Your Healing Space: What do I need to know on the first day of class?

Wellness @ Columbia

Your Healing Space is our weekly newsletter that focuses on YOUR health and wellness.  We hope you'll be able to put these ideas and practices into good use in support of your education and life goals. Your physical and mental health MATTERS.

Academic Life Coaching

What do I need to know on the first day of class?

1. Plan to Arrive Early 

Going to sleep at a reasonable time the night before, Waking up early, and getting to class ahead of schedule on your first day of college can offer many benefits. If you arrive early, you can more easily find a seat that works best for your learning needs. 

It also doesn't hurt to show your professors that you value their time and will do your best to be punctual. Students who show up late disrupt the class and may get a less-than-ideal seat. Additionally, you might miss out on the opportunity to introduce yourself and get an in-depth overview of the class syllabus. 

2. Review Your Class Schedule and Syllabi Beforehand 

Before your first day of college, learn your class schedule and review any syllabi already shared by your professors. By reviewing your schedule, you can learn where your classes are and map out routes, so you don't get lost. 

The syllabus for a course usually details when you need to turn in assignments throughout the semester. Keep track of any big projects or papers for your classes in a planner to help you see when you might be especially busy that term. Staying organized can help you avoid turning in a project late or missing an exam. 

3. Familiarize Yourself With Important Locations on Campus 

Knowing where to go for each of your classes from day one can prevent you from getting lost and wasting time. Many students have just 10-15 minutes between classes. It is critical  for to you know how to get around. 

Make sure you know where to find academic buildings, restrooms, library and the student health center. 

If you arrive on campus several days before classes start, use this time to walk around and get to know the buildings. You can even time how long it takes to get from one classroom to the next if your schedule is tight.  Remember, at Columbia, Vertical traffic (elevators) sometimes take longer than walking from building to building. 

4. Prepare to Take Notes 

Bring a laptop and a notebook and pen to class on your first day! It ensures you can copy down relevant information and avoid missing key deadlines. Note that some professors may not allow laptops in their classrooms, so be sure to review the syllabus or ask about this policy ahead of time. 

Taking effective notes in an organized fashion can help you retain important info that may show up on future tests. Get in this habit early. And make sure to figure out what school supplies you need for college. Besides, having an extra pen or pencil to lend to a fellow classmate can help you make a new friend. 

5. Get Ready to Pay Attention 

Although many professors prefer to use their first class to get to know everyone and go over the syllabus, this isn't always the case. Some instructors may jump directly into course material, so make sure you're prepared. 

You may not be able to ask questions during the lecture. In this case, write a list of questions you can ask your professor after class. You can also write your professor an e-mail asking for help or clarification on something. If you are unclear about something, ASK QUESTIONS! 

6. Anticipate Making New Connections 

From your first day of college, introducing yourself to classmates can help you forge connections that may prove valuable as the semester progresses. Getting to know your peers can make it easier to for study groups and ask for help with difficult assignments. It's also nice to have some friendly, familiar faces in the classroom. 

If you live on campus, making friends with those in your building can help you both academically and socially. These students may be taking the same classes as you and can likely give some advice about interesting classes or great professors to watch out for.  If you are a commuter student, come to campus early or stay late to do your homework on campus and make connections with other students. 

How can I calm my nerves for the first day of college? 

It's normal to feel nervous on your first day of college. Just know that you're not alone. Many incoming students feel this way, but these nerves should gradually dissolve as you learn your schedule and meet other students. 

Some ways to help overcome first-day jitters include making sure you know where and when your classes are, having a backpack full of basic school supplies, and printing out the syllabi for your classes (if available ahead of time).