Orientation of new classes: What to expect?

Now that the holiday season for many has passed, there is a new wave of anticipation for students: orientation of new classes. Colleges all over the nation are resuming semesters and with that comes new expectations. So what should you expect?

Everyone is in the Same Boat

Try not to worry too much about having all the answers or feeling like you are the only one who does not know what to expect. There are other students who are making this transition right along with you. Everyone is in the same boat. It may be helpful to strike up a conversation with someone in your class. They may already be familiar with the campus or have had the professor before, or they may know just as much as you, so together, you can learn as you go. Having a friend along for the ride sometimes makes the nervousness disappear.

Professors Expect You to Have Questions

It’s perfectly okay to be insecure about the first days of a new semester. This is the perfect time to ask questions. In fact, your professor wants you to be set up for success, and asking questions at the start is the best way to get in front of any challenges. Be sure to utilize all the communication resources available such as email, Blackboard, and even office hours.

Request a Syllabus in Advance

If you are a planner, most professors will be happy to send you the syllabus one week or so in advance. Some universities already have a location on their website for downloading the syllabus. Having an idea of the what the semester will look like for you will help you better organize and plan for the course. Most syllabi will break down the percentages of homework, exams, and projects, so if you are taking many classes(why missing lectures), you can compare all your courses, and set in motion a plan.

Take It One Class at Time

The best way to quell any anxiety or nervousness about the upcoming semester is to take it one class at a time. The only thing anyone is expected to do is their best. If you carefully apply yourself and commit to learning the material and asking the right questions, you will conquer the first weeks, and after that, you will feel more in charge.

Use Campus Resources and Find a Tutor

If you are taking a particularly difficult class, connect immediately to the campus resource center. There are many forms of help on a college campus, and identifying those, in the beginning, will help you have a better semester. Take advantage of your university writing centers, and seek out student tutors who are specialized in your course subject.

Know the Add-Drop Deadline

Sometimes you will enroll in a course, and it turns out to be a mistake. You may find that dropping the course and enrolling in a different one is a better idea. But be sure you keep track of add/ drop times. Colleges have strict penalties if you decide to drop a class after the add/drop deadline. You will also not want to miss too much of a course if you register later.

Get to Know Your Professor

The best person to help you orient to your new classes is the professor who is teaching the course. Read our latest blog on 7 Way to get your professor to learn your name. Don’t go through the semester being a nameless student. Meet your professor, and make sure he or she knows who you are.

Enjoy the Flexibility and Your Independence

Even with all the responsibility that comes with college, this is the main time in your life when you’ll have the most flexibility and independence. You’re no longer required to wait for the bell to ring to start and end class; in fact, you’re in charge of your own schedule. Whether you’re a morning person or a night owl, being in charge of your day is one of the neat things you can expect this semester.

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