Returning to school after summer break isn’t an easy transition. Whether you worked full-time, took summer classes or simply enjoyed a relaxing vacation, it can be difficult to get back into the swing of things. Fortunately, there are a few things you can do to make the transition a lot easier, and ultimately, you will be better prepared for the semester to come.
Skip the line and get your textbooks early.
For most students, purchasing textbooks at the beginning of each semester can be financially daunting and time-consuming. Between paying hundreds of dollars for textbooks on a student budget and standing in a line at the bookstore that trails from one corner of the store to another, it’s tempting to procrastinate completing the task. Putting off buying your textbooks not only poses an issue as far as convenience is concerned, but may also affect your ability to find the textbooks you need. This is especially true for lower level or prerequisite courses. Purchasing your textbooks early ensures you avoid the hassle of the first-week textbook craze. If you’re not sure if you need a certain textbook, many students chose to send a quick email to their professor and ask before spending the money.
Locate your classes before the first day.
Whether you are new to Sam Houston State University or simply returning for another semester, locating your classes before the first day can be beneficial. For new students, the 368-acre campus can be intimidating, especially when juggling a new schedule. Even as a returning student, you may find that you have a class located in a building you never even knew existed. Fortunately, you don’t have to be late to your first day of class because you got lost. Swing by the mall area on Aug. 21 at 11 a.m., where there will be volunteers assisting students looking for their classes.
Print your syllabi and make note of due dates in a planner.
One of the best ways to ensure you start the semester off with a clear mind is to have your syllabi readily available so that you can know all your due dates in advance. Professors often review their syllabi on the first day of class, so it’s best that you have a physical copy to follow along with. In addition, if you have questions throughout the semester regarding a class, you can easily reference the syllabus. If you are looking for further organization, investing in a planner and transferring due dates into the planner will ensure you submit all assignments in a timely manner.
Set your alarms.
There’s nothing we all dread more than the sound of an alarm clock at 8 a.m., but the dawning of a new semester is upon us all. To avoid missing your morning classes, don’t wait until the night before to set your alarm. Many smartphones allow users to set alarms for specific days—this means you could set an alarm for 10 a.m. on Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Setting your Monday/Wednesday/Friday alarm in advance ensures you never have to worry about forgetting to set an alarm. It might also be helpful to prepare for the early mornings to come by waking up to an alarm for a few days leading up to the first day of class.
Join a club or organization.
Your semester should never be all work and no play! How you spend you free time is just as important to the college experience as studying is. SHSU offers over 250 organizations and clubs, including Greek Life, community service organizations, Student Government Association and many more—there’s a fit for everyone! Join a club, meet new people and have fun.
