Things to do on the first day of college classes
Most important thing to keep in mind is that college classes will be a very different experience when compared to your high school classes. One thing to consider is that college classes will be a different experience when compared to your high school classes. Here are some of the key things you should do on the first day of college classes. Whether you are a first-year college student or a super senior, making an impression on the first day of classes is important. Set yourself up for success with these tips.
Arrive early
This was also true in high school, but it carries a bit more weight in college. You are new to campus and probably have no idea how to get around, so plan an extra 20 - 30 minutes for any aimless wandering that may occur before making it into the classroom. This also gives you some time to scope out the room, land a good seat and get your materials together so you are fully prepared and not distracted when the class starts.
Bring a notebook
It’s best to have at least a notebook and a writing utensil and start taking notes immediately. First day of any college class is filled with valuable information. Professors may explain what their teaching method is like, how to contact them with questions or what opportunities they offer for extra credit. These type of information can be most important factors in succeeding in a particular professor's class, so it’s good to have a notebook.
Introduce yourself to the professor
This might sound a little ambitious. But depending on the size of your college or university and the courses you’re taking, you may be one student among 300 in a lecture. These classes can be tough, particularly if you are easily distracted or want your voice to be heard. One of the best ways to stand out in a class is to introduce yourself to your professor. This means physically walking up to Professor and talking with his/her although an email is a nice gesture, If you want your professor to remember your name and your face. You want to make a lasting impression so that your professor recognizes you when they look into a pool of hundreds of other students. Introducing yourself on the first day will make you feel more comfortable asking questions during class, or visiting office hours to get help before an exam.
Sit front and center
Sitting in the front bench puts you in the best position to pay attention. Front and center in a lecture hall isn’t an ideal location for many college students but that’s what makes YOU different from everyone else. Back row allows you to have fun, but also pretty distracting. This may seem scary at first but once you establish a front row seat on the first day, you’ll feel more confident about sitting there for the rest of semesters. Of course, the front row doesn’t have to be a permanent place it's just to feel comfortable.
Read the entire course syllabus
Your course syllabus is pretty much a lifeline. The syllabus will also tell you how to contact your professor. Course syllabus will give you everything you need to know about a class, and you are responsible for all of it. Make sure you read through each syllabus thoroughly, and ask questions right away if you need clarification. If you put off reading the syllabus, you may be missing valuable information that could save you a bad grade or two. This way, you won’t have to refer to five different syllabus to find what’s due this week it will all be in one place.
Make new connections
A new friend in class is equal to a new study buddy. This may not be your highest priority on the first day of class, but you’ll appreciate your study buddy when it comes down to missing a class or understanding the material before an exam. This can be as simple as making small talk to the person sitting next to you. Make sure you keep in contact with this person as the semester progresses. You may even be surprised and end up with a new friend!
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