Tips for the upcoming semester

The fall semester is rapidly creeping upon us. Just over a week left until we begin yet another semester on our way to success. Whether this be your first semester, your second, or even if you will be graduating in December, there are important things that you should take into consideration when beginning a new semester in college.

1.       Set goals for yourself. Every semester you should choose new goals to accomplish. This should be more than “I want to pass all my classes.” We all want to pass our classes, because if we didn’t we wouldn’t be in college.

2.       Read your syllabus for each class. In every class that you take, the professor will give you a syllabus. READ IT. This document will contain important information regarding assignment due dates and exams.

3.       Be on time to class. Professors are not fond of students who come into class late.  Be early. Give yourself time to sit down and relax. If you come in late you may also miss some very important information that may be on exams, reminders, or changes to the syllabus.

4.       Ask questions. If you have them, ask them. Do not be afraid to speak up in class and be heard. Questions and comments are one of the best ways to learn in a class. If you do not ask questions, you may miss the concept and that could reflect on your papers and exams. THERE IS NO SUCH THING AS A STUPID QUESTION!

5.       Establish a study routine. Do not cram for exams at the last minute. This is ineffective and should never be done. Instead, begin studying for exams 3 days ahead of time. If you have questions contact your professor. Take breaks when you are studying. Study for 15-20 minutes at a time.

6.       Avoid plagiarism. Taking credit for someone else’s work can cause you to be expelled. Learn how to properly cite your sources so you do not run into this dilemma.

7.       Find a tutor if you need help. Most campuses have staff and peer tutors that can help in every subject matter. If they don’t, ask. It is important that you get the most out of your education and peer to peer tutoring really does help one succeed.

8.       Get to know your professors. In big classes you may think that this is impossible. It’s not. Getting to know your professors will come in handy if you ever find yourself needing a job recommendation or a graduate school recommendation. Introduce yourself through email before the semester begins and again introduce yourself in person during the first day of class.

9.       Get involved with campus activities. Join a club. Go to every event (or as many as you can) during the semester and get to know your campus mates. Studies have shown that campus involvement increases retention rates.

10.   Use a planner. Get organized. Know what is due and when. College can get overwhelming and when you are organized it can help relieve some of that stress.

College can be stressful. Just know where your resources are. Cornerstone TRiO is here to meet your needs as a student. We offer peer to peer support, financial literacy assistance, advising, grant aid, and so much more.

If you are interested in learning more please contact Tony Staffiere at  anthony.staffiere@maine.edu or stop into 195 Jewett Hall and speak to a staff member of the Cornerstone team. We are here for Student Success