August 10, 2016

Tips for Back to College Life

Emily H. Long – Associate

Your internship ended, and it’s back to the dorms you go. While you might be reminiscing of intern coffee runs and evenings of Netflix binging with no papers or projects due, it is hard not to get excited about seeing your friends and even your favorite professors. Are you ready to knock this semester out of the park? Here aresome tips to help you get off on the right foot this fall.

Get an agenda

Surely the only people on campus who use a planner are not sorority girls. Planners help you stay organized and on track with assignments, projects, work schedules, dinner dates with friends and pretty much everything in your life. Need help finding the perfect planner? Check out this post about my favorite planners.

Actually read the syllabus

Anytime someone hands you a paper, they probably want you to read it. Reading the syllabus will tell you everything you need to know about the class, grading policies, who the professor is and how the class works. Plus, it’s a good resource when you can’t remember what day a paper or project is due, because chances are the professor will say, “It’s in the syllabus.”

Get your supplies early

Call me a nerd, but one of my favorite things is to shop for school supplies. The earlier you shop, the more likely you are to buy something you will like for a whole semester. But the main reason you should shop early is your professors aren’t going to be happy if you keep showing up with no pencil and no paper.

Don’t bring your laptop to class

Did you know people used to take notes on paper? Shocker! While some people might take notes faster on a computer, you actually retain more information when you take notes physically. Also, when the computer is removed you have less of a chance getting distracted by cooking videos on Facebook. When you pay attention inclass, the chances of you getting a good grade increase. That’s what you are paying for, right?

Whether this is your first semester or the beginning to an end, have confidence that you will rock this academic year. Just remember, anything is possible if you put your mind to it. Is that too cheesy? Have a great year!

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