The college student
guide for the first week back to school
Holy cow. Is winter break over already? Time to unpack your
car and throw everything into your bedroom. You’ll put everything away later.
Although you have to start dreadfully setting your alarm again, at least the
first week back gives you a chance to get back into school mode before the
going (assignments) gets tough. Slip on your shoes, throw on your backpack,
walk out the door, begin the march across campus (with Starbucks in hand of
course) and brace yourself for the semester ahead.
First thing’s first I’m... SO TIRED. It’s 7:15 am and after snoozing
my alarm three times I have finally decided to roll out of bed to get ready for
this 8 am class (why did I sign up for that again?). The most glamorous part of
winter break is the fact that you can sleep in until noon…or 3 o’clock in the
afternoon if you really wanted to. I mean we all need our beauty sleep right?
Well looks like this week the joke is on me. Right when you fall into the habit
of sleeping in until whenever the heck you’re ready to get up, the college gods
throw you a curve ball and spin you right back into your early morning routine.
Here we go, zombie eyed and bundled up to face the frigid Carbondale winter
weather, I suppose I’ll head to class now. I will reward myself with a nap
later.
Take a screenshot of
your class schedule. Having the schedule on your phone will make your life
10x times easier when walking around campus trying to find your next class.
With last semester’s class route still on the brain, sometimes it is hard to
remember where it was you were supposed to go next. Having the exact time, building,
and classroom number at your fingertips can be a major lifesaver. Trust me,
there is a BIG difference between Lawson and Lindegren.
No smartphone? No worries! Print a copy of your schedule and
stick it in your pocket to keep with you.
Actually read the
syllabus. It is understandable to be focused on what you and your friends
are doing later tonight rather than paying attention to the packet of paper in
front of you that your professor has been reading word for word for the past
half an hour, but the syllabus is really important to follow along to. I mean
it essentially dictates how the class is going to go this semester. It is
helpful to know if the professor weighs attendance and participation as a
significant percent of your grade, or when and how often D2L assignments will
be due.
Buy/rent the book! Yeah,
yeah I know they’re expensive, and yes most of the time your professor has an
extra copy on hold in the library. However,
the book is a major resource for your professor, and he/she most likely pulls a
lot of information from the text. Don’t be the one waiting hours in the library
for someone to return the ONE book on hold or stressing over an upcoming exam
simply because you don’t have the right study materials. The University
Bookstore has your back! The book will be worth the money in the long run, and it
is less expensive than having to re-take the class.
Catch up. Take
the chill week of classes as an opportunity to catch up with people you have
not seen over the long break. Mom isn’t breathing down your back at home
anymore wondering where you’re at constantly. Relax and hang out with some
friends. Get back into the college-town groove.
May the grades be ever in your favor this semester, Salukis!
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