8 Tips To Get You Through The Dreaded First Semester | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Student Life

8 Tips To Get You Through The Dreaded First Semester

We're all on the struggle bus.

95
8 Tips To Get You Through The Dreaded First Semester
MNN

There's no doubt about it, the transition from summer vacation to back-to-school is not always flawless. It's hard to imagine going to class every day, writing papers, and studying for tests when just a few short weeks ago we were all soaking up the sun. It's even harder when there is so much to do at college besides academics: club meetings start back up, sorority and fraternity events begin, and of course, you don't want to miss all of the parties on the weekend. However, we can't forget that the reason we came to college was to learn. Here are some foolproof tips to survive the academic side of the dreaded "first semester back".

1. Utilize office hours.

Professors hold office hours for a reason. Trust me, they notice who shows up and who puts in the extra effort.

2. Befriend a classmate.

There's nothing worse than entering a class and not knowing a single person. In order to have someone to study with and ask questions, it's worth introducing yourself and getting their phone number.

3. Actually do your assigned reading.

This is fairly self-explanatory, but you cannot expect to do well if you're not keeping up with your work outside of class.

4. Keep a planner.

I'm so guilty of not using one, but it really can make or break your grades. There's always that one professor who forgets to remind you about assignments, and by the time college rolls around, it's really up to you personally to keep track of everything going on.

5. Ask and answer questions during class

Being engaged during class will tremendously help you. Don't be afraid of having a stupid question or giving the wrong answer, you're still doing better than the people who didn't speak up.

6. Start your own study group.

The only thing better than suffering alone is suffering together.

7. If a subject is difficult, get a tutor.

Sometimes even just hearing the same information presented in a different way can help lock it into your memory. Most schools offer tutoring services at little or no cost!

8. Help out your classmates when you understand something and they don't.

Chances are, down the line they'll understand something that you don't. People are much more willing to help you when you have helped them in the past.


Sure, college is a ton of fun. But we can't forget the real reason that we're here: to succeed academically. Hopefully the above tips will help ensure that you have a great semester.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
10 things that happen the second Thanksgiving is over
reference.com

To those who celebrate, you just spent an entire day cooking an elaborate meal with all of your favorite foods. You probably ate your body weight in pumpkin pie and mashed potatoes. What happens now? Oh yea, Christmas. It’s time to take out all of the decorations and Christmas themed things that have been sitting in the attic since last year; it’s time to make a reappearance. So, here are 10 things that happen the second Thanksgiving is over.

Keep Reading...Show less
Adulting

18 Things I Want To Do Now That I'm 18

I'm technically an adult, so I'm legally required to live a little, right?

2929
Happy Birthday Cake

For the entirety of my high school career, I was always seen as the goody-two-shoes. I never got in trouble with a teacher, I kept stellar grades, and when I wasn't doing extracurricular activities, I was at home studying. Even when I did go out, it was usually with a bunch of fellow band geeks. The night would end before 11:00 PM and the only controversial activity would be a fight based on who unfairly won a round of Apples-to-Apples when someone else clearly had a better card (I promise I'm not still holding a grudge).

Now that I'm officially an adult, I want to pursue some new things. I want to experience life in a way that I never allowed myself to do prior to entering college. These are the years that I'm supposed to embark on a journey of self-discovery, so what better way to do that than to create a bucket list?

Keep Reading...Show less
Featured

10 Life Lessons from Christmas Classics

The holiday classics that shaped my life

1754
10 Life Lessons from Christmas Classics
Flickr

The holiday season is full of stress, debt, and forced conversation. While we rush through the month of December, it's important to take a step back and enjoy the moments before they're gone. Most families love to watch Christmas movies, but these beloved films provide more than entertainment. Here are 10 life lessons that I've learned from the holiday classics we watch every year.

Keep Reading...Show less
Featured

15 Mind-Bending Riddles

Hopefully they will make you laugh.

201020
 Ilistrated image of the planet and images of questions
StableDiffusion

I've been super busy lately with school work, studying, etc. Besides the fact that I do nothing but AP chemistry and AP economics, I constantly think of stupid questions that are almost impossible to answer. So, maybe you could answer them for me, and if not then we can both wonder what the answers to these 15 questions could be.

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

Most Epic Aurora Borealis Photos: October 2024

As if May wasn't enough, a truly spectacular Northern Lights show lit up the sky on Oct. 10, 2024

21418
stunning aurora borealis display over a forest of trees and lake
StableDiffusion

From sea to shining sea, the United States was uniquely positioned for an incredible Aurora Borealis display on Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, going into Friday, Oct. 11.

It was the second time this year after an historic geomagnetic storm in May 2024. Those Northern Lights were visible in Europe and North America, just like this latest rendition.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments