With only two weeks before the Fall 2026 semester begins, the question that we all have in our minds is: What can we do before classes start so we can find ways to engage ourselves and be successful? Pre-semester tips can help prepare us for classes, socialization, and organization. Just when you start to enjoy summer, back-to-school comes stepping forward, giving us the opportunity to identify and re-evaluate what we would like to study and what our interests are.
Before starting classes, be sure to organize your class schedule – in other words, build an assignment tracker. Emailing your professors and asking for the syllabus before class establishes a channel of communication. When you receive your syllabi, you will have access to key details, such as when midterms will be, how to prepare for exams, and what course materials you will need. When it comes to prepping for a midterm or assignments, it is important to mark them on your calendar, along with a couple of hours for you to study and work on them. Furthermore, make sure that you are seeking and planning out classes that you are interested in taking prior to enrollment.
For freshmen, coming to college is a new step in life. After graduating from high school and after filling out applications for colleges and universities you wished to attend, college is a new place to explore your interests. This could impact your major, minor, or even the clubs you join. It is a massive shift that also comes with new social circles. It’s like going from being a fish in a pond to a fish in a much larger lake. Finding your independence is a learning process, but if you embrace it, it can help you become a better version of yourself. Classes such as UNV 101 explain how to best manage your time and encourage you to get involved in civic engagement opportunities, including volunteering at community organizations. Starting as a freshman can bring stress and anxiety that can affect a lot of us when we are adjusting, so getting the help that we need is important, especially through campus resources. For example, if there is a writing assignment you want to review, the Learning Commons, also known for tutoring, is an excellent resource at Pace University.
You want to do well in school; however, it is also understandable to want to invest in social opportunities. This includes getting involved in student organizations and clubs that provide environments in which you can explore new interests and interact with groups of students as part of social engagement. As an example, if you enjoy culture, there are international student organizations that may capture your interest throughout your college years.
It can also be helpful to have a daily routine to follow along with. Having your own set of directions to follow, such as mapping out your morning before class, can help you allot for any outstanding tasks. Beginning a new semester shouldn’t feel like you’re being caught by surprise, and planning ahead can help alleviate some of the stress. Remember that the semester itself is about staying curious, asking questions, and being fearless about entering a new stage of life and college.
Editor’s note: the Her Campus at Pace editorial team also contributed to this story.