First Day of College Tips

These first day of college tips are sure to make settling in much easier.

Start the Day Before

There are several ways to prepare for day one ahead of time. One simple tip is to check your email to see if your professors have sent a message about the syllabus, what to bring on the first day, or even just to welcome you to their class.

It's also a good idea to take some time to walk around the campus and make sure you know where you're going. It's easy to get lost if you don't know your way around, especially in a big city like Philadelphia, and you don't want to be late!

Finally, make sure you get a good night's sleep. You've got a big day tomorrow, and being well rested is a great way to make sure you're alert and ready to learn. Before going to bed, make sure your alarm is set with plenty of time to get ready for your big day.

In the Classroom

The first day of class has finally come, so how can you make the most of it? The first step is to dress for success! You don't necessarily need to wear a suit, but you probably shouldn't stroll in wearing pajamas if you want to make a good impression on your professors. Getting to class 10 or so minutes early is another good way to make a positive first impression, while also ensuring you can find a seat where you'll be able to learn effectively.

It's also a good idea to sit by someone you don't know — meeting new people in the class means you'll have someone to help you out with notes or assignments if you miss a day, have partners to work on projects with, and expand your group of friends. So strike up a conversation! After all, you're in this together.

Your professor will likely be going over the syllabus on the first day. It's imperative to pay attention to this! The syllabus is your guide to the class moving forward, and will be a great resource. Don't be afraid to ask questions about policies, schedules, or anything else that springs to mind. That's what this time is for!

After Class

After your first class, you should take some time to consider if it's a class you really want to take. Not every class is a right fit for every student, and it's better to consider switching to something else early instead of putting in less effort and possibly getting a bad grade. Reviewing the syllabus one more time can help with this, because you can look at the schedule of the class and what will be covered, how time intensive it will be, and more. But if you decide that a class is not right for you at the time, you have until the end of the first week of the quarter to add and drop any courses. Just make sure you are making a wise choice!

Finally, there's a chance you'll be assigned homework (yes, even on the first day). If you do, make sure you complete it! Starting the class off on the right foot is key to a successful term and missing assignments right away is sure to impact your grade moving forward, as well as setting a bad precedent. If you have any long-term assignments, be sure to start them early. Your calendar will fill up quickly and 10-week terms fly by!

By following this advice and using these tips, you're sure to thrive and enjoy your time at Drexel University!