7 Tips to Start the Semester Strong
Heading back to campus can be exciting - reuniting with close friends, the chance to explore new classes and clubs, even just heading back to your favorite lunch spot can be something to look forward to. But if last semester didn’t go quite as planned, heading back may be unsettling in some ways too. Here are 7 of our coaches’ favorite tips for getting on track right from the start!
1. Set Goals.
Goal setting is a pivotal part of every college student’s experience. Setting new goals each semester, tracking those goals, and reflecting on them with every new semester will lead to more efficient and lasting growth. Your goals may be academic, social, professional or personal, but no matter what you will want to keep them S.M.A.R.T.
2. Know Your Portal.
Make sure you know how to log into every portal your professors are using this semester. You don’t want to find out three weeks into class that there’s an online textbook you didn’t even know existed!
3. Review Each Syllabus.
Yes, some are dense and unwieldy, but read each syllabus carefully at the beginning of the semester and your future self will thank you! Take note of important deadlines, add/drop dates, major assignments, supplemental instruction sessions and any extra credit opportunities and add these to your planner.
4. Got Textbooks?
If any of your classes require physical textbooks, make sure you have them from the beginning so you don’t fall behind. If your college bookstore doesn’t have what you need (or is too pricey), check out these other resources.
5. Accommodations.
Check with the student success office (or similar) at your school to make sure your accommodations are up to date and in place. Email each of your professors a copy of the accommodations you’re entitled to.
6. Introduce Yourself to Your Professors.
Take advantage of a valuable resource: your professors! Make it a point to visit each professor’s office hours at least once so they have a name to connect with your face down the road. While taking that first step can be hard, not only do students who connect with their professors tend to do better in their classes, having relationships with your professors will truly enrich your college experience. Don’t know what to say? We have you covered!
7. Go To Class!
College is such a whirlwind of new experiences and opportunities, it can be easy to forget that you are there to learn. Don’t short change yourself! Even though some professors do not require or check attendance, it is a proven fact that students who attend class perform better than those who don’t. Trying to teach yourself or read a lecture PowerPoint from a slide are much less effective ways of learning important course material.
College success often boils down more to good habits than it does overall IQ. Even the smartest student will still struggle without effective executive function skills. College Success Plan coaches are experts in supporting executive function growth, from time management to organization to prioritization to decision-making. We get to know our students’ strengths, struggles, and goals and create a plan for success. If you or someone you know is struggling with the demands of college, contact us today to learn more about our programs!