The end of summer break marks the start of an exciting fall semester! While some students will start a new semester, others will be starting their university life. For new students, it is normal to feel nervous and overwhelmed about the new learning environment and new friends. Particularly for online students, there will be essential tools students will need to familiarize themselves with. Are you starting university soon? Are you looking for tips on preparing for your first classes? Check out the checklists below to turn your anxiety into excitement.
Review class syllabi
Go through the class syllabi to see topics or areas you are unfamiliar with. Do more research on unfamiliar topics to explore the issues from different perspectives. Be sure to review class syllabi by reviewing course objectives, textbooks and materials, instructor information, assignments and exams, grading policy, course policies, and schedule of topics.
Familiarize yourself with essential tools
Learn how to use the tools and resources available before the class to avoid technical errors or interruptions. Take advantage of the resources and tools for productive learning. Try understanding your course tools and platforms, reviewing communication tools, preparing for digital resources, getting comfortable with productivity tools, and checking technical requirements.
Take notes during lectures
Note-taking can help you pay attention in class and force your brain to focus on the material at hand. Summarizing, mind mapping, or using symbols and abbreviations can make your note-taking task less tedious.
Make new friends
University is an ideal space for expanding your horizons and networking with people from different backgrounds. Don’t forget to make new friends. When making new friends, be open and approachable, be a good listener, join student organizations and clubs, attend campus events and socials, be social in class, volunteer for campus or community service, and attend workshops and seminars.
Manage your time well
Time management skills are essential for students to juggle academic and social responsibilities like professionals. Create your daily or weekly to-do list and prioritize your tasks based on their importance and urgency. Try to break your tasks into smaller steps, balance, and manage distractions by creating a study-friendly environment.
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