| GO
TO CLASS. |
That's
the least you can do. Would you buy a car and never drive it?
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| |
| Remember,
this is college. |
It will
be more challenging and demanding than high school. Expect to study
more to get what you want. Going to class is the most important thing
to do, but you have to be prepared when you get there. Putting in
about 2 hours of preparation and study outside of class for every
one you spend in class is a good rule of thumb.
|
| |
| Remember
that the grades from the first semester of your freshman year count just
as much toward your GPA as those from your last semester. |
And yes,
the classes do get harder. Pad your GPA now!
|
| |
| Be
true to yourself |
Remember,
it's OK to change your major or directions. A critical aspect of the
college experience is to explore your interests. Don't forget to take
a class for your soul.
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| |
| Ask
upper class students which professors they like best. |
Write
down the names of the professors you think you would like to have
for a class.
|
| |
| Keep
track of your academic record. |
Remember
it is your responsibility to know where you stand academically. Get
a UK folder and keep important information in it (i.e. transcripts,
letters of recommendation, financial aid info.)
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| |
| Take
a library tour. |
The day
you need to do research will come, and just knowing where to find
information is a great place to start.
|
| |
| Develop
good relationships early with your professors. |
When
you need letters of recommendation for scholarships, internships,
and honorary organizations, those contacts will serve you well.
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| |
| Be
active in asking for help. |
Your
advisor is an incredible resource. Go to see him or her often - at
least a couple of times each semester. Go see your professors, too.
Teachers schedule office hours for a reason - to help you. Also, utilize
free tutoring services provided by the Student Governement Association,
the Residence Hall Association, and college departments.
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| |
| Investigate
opportunities to study abroad. |
Spending
a semester in Europe (or wherever) is easier than you think. (Visit
Rm 112 Bradley Hall for more information)
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| |
| Get
involved with groups and organizations on campus. |
Nothing
makes you fell more at home than finding a group that shares your
similar interests.
|
| |
| Take
care of yourself, eat well, excercise, and get a good night's sleep. |
Prioritize
your activities. Don't let too many extracurriculars or too many hours
at a job get in the way of your studies. That sounds obvious, but
it can happen easier than you think. Develop a regular, yet flexible,
schedule for your time. Along with your classes, include studying,
extracurricular commitments, work, and (just as importantly) rest
and relaxation.
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| |
| Don't
let technology leave you behind. |
You can
activate an e-mail account at any campus computer lab. A wealth of
useful information can be found on the College of Arts & Sciences
website. You can find links to virtually every office on campus, including
the Registrar's office, where you can check your grades, as well as
academic departments to check syllabi. Also, get on an e-mail listserv
specific to your major or interests. It could be a great resource
for letting you know what's going on.
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| |
| Live
on campus at least a year. |
Residence
halls provide a great place to easily make friends, to form study
groups and to connect you to campus life.
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| |
| Remember
that if you do have unresolved academic issues with a class or professor,
an academic ombud is available to assist you. |
