Starting a New Semester

It may be the start of your first semester in college, or it may be the start of your last semester in college. Either way, the beginning of a new term means that you're back at square one, no matter how long you've been in school. What are the basics that you'll need to make sure you start off as strongly as possible?

New Semester Basics

1. Get a time management system. Managing your time just may be your biggest challenge while in college. Find something that works for you and use it from day one. (Not sure where to start? Learn 8 tips for managing your time in college.)
   
2. Take a reasonable course load. Taking 20 units (or more!) this semester may sound great in theory, but it most likely will come back to haunt you in the long run. Sure, it may seem like a good way to improve your transcript, but the lower grades you might get because your course load is too heavy is a sure way to bring your transcript down, not up. If you absolutely must carry a heavy course load for some reason, however, make sure that you've cut down on your other commitments so that you don't put too many unreasonable expectations on yourself.
   
3. Have your books purchased -- or at least on their way. Not having your books the first week of class can put you behind everyone else before you even had the chance to start. Even if you have to go to the library for the first week or two to get the reading done, make sure you're doing what you can to stay on top of your homework until your books arrive.
   
4. Have some -- but not too much -- co-curricular involvement. You don't want to be so over involved that you barely have time to eat and sleep, but you most likely do need to be involved in something other than your classes all day long. Join a club, get an on-campus job, volunteer somewhere, play on an intramural team: just do something to keep your brain (and personal life!) balanced.
   
5. Get your finances in order. You may be rocking your classes, but if your financial situation is a mess, you won't be able to finish the semester. Make sure your finances are in order when you start a new semester and that they'll still be that way as you head toward finals week.
   
6. Have your "life" logistics worked out. These are different for every college student, but having the basics -- like your housing/roommate situation, your food/dining options, and your transportation -- worked out in advance is critical to making it through the semester in a stress-free way.
   
7. Set up healthy outlets for fun and to relieve stress. You don't need to have a Ph.D. to know that college is stressful. Have things already in place -- like good groups of friends, exercise plans, hobbies, and smart ways to avoid pitfalls (like knowing how to avoid test anxiety) -- that will allow you to mentally check out and relax when things get intense.
   
8. Get information on where to go for help -- you know, just in case. When, and if, you find yourself juggling more than you can handle, trying to find help while under that kind of stress is nearly impossible. Learn where to go for help before your semester begins so that, just in case things get a little rough, your small speed bump doesn't turn into a major disaster zone.

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Congrats to Everyone Starting Classes!

This past weekend seemed to be one of the busiest move-in days for new college students. Many campuses are now bustling with activity as students adjust to their new surroundings and begin classes.

I wanted to take a quick moment -- and I hope you will, too -- to congratulate all the incoming students. Remember last year, when you were just starting the college application process? When you weren't sure where you'd go, much less where you'd get in? Well, here you are, living your new life as a college student. I hope you can take a moment to congratulate yourself on how far you've come over the past year and for prioritizing your education and your future. An education is a true privilege and, while it of course also requires a lot of hard work, it's great to see so many young adults investing in themselves. Congrats on beginning this new and amazing chapter in your lives ... and best wishes to each of you!

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8 Tips for Starting College

With so many options available for college students, knowing how to make wise choices becomes critical for success. These eight tips can help set you up for a strong first-year experience.

1. Go to class. This is number one for a reason. College is an amazing experience, but you can't stay if you fail your courses. Missing class is one of the worst things you can do. Remember: your goal is to graduate. How are you going to do that if you can't even make it to class regularly?
   
2. Participate in events early on -- especially during Orientation. Let's be honest: not all events aimed at first-year students are super exciting. Tours of the library and silly-sounding mixers may not be your thing. But they connect you to the campus, help you meet people, and prepare you for academic success. So roll your eyes if you must, but go.
   
3. Don't go home every weekend. This can be especially tempting if you have a boyfriend or girlfriend at home or if you live close to your school. But going home every weekend prevents you from connecting with other students, getting comfortable with your campus, and making it your new home.
   
4. Take risks. Do things that are outside of your comfort zone. Never been to a program that explored a certain religion? Never tried a kind of food that's available in the cafeteria? Never introduced yourself to someone from a certain country? Step outside of your comfort zone and take some risks. You went to college to learn new stuff, right?
   
5. Sign up for a class you know nothing about. Just because you're pre-med doesn't mean you can't take a course in astronomy. Expand your horizons and take a subject you never even considered.
   
6. Learn how to say "no." This may be one of the most challenging skills to learn when you're first in school. But saying "yes" to everything that sounds fun, interesting, and exciting will lead you to trouble. Your academics will suffer, your time management will be horrible, and you'll burn yourself out.
   
7. Ask for help before it's too late. Colleges are generally pretty good places; no one there wants to see you do poorly. If you're struggling in a class, ask your professor for help or go to a tutoring center. If you're having a hard time adjusting, talk to someone in the counseling center. Fixing a smaller problem is almost always easier than fixing a big one.
   
8. Stay on top of your finances and financial aid. It can be easy to forget that appointment with the Financial Aid Office or that deadline by which you had to submit a simple form. If you let your finances slip, however, you can quickly find yourself in a lot of trouble. Make sure you're sticking with your budget throughout the semester and that you always know the status of your financial aid package.

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