That first week of university is both fun and daunting.
The parties before classes start, by residence housing and on the beach, can be overwhelming if you’ve never been to one before. The first year orientation seems useless with the campus tour that you most likely don’t remember. The food situation doesn’t seem the greatest but you’re in dorms and enjoying the independence.
Except now classes are starting and you can’t seem to remember where any of the buildings are. Not to worry, Her Campus is here to help. I’ve compiled a bunch of tips below to help you start off the year right and set yourself up for success. From personal experience, here is what to do during your first week.
- Use Google Maps
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Don’t stress, Google Maps exists and it is wonderful. It was my lifesaver during my first year. Just put in the building where your class is, make sure walking directions are on, and hit start. Before you know it, you’ll have all the routes memorised and get around campus with no problem. Though I still have to pull out Google Maps to find both the David Turpin and David Strong buildings.
- Talk to People
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When you finally make it to your class, talk to people in the lobby before the doors open or in the seats next to you.f you are shy or socially awkward, even just sitting in the middle of the class can make a huge difference. I always prefer sitting in one of the first three rows, preferably the second or third. That way you’re close enough so you can see and hear everything and so that the professor can see you. Getting to know people in your classes can be a huge advantage in the long run even if you don’t become friends. They can help with things like forming a study group, exchanging notes if you miss class, proofreading your work and not leaving you stranded if there are group work assignments. If you’re lucky they might even be in your lab or tutorial.
- Go to Office Hours
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Okay I know, everyone says it. But it’s true! Speaking with profs and going to their office hours is a pretty surefire way to succeed. Building that relationship can be a much needed help and it may even afford you benefits in upper-years, like references, research opportunities and more!. Professors can offer advice, help with assignments, or further explain concepts and lessons.
- Set-up a good routine for class
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Back to classes. Sitting in the back row may sound great, but it’s very easy to become distracted and start scrolling through your laptop or phone, either online shopping or gaming instead of listening to important info. Sitting up front keeps you slightly more honest, because the professor can see you! If necessary, use a notepad and pen or pencil to take handwritten notes, so you are disconnected from technology. That’s what I prefer as I get easily distracted otherwise. Before you know it however, you’ll be in the swing of things and a pro at notetaking.
- Review notes
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Be sure to actually review your notes throughout the semester, as those midterms and exams can really sneak up on you. If nothing else, at least put the big deadlines for assignments and exams from your syllabus into a calendar that you’ll look at. I use Google Calendar so I can easily access it on both my phone and laptop.
- Ask questions
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Most importantly, don’t be afraid to ask questions. Whether it is during a class when you don’t understand something or in office hours when you need something clarified by a prof. Most professors list their email addresses on the syllabus, so you can contact them there if you prefer digital communication. Even if you need to stop a fellow student to ask for directions, don’t be nervous. We’ve all been there.
With all that said, just breathe and enjoy your first week of classes. You got this.