The first day of the fall semester/a new year begins tomorrow! It’s been a fun summer, but it’s time to get back to work. This is the perfect time to plan and make choices on how you want to succeed this year. It’s really easy to be on top of your game for the first few weeks. However, as the semester progresses things get more difficult. We tend to lose our frequency. UNT SWE is here with 10 simple tips and tools to ensure you have a good year.
1. Look for the buildings your classes will be at, the day before you have the class. Otherwise, give yourself an extra hour to find the building and classroom. You don’t want to be late on your first day.
2. Read the Syllabus! Read the Syllabus! Read the Syllabus! This can’t be said enough. Different classes have different policies and rules. Read and understand the Syllabus. Make sure you ask your professor for clarifications on areas that may be confusing.
3. Get a planner. Time management is key. Set daily and weekly schedules, deadlines, and expectations for your self. It is also helpful to have an accountability partner that will push you to achieve your goals. This brings us to the next tip.
4. Join a student organization, especially one related to your major. It is a good way to make friends and meet likeminded individuals. You can find an accountability partner through these organizations.
5. Don’t shy away from study groups. A study group is a good way to learn more and even teach others outside of the class. If you take classes that have Supplemental Instruction (SI) classes, attend them. You can also visit the math lab and writing lab for help! The link for their schedule will be below.
6. Do your assignments regardless of the percentage or how much it counts on your final grade. If your professor is taking the time to pick out questions to give as assignments, there is a reason!
7. Go to your professor’s office hours for help or clarifications on what was thought in class. It might be scary, but don’t worry they don’t bite! It is also an excellent way to build professional relationships.
4. Join a student organization, especially one related to your major. It is a good way to make friends and meet likeminded individuals. You can find an accountability partner through these organizations.
5. Don’t shy away from study groups. A study group is a good way to learn more and even teach others outside of the class. If you take classes that have Supplemental Instruction (SI) classes, attend them. You can also visit the math lab and writing lab for help! The link for their schedule will be below.
6. Do your assignments regardless of the percentage or how much it counts on your final grade. If your professor is taking the time to pick out questions to give as assignments, there is a reason!
7. Go to your professor’s office hours for help or clarifications on what was thought in class. It might be scary, but don’t worry they don’t bite! It is also an excellent way to build professional relationships.
8. Do not procrastinate. Start studying for your first test. Yes, i know it’s the first day of class, but i said what i said. Start studying now. Pulling an all nighter and drinking 6 cups of coffee, the day before the test is not ideal.
9. So this next tip is not nice to hear, but the studies show positive outcome. Unnecessary use of technology during classes should be avoided. Not only because it is disrespectful to the professor, but because it detracts your attention and occasionally others behind you from learning. Yes guys, we can afford to put the phones away for a few hours.
10. Sleep. The experts say at least 8 hours of sleep every night for a productive life. In the end, you know yourself and what works for your body. Simply make sure you are at a 100% every day.
The goal is to begin and end this semester strong. You can do this. We believe in you!
9. So this next tip is not nice to hear, but the studies show positive outcome. Unnecessary use of technology during classes should be avoided. Not only because it is disrespectful to the professor, but because it detracts your attention and occasionally others behind you from learning. Yes guys, we can afford to put the phones away for a few hours.
10. Sleep. The experts say at least 8 hours of sleep every night for a productive life. In the end, you know yourself and what works for your body. Simply make sure you are at a 100% every day.
The goal is to begin and end this semester strong. You can do this. We believe in you!
Visit UNT Writing lab: https://studentaffairs.unt.edu/content/unt-student-writing-lab-0
Visit the Math lab: https://math.unt.edu/mathlab
Visit the Math lab: https://math.unt.edu/mathlab
