Today is the first day of classes and if you’re a freshman, EVERYTHING is new. We hope you’re excited but in case things feel a little overwhelming, here are some simple tips to help make this year a successful one.
Go To Class
This isn’t high school, no one is going to make you attend your classes, and skipping your early morning lectures for some much-needed sleep might sound like a great idea but you know what? Go to your classes. You’re here for a reason, to learn!
Meet Your Professors
Your professors want to get to know you so introduce yourself. You will make a good first impression and if you need help in the class, they’ll already know who you are. A great thing about PUC is most of your classes are small so you’ll have lots of opportunities to get to know your professors better. We know taking classes remotely can make this a bit difficult but definitley try anyway! Send emails or schedule some time to video chat.
Don’t Use Your Phone During Class
It’s as simple as that. It’s a bad look if you’re on your phone while your professor is teaching. Even if your professor doesn’t have rules about phones being out, it’s still good not to be on it during class, EVEN if they can’t tell you’re using it!
Take Notes
It’s essential to take notes during class so you remember what you learned. Your professors will be throwing a lot of information at you, so keeping notes will help you stay on track and prepare for tests. Find some classmates to share notes and study with.
Use Google Drive
Google Drive is a great way to keep your files backed up. From writing your notes and papers in Google Docs to doing group assignments, Google Drive will help keep all your files safe in one place. Plus, it’s free!
Eat Well
Eat well so you can feel well. College requires a lot of energy so make sure to add vegetables and fruits into your meals every day. Drink lots of water to stay hydrated and stray away from energy drinks.
Have Good Communication With Your Roommate (if you’re on campus)
Whether your roommate is someone you already know or a match your dean made, you need to make sure you have good communication. Living with someone can be tricky so be sure you allow open communication so you can live peacefully.
Network
Try to get to know the people in your department, even the faculty. Not only will this make your years at PUC better, but it will also help when you need to find a job or internship. The more people you know, the bigger your network will be.
Keep Your Social Media Clean
Speaking of networking, you should always think about keeping your social media clean. When you start applying for jobs, employers might examine your social media accounts to get a glimpse of who you are. From Facebook to Instagram, they will see what you post, share, and are tagged in. Make sure your platforms reflect the kind of person you want to be.
Check out our social media tips for more information.
Take Care of Yourself
It’s very important that you take care of yourself. Besides eating well, get enough sleep and exercise. To do your very best, you must take care of yourself physically, mentally, and spiritually. Remember, you’re not alone! If you’re struggling, reach out to your RA, a dean, a faculty, or some friends.
Happy first day of classes!