Coming into a new school year, new and returning students all have the same goal in mind, which is to have a successful semester.
Each new term is what one makes of it, and while each is likely to include a few hurdles, starting off on the right foot can help reduce and even eliminate some of those obstacles and better set up students for success.
First things first, show up. One of the most important things a student can do is show up for that first day and, really, show up to every day of class.
Be there, be present and make an effort to get to know professors from the get-go.
Instructors are often the most underutilized resource afforded to college students despite being one of the most accessible. Making a solid effort to get to know professors has plenty of potential benefits, from gaining professional contacts and internship opportunities to letters of recommendations and getting that 89.7 rounded up to a 90 at the end of the term.
Seeking help from professors ahead of a big test or paper is often easier if they are familiar with a student’s face, especially if that student has been attentive in class, asked questions and made an effort to get to know that professor.
Students should also try to make a friend or two in each class because inevitably, life happens and classes are missed, but if they have a friend in their courses they have a person that can help them get notes and any crucial information missed.
This person does not have to become a best friend or someone to hang out with outside of class or a study group, but exchanging contact information and being friendly with classmates could be mutually beneficial in crunch time.
Of course, college isn’t solely about going to lectures and studying until the eyes start bleeding. It’s also a chance to explore new things. One of the best ways to do that is by getting involved.
All TCC campuses have a wide array of student organizations, clubs and departments for students to join, which help to expand a student’s social circle and find a good school/life balance.
Students can join clubs related to a major or their field of interest or join organizations out of pure curiosity. While there are certainly responsibilities to take care of, college is also somewhat of a playground, so don’t be afraid to try new things while taking courses at TCC.
Another thing to help students have a successful semester is getting familiar with the campus as well as the different resources available to them.
From tutoring centers to counseling services and from student accessibility resources to health services and the library, the TCC community is full of intelligent, creative and passionate faculty, staff and students there to help throughout this time of growth and discovery.
Just ask.
The final piece of advice is to stay up-to-date on what’s happening around TCC and the community. To do so, look for and pick up new issues of The Collegian on newsstands every Wednesday on all campuses or check out our website at collegian.tccd.edu. TCC’s districtwide, student-run newspaper is here to help everyone stay informed.
Lastly, on behalf of The Collegian family, whether it’s your first semester or your 50th, we welcome you to TCC. Here’s to a successful Fall 2018 semester for us all.
