By Adarian Williams
Guess what #GRAMFAM? That’s right, it’s the first day of classes for the 2019 Spring Semester! The first few weeks on campus are extremely critical for all new and transfer students.
During this time, you get to make high-impact decisions that will have an effect on the rest of your life.
Here are few critical tips for your first weeks (and a few for the longer term) that will make sure you’re on the road to success:
- GET ORGANIZED
In college, professors often post your assignments for the entire semester and expect you to be prepared. Buy an organizer, use the Grambling app, or get a big wall calendar. Do whatever it takes for you to know when assignments are due.
- FIND THE IDEAL PLACE FOR YOU TO STUDY.
It may be your dorm room, the Tiger Den, etc., but find a place that works best for you to get your work done while avoiding as many distractions as possible.
- GO TO CLASS.
Sleeping in and skipping that 8 AM class will be tempting at times. Avoid the temptation! Besides learning the material by attending classes, you’ll also receive vital information from the professors about what to expect on tests, changes in due dates, etc.
- BECOME AN EXPERT ON COURSE REQUIREMENTS AND DUE DATES.
Professors spend hours and hours preparing course syllabi and calendars so that you will know exactly what is expected of you and when. I’ve learned that one of the most intolerable excuses a student can give a professor is “I didn’t know it was due today.”
- MEET WITH YOUR PROFESSORS.
As a student, I can assure you there are only upsides to getting to know your professors, especially if later in the semester you run into some snags. Professors schedule office hours for the sole purpose of meeting with students. Take advantage of that time!
- GET TO KNOW YOUR ACADEMIC ADVISOR.
This is the person who will help you with course conflicts, adding or dropping courses, scheduling of classes for future semesters, deciding on majors and minors. This person is a key resource for you and should be the person you turn to with any academic issues or conflicts. And don’t be afraid of requesting another adviser if you don’t click with the one first assigned to you.
- SEEK A BALANCE & MAKE TIME FOR YOU.
College life is a mixture of social and academic happenings. Don’t tip the balance too far in either direction. One of my favorite mottos is “study hard so I can play hard.”Be sure you set aside some time and activities that help you relax and take the stress out of your day or week. Whether it’s enlisting in aerobics with “The Terry Lilly”, watching your favorite television shows, or writing in a journal, be good to yourself.
- GET INVOLVED ON CAMPUS.
A big problem for a lot of new students is a combination of homesickness and a feeling of not quite belonging. A solution? Consider joining a select group and be careful not to go overboard of student organizations, clubs, sororities or fraternities, or sports teams. You’ll make new friends, learn new skills, and feel more connected to your school.
- STRIVE FOR THE BEST GRADES.
While the best grades could have come naturally to you in high school, you will have to earn them in college and that means setting some goals for yourself and then making sure you work as hard as you can to achieve them.
- TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THE STUDY RESOURCES ON CAMPUS.
We have learning labs and departmental tutors available. If you’re having troubles, these resources are another tool available to you. Another idea: form study groups.
- VISIT THE OFFICE OF CAREER SERVICES.
Regardless of whether you are entering college as undeclared or have your entire future mapped out, seek out the wonderful professionals in your college’s career services office and get started on planning, preparing, and acting on your future. The Office of Career Services is located on the first floor in the College of Business, Jacob T. Stewart (JTS).
- DON’T PROCRASTINATE.
It is not advised to wait until the last minute to complete an assignment and expect to get a good grade. Give yourself deadlines and stick to them.
Want to read more? Check out my full list of tips by clicking here. Congratulations in advance on an incredible semester.
With Tiger Pride,
Adarian Williams
Grambling State University
2017-2019 SGA President