Welcome back! Whether it is your first day of kindergarten or you are wrapping up your Senior year of college, the first day of school can be filled with excitement, apprehension or even stress. When starting a new phase of life, those are all normal feelings and everyone goes through them.
With a little preparation, planning and hard work you can succeed. According to a recent article by the Harvard Extension School, there are 6 tips for having your best year yet.
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Find a study zone
- A place that is free of distractions where it’s easy to concentrate
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Train your brain
- Break down studying into 25-30 minute intervals and take breaks in between
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Connect with classmates
- Study groups are great for challenging each other and discovering new perspectives on the subject matter.
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Get help from friends
- Set expectations with friends and family about availability. They should all know school is your priority.
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Seek out resources
- All schools have resources online or on campus to help you succeed. Find a good advisor, tutor or workshops to work on your skills and study habits. Check out the Jagwire app for information on the many resources available on campus.
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Make a plan
- Talk to family, friends and your employer to make sure they are all aware of your schedule, and your priorities. Also, set time aside for yourself. Whether reading for fun or getting in a workout. Make sure you have some “me time.”
“College experiences vary tremendously. Even for students who pursue the same course of study, college is never a one-size-fits-all proposition,” said Adam Weinberg, President of Denison University in a LinkedIn post, 5 tips to Start College on the Right Foot. “The particular combination of classes and co-curricular activities you choose, along with the residential and social choices you make, will create a unique experience that, if properly prepared, will nourish and sustain you in college and throughout the rest of your life.”
The VIDA community welcomes you back to campus! We are excited to be your neighbor and hope to see you soon on campus or grabbing a cup of coffee on the lawn of VIDA’s Zócalo plaza in the near future! For additional information specific to starting school and orientation programs at Texas A&M – San Antonio, visit the new student orientation page.