First Day of Classes: How to Feel Prepared

By: SSG Tyler O’Connor

We all know that first day feeling: the butterflies, the jitters, the sweat, and sometimes tears that come with the first day of school, camp, job, etc. It’s a universal experience that is fueled by excitement but also, sometimes worry. So whether it’s your first year of college, or your first semester on the Boston Campus, here’s a few tips and tricks to prepare you for classes and hopefully ease some of the first day anxiety.

1.) Check your classes’ Canvas pages.

Combing through each of your classes’ Canvas pages allows you to identify any pre-class assignments, readings, and most importantly, the syllabus!

2.) Read the syllabus

Thoroughly reading the syllabus for a class is a great way to get a feel for the professor’s teaching style, expectations, and grading patterns. Not to mention, most teachers expect you to read the syllabus, so actually doing it will often answer your initial questions.

3.) Downloading Textbooks

Some professors might have a discount code for textbooks, so you can wait to purchase them until after the first class. But, if they’d like you to purchase it beforehand, it will often be explicitly stated in the syllabus.

4.) Materials

Lap top, I Pad, or notebook. It’s up to you! Most teachers accept all forms of notetaking, in which case make sure to stay organized in whichever one you choose. However, there are a few cases where technology is not allowed in the classroom. If this is so, oblige by using a good old fashioned pen and paper!

5.) Early is on-time!

Getting to class early on the first day allows you to pick your seat, introduce yourself to the professor if you’d like, and set yourself up for a semester of punctuality.

6.) Schedule

Write out your schedule with times and locations in your notes app. You can even pre-walk your class route to time just how long it will take you. This is especially helpful if you plan to take any form of transport, like the T (which may be unreliable sometimes), to class.

7.) Confidence

One of the most important elements of preparing for a new semester is to present yourself with confidence. Some classes are hard, but going into it with the right mindset can be a game changer. Don’t be afraid to jump right into discussion, exude humility in the classroom, and strive to deliver your best work.

You got this!