It’s a brand new school year here at Front Range Community College—welcome to campus (or welcome back)! This time of year is full of promise and opportunity. If your goal is to start off the year on the right foot, there are a few simple ways to set yourself up for success. Here are five tips to make this a great school year.
Manage your time effectively.
Whether you’re new to college or are returning for a degree or certificate with plans to make a career change, you probably know already that success in college requires commitment and good time management. With multiple classes and varying expectations from teachers, plus a life outside of school, juggling it all can be overwhelming for many students. Be sure to find a time management system that works for you and stick with it. Schedule everything on your calendar: class time, study time, work time, and family time. As soon as you know about a big assignment or project, put it in your planner—as well as several reminders ahead of time to avoid last-minute work or cramming. Finally, learn to say no when needed so that you free up your time for your highest priorities.
Get organized.
The volume of materials from multiple college courses can engulf any student, so it’s important to start off the year right with a good organizational system. There’s no one way to do it, but the key is to make your life easier. Keep the desk or work area tidy, organize your class files on a daily basis, and stay on top of the email and other communications from your classes. Incorporate a few minutes of organization time into the beginning and end of each day.
Do the work.
It goes without saying that you can’t be successful in college if you skip class, procrastinate, or only do some of the assigned work. Go to classes, pay attention, take good notes, look at your class syllabi frequently, do your homework, and develop a consistent study schedule. The more diligent you can be about your school work, the more you’ll learn—and your grades will reflect it.
Get to know your teachers.
At least once a term, visit your teachers outside of class time to put a name to a face and ask any questions. Engage with them during class by asking questions and participating in discussions. Getting to know your college professors can greatly enhance your college experience. You can develop real relationships that will benefit you down the road and get additional one-to-one support when you need it.
Take advantage of college resources.
College isn’t smooth sailing 100 percent of the time. At times you might need help, and fortunately, there are lots of resources available to you. At FRCC, we offer free tutoring, an online writing lab, academic support labs, disability services, and so much more. If you’re struggling with academics or anything else, don’t overlook the numerous academic assistance and advising and counseling resources. All you have to do is reach out!
It’s the start of a new year, and we know you’re excited—and maybe a little nervous. Develop a solid routine, stay with it, lean on your support system when you need to, and keep focused on your goals. With effort and a good attitude, you’ll undoubtedly make the very most of this year.
