The start of a new semester is always overwhelming, whether you’re a first year or a fourth year. You’re still trying to figure out where all your classes are and what books you need, and trying to catch up on all of the pre-course work (if you must be so unlucky).
Throughout the semester you’ll develop the methods that work best for you, but while you’re still trying to figure that all out, here are some tips that may help you out on that first day.
1. Printed out schedule and room numbers
No matter if it’s your first semester on campus or not, getting lost on the first day is always a possibility. Avoid any extra anxiety by taking this easy precaution. Keep a note of it easily within reach to double check before you accidentally walk into the wrong class – full disclosure, I’m definitely speaking from experience.
2. Writing Utensils
This may seem obvious, but is definitely something I over thought as a freshman. Are pens more professional than pencils? Will I even use writing utensils, or will everyone always just bring their laptops? The answer is that it’s different for every professor, and for every student. To be safe, bring a few of everything (pencils, pens, food-shaped erasers?) and figure out what works best later.
3. Laptop and notebook
Circling back to the laptops vs notebooks question; some professors are fine with laptops in class, and some are no. While they’ll let you know on the first day, it doesn’t hurt to be prepared for anything – especially if a professor starts an actual lesson on the first day (rude, whatever happened to syllabus week?).
4. Planner
New classes and coursework can certainly be overwhelming at the very start of the semester. With all of the other information you’re getting on that first day, important notes can get lost in the shuffle. Help yourself ease into it by organizing it into a planner. I personally bring mine to every class, and jot down assignments and their due dates right away.
5. Folders
I never thought I’d use them past high school, but boy was I wrong. Tons of lose handouts and syllabi can get lost and shuffled around so easily. Avoid the trouble with the simplest of school supplies – especially if you snagged one with a puppy on it.
6. Class syllabi
Some professors will have these printed out for you, but you never know, and it’s always good to come prepared just in case. If you’re professor posted them, you can usually find these on Simmons Connection, under the tab on the left of the homepage labeled “My Moodle Classes.” However, don’t fret if it isn’t there, not every professor will have it posted beforehand.
7. A good attitude
This is perhaps the most important thing! The first day of a new semester, and for many of you, an entirely new school, can be really scary. The best thing you can do for yourself is go in with an open mind and a good attitude
Not everything on this list will work for you, but that’s okay. The trick is to work out what fits best for you as the semester goes on, but for now, it never hurts to be over prepared.