a 5-7pg paper the night before? How much time do you have in the day to finish your homework, and still have time for your clubs and meetings? Know yourself. Really work to figure out how you function best and set up a routine that you stick to. Be realistic. If you are going to the library for an hour and you KNOW you are going to be on facebook for the first 20 minutes, don’t think you can write a 3 page paper before you leave. Don’t get lost in the academics – plan time for hanging out with friends and keeping your sanity, and SLEEP. Don’t stay up until 3 am every night, then wake up for your 8:35 class. Time management is key.
It’s almost the end of your first year! Make the most of it, and keep these tips in mind to have great success!