"Succeeding in College"
Office of Student Activities – Division of Student Affairs

You’re beginning C.W. Post in the fall. You’re ready to go, but may be a little apprehensive about what is to come. Don’t worry – there are hundreds of people that are feeling exactly as you are. Below are ten tips to help you get started and assist you in the transition from high school to college. Set your priorities, and remember that college is about succeeding, personally and academically.

1. Meet with an advisor
Before you come to Orientation, you should have your academic schedule in place. To do this, make an appointment with your academic advisor, and he/she will answer any questions you may have about the courses you’re thinking about taking.

2. Attend New Student Orientation
Attending Orientation will be your first step into C.W. Post. You will have the opportunity to meet other students, familiarize yourself with the campus, and learn what you should expect from your first year of college. Most likely, this will help ease your transition and make you feel more comfortable about beginning your first year.

3. Invest in a planner
Having a planner will no doubt assist you throughout your college career. You should write down your class schedule, appointments, meetings, and any other obligations that you are committed to. Having a planner to help you stick to your schedule will help you be more organized and get more things done.

4. Establish a study schedule
Once you have your schedule in place and before you start your first day of classes, write down your class schedule in your planner. Also write in your work schedule (if applicable) and any other commitments you may already have. Next, take the time to work out a study schedule. Do your best to stick to this schedule so that you have time slots pre-arranged to get your homework and studying done. Even if you can’t always stick to your plan, having a strategy will help you accomplish your goals more consistently.

5. Go to class!
It is absolutely essential that you attend every class. When you miss classes, you tend to fall behind your classmates and have trouble picking up where you left off at the next class. The more behind you get in your class, the harder you have to work to make the grade. Some professors have specific attendance policies as well – if you fail to meet these requirements, you may be in danger of failing!

6. Carefully read your course syllabus
Each professor will give you a syllabus within the first week of classes. A syllabus is a projected schedule for the semester, which may include topics covered, quiz/test dates, homework assignments and due dates, term paper assignments, and the final examination dates. Many professors devotedly stick to their syllabus throughout the year, and even if you’re not told each week what to do, they will hold you responsible for all assignments, quizzes, tests and papers that were assigned on the syllabus. This piece of paper could be the key to your success in college!

7. Don’t be afraid to ask for help
Realize that although you attend every class, you might not always understand the course material. Don’t be afraid to ask the professor for help or get a tutor to assist you. The longer you wait, the farther you’ll get behind, and the worse off you’ll be. Don’t think that just because you ask the professor for help that you’re the teacher’s pet. Remember, your teacher won’t come to you if they think you’re struggling – that’s your responsibility. Take advantage of the opportunities you now have, and make the most out of it!

8. Keep up
It is essential for you to keep up with your work. First, you should find a good note-taking strategy. Implement this everyday to improve your skills in the classroom. Next, study your notes every day. If you study your notes from each class every day, you will be more likely to understand the material and do better on the exams. Also, get to know the students in your class, and study as a group. While studying independently will help you learn the material, there are some classes that you might need the help of your peers. You just want to make sure that these study sessions are productive and it isn’t only social time.

9. Realize that being a student is a full-time job
Once you begin your classes, you may begin to feel overwhelmed. You may realize that taking classes and finishing all your assignments and studying takes up a great deal of time, and that you don’t have as much freedom as you had imagined. Once you come to terms that being a student is a full-time responsibility, you’ll find that you won’t be as stressed and overwhelmed as you were. Carefully budgeting your time will help you balance your responsibilities and still allow enough time to socialize and have fun!

10. Balance work and play
While there will be enough for you to do to fill each day, learn to manage your time so that you allow some free time for yourself. Take the time to get to know people around you, in your residence hall, in your classes, and in the dining halls. Be sure you get your homework and studying done, but allow yourself time to release the pressure as well. The key to a successful first year is learning how to balance your responsibilities and still getting the most out of your life. Have fun – the next four years could very well be the best years of your life. Soak it up and enjoy yourself.