Six Tips to Surviving your First Year

Linna Jones
Commentary Editor

Students attend college to learn, grow and get ready for a future career. Students leave high school to start on the next leg of their journey either at a community college, four-year institution, technical school or whatever the case may be.

However, some students do not make it past their first year for several reasons. The student may not attend class, may be having trouble in a class or may not be reading or doing their homework. Students may want to seek advice from other students who have probably been in their shoes. The tips below offer some advice to surviving your first year.

Tip #1: Go to Class

Going to class provides one essential experience in college. The classroom experience gives students the chance to learn from the knowledge and experience of their professors. Some professors also count attendance as a part of your grade. Many professors require you to attend and students receive only a certain amount of absences. Many teachers understand that sometimes you have to miss class due to illness, unexpected events, school events or other issues that may come up.

Tip #2: Read your Textbook

The second tip to surviving college in the words of Betty Matthews, professor of English, is to “buy the book, open the book and read the book.” As boring as some textbooks may be, they are often required an essential tool for learning. Most classes require reading the book for homework assignments and sometimes the information from the book will be on your test. Some teachers do not use a book and only give test information from their lectures, so be sure to take good notes.

You also might want to read ahead for classes. In knowing what the teacher might discuss, you will be able to add to classroom discussion, ask questions about the lesson you do not understand and you will be prepared ahead of schedule for the test. Reading ahead will also help when you have homework assignments or tests around the same time.

Tip #3: Do your Homework

Skipping or putting off your homework because you want to play a video game, hang out with friends or activities that sound more appealing than that algebra assignment, paper or a another assignment due the next day may not be a good idea. Homework reinforces what you learned in the classroom or what you will need to learn before the class meets again. The syllabus sometimes outlines when an assignment will be due, so you will be able to plan ahead. Homework assignments also make up a part of your grade and in doing the work will you receive credit for that part of the class.

Not every assignment requires just reading and sometimes may require working on a computer, with a calculator, various books other than your textbooks, research or the use of other materials. Be sure to read the homework assignment, research for the paper or the assignment if it is required before jumping in and doing the work. A student may also want to find a place to study where he or she can concentrate on the assignment without being distracted. If you need help, ask your instructor, a neighbor who is good at that subject or find help with your assignment among the various resources available to students on campus. See tip # 5.

Tip #4: Schedules your Time

Class assignments, studying, school activities and life often become mixed and complicated. To ease the stress of college life, buy a planner. A planner will help you organize your time and keep your sanity. In your planner, you may want to write when classes are scheduled, homework assignments are due, when you have school activities and other important information you need to remember.

Making a day schedule to will help make the most of your time every day. This may be from the time you wake up to when you go to bed (if you ever sleep). By writing down when the time of your classes or activities will be held ,you can schedule when you can do homework or even time to relax. By scheduling time for homework or other important matters, you might not become overworked, frustrated and possible sleep a little.

Tip #5: Use Available Campus Resources

The University of Arkansas-Monticello provides several services for students to use.

Students may find help with scholarships in the Office of Admissions, tutoring from the University Tutoring Services on the third floor for various subjects, help with your financial aid, pay your bill at the Cashier’s office and other resources not mentioned in Harris Hall. The Counseling and Testing Center, located next to the Cashier's Office, also gives out free Blue Books and Scantrons.

The Fred J. Taylor Library and Technology Center also offers assistance when searching for a book or other materials and research assistance at the Reference Desk. The Library also offers a computer lab for students to type papers and homework assignments.

The Memorial Classroom Building ‘s Writing Center offers help in writing and editing students' papers for class. If you need their help it would be advisable to go at least one day before the paper is due.

Students may also want to attend concerts and programs held by the Band, Jazz Band, Choir, Music Theater Workshop, the Southeast Arkansas Concert Association, the Student Activities Board and other events advertised by the Student Programming and Activities office. You may want to check your campus email for the time and places of the any events happening on campus.

Important information concerning event and the campus often comes through UAM’s email system. If you do not check your email you may miss out on many events and important information like scholarships that are currently available.

You may want to check out other student organizations that may interest you. Students can chose from a Greek Life, religious organization, clubs and many others.

Students may dine, buy snacks or coffee at the John F. Gibson University Centers' cafeteria and Patio Cafe and at Java City, a coffee shop located near the main entrance of the Library. Students also have $25 on their student IDs to spend at Java City or the Patio Cafe if you live on campus and have a meal plan. Food Services also offers three different meal plans

for those who commute to campus or do not have a meal plan.

The University Center also give students a chance to play indoor sports, provide exercise equipment for students, faculty and the public and provides medical care in the Exercise Center.

Students may also access campus news and information from The Voice and poetry, prose and and art from The Foliate Oak Online.

Tip # 6 Find Time to Relax

Finding time to study, keeping up with all your activities and classes may cause a little stress, so finding time to relax after studying helps relieve that stress. Watch television, read your favorite book, play video games, hang out with friends, sleep or find another relaxing activity. Either way, you may want to find some down time.

College gives a student the chance to learn, make life-long friends and prepare for your future career. I hope these tips help you in your college experience.

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