By: Mylo Fisherman
Welcome to Adelphi class of 2024! You incoming first-year students face a ton of big life changes when it comes to starting college, especially during a global pandemic. This time may be full of different emotions and stresses so here is some advice from a sophomore to start your first year of college on the right foot.
Go to Class
College is not like high school. There is no bell schedule telling you that it’s time to go to your next class. You have to be accountable and remember to go to class on your own, whether we are in person or in a Zoom room. A system I found very useful for remembering my class schedule was Google Calendar. You can set reminders for yourself as well as get a visual overview as to when you are busy and when you are free.
Keep Track of Dates
Your syllabus is your best friend. It tells you when all tests and quizzes occur and when all assignments and projects are due. When your professors give you your syllabus on the first day of class, do not lose it. Put the syllabus somewhere safe as all the dates on that paper are very important. Professors rarely accept assignments that are handed in late, so make sure you know when all your assignments are due and get them done on time.
Avoid Procrastination
Procrastination is a bad habit that many students have, but just know that college level assignments are not something that you can throw together in a few hours before they’re due and think you are going to get a good grade. I know that retaining motivation to do work, especially when we go to remote learning, is hard. But it is crucial for your education to actively avoid putting off work. One thing I did that worked was I tried to always stay at least a week ahead of work so that way if anything happened or if I wanted to have a day off with friends I could do so without worrying.
Get Involved
I know this is something that everyone says but getting involved on campus when you are a first-year student is a great way to make connections to fellow classmates as well as faculty. You never know where some of these connections may lead you in your life and your career, so be sure to take full advantage of the opportunities that are presented to you.
Get to Know Your Professors
Professors sometimes may come off as scary at first but in the end, they always want you, as their student, to succeed. Take the time to go to your professor’s office hours and talk, whether you need help on an assignment or just want someone to talk to. Your professors are always there for you. In addition to the support they can provide, becoming close to a professor can allow you to have someone to collaborate with on research or give you a reference to a job.
Get to Know Your Classmates
Try and make at least a friend or two in each of your courses. This will not only provide you with a study buddy, but also someone who can relay the work and notes you missed in case you were sick. Additionally, you pick up a new friend on campus along the way, which is always a good thing.
Know Your Resources
You are now a part of the Adelphi community where there is someone who is always willing and ready to help you. If you have a problem with one of your courses, either notify your professor, advisor or someone in the Registrar Office before September 28, which is the last day to drop a course for this semester. If you are dorming at Adelphi, you can always talk to a Resident Assistant or Residential Hall Director about anything. If you are commuting to Adelphi, you can always talk to a Commuter Assistant. Any Adelphi student is welcome to go to tutoring for free for any assignment and subject that you need help with. Additionally, any student is allowed access to the counseling center which is free and confidential. Know that on and off campus you are never alone.