1. College is way more relaxed than high school
Depending on your major and professor, you will be able to roll into class late or even skip, if attendance isn’t a big deal to your professor. Some professors don’t check homework and the only graded assignments are 5 quizzes and 3 tests. In most college classes you can chew gum, eat your lunch and nonchalantly text in the first row of class (although I don’t recommend that). So yeah, college seems like tons of fun right? But the reality is, these professors know that you are paying to be there. You are now old enough to know that every decision you make in life has a consequence and if you choose to not show up to class, not participate, sit on your phone and not pay attention, then you ultimately will be the one who suffers, scrambling to your professors for extra-credit assignments at the end of the semester to boost your grade. You’ll have to pay to take the class again if you fail. Plus, failing a class is not a good look on your GPA and transcript. So don’t get too carried away with all the new classroom freedom you’ve gained while in college.
2. Reference your syllabus often
Most of your college professors will give you a syllabus on the first day of class. Do not lose it! This will be your guide for the rest of the semester. Your questions about the grading system, office hours, current assignments, and future projects will be answered in the syllabus. Your syllabus will have exactly what you will be covering in each class, so if you do ever need to skip, you’ll know exactly what you’re missing. Also check the online system your professor/college uses. Some use College Board, Sakai, etc. This will also have the online version of your syllabus, reading, and homework due for the week. Some professors even link their PowerPoints so you can follow along on your computer in class or to easily reference the notes at home.
3. Sometimes you just need a personal day
We are constantly going through things in our personal life that cause us to feel down and depressed. It is okay to take the day off from class every once in a while to take a mental break. Just don’t do it too often, and make sure you won’t be missing anything important in class. If attendance is an issue, communicate to your professors what you are dealing with. Trust me, most will be understanding if you are transparent and communicate. They’ll likely accommodate you and your schedule.
4. Make a good impression
Most professors have a lot of experience and connections in the field of your major. My major in school was journalism. I had one professor that worked on a TV show and another who was a journalist for CNN and traveled all over the world. By showing up on time to their classes, paying attention, and going up to them after class to show your interest in their career experience makes a great impression and these professors will be the ones who vouch for you, write your references, and connect you to employers for when you graduate.
5. Get the extra help
Some of your classes will be lecture halls, where you may have as many as 500 students in one class at a time. These classes can often move quickly. Make sure you are getting the extra help immediately when you do not understand something so you don’t get left behind. Office hours are the times your professor is available to personally go over and tutor you in the material covered in class. These hours will be on your syllabus and you can schedule an appointment with your professors either in person or through email. Also, there are many available free tutors that every college offers. So take advantage and do not get left behind!
I hope these classroom tips helped my undergrad readers! I have faith you will all will do amazing, in Jesus name. Share this post to save a freshie!
Love,
Brittany Kayla