First day at school. You're nervous. You're anxious. Where should I sit? Is there anyone I know in this class? What is the average score of this course? - OMG school starts tomorrow.
This is me. Every. Single. Time. Entering my Junior Year, I still have cold feet the night before class starts. So I decided to write this, curated from the things I would do on the first day of school throughout the year, and hopefully, it will help you get through the first few weeks in university.
1. Plan it out
Make a daily, weekly or monthly schedule of recurring assignments and tasks to void missing deadlines. I always keep a planner in my bag so I can pull it out anytime and jot down those important dates and events. On my phone, I keep simple to-do-list and calendar schedule apps. It is so easy to keep track of what you do these days, you can do so on smart devices like phones or tablets, or keep it traditional on a scheduler or bullet journal.
2. Read the syllabus - the underrated, manifesting method
You are emerging into adulthood. No one is there to remind you every single moment. Be prepared. Be proactive. Be ready. 90% of the content covered in class is written in the syllabus. Study that resourceful material. Sometimes professors will post class lectures on a similar database (i.e Manaba, Canvas), so have a flip through what will be covered in tomorrow's class).
Do you know that kid who seems to know the answer to every question? Chances are that person reads the PowerPoint slides in advance. And you can be that kid too.
3. Sit at the front
Studies have shown that students who sit closer to the front have statistically better grades. Sitting at the front means you are less likely to be distracted by other people. And because very few people sit at the very front, it feels like you're being given a personal lecture.
There is no problem with sitting at the back either but beware of the triangle effect. One person starts watching a cat video on his or her laptop, the people sitting in the back road will unconsciously start watching it as well. The scope gets bigger and bigger, and thus, creating a "triangle".
4. Turn off those electronic devices and pick up a pen
Harder to do than it may sound, but this is so far the best way to retain information inside the class. In many lecture halls (especially Business courses at UBC) there is a "phones off lid down" policy. Studies have shown that students who take notes have substantially better results than those typing them out. Writing notes by hand is much better for forming conceptual ideas, unplug deeper understanding and retain information longer. Typing on the other hand is virtually copying what's on the screen and projecting it down onto your keyboard.
5. Actually go to class - especially the first month
The first month is the most crucial time. If you fall behind at the start, you are more likely to be behind for the rest of the semester. The first week is usually packed with fresh faces filling up the 200-seat lecture hall. But by the end of 3rd week, you start to wonder where did 30% of the class went. Unless you're confident enough to study on your own, get into the habit of sitting down and listening.
6. Start asking questions
ASK FOR WHAT YOU WANT! Visit professors, come to Teaching Assitant (TA), make an appointment with a counsellor. They are here to help you learn. If the class is too full, send an email to the professor, or go see him or her during office hours. I'm confident they will help you if you really care enough to make the effort and show interest.
You learn by asking questions. You will never know unless you ask.