Jaclyn Figg
Staff Writer
For most students, the spring semester represents a continuation of the efforts they began in the fall, but there are a significant number of individuals who begin their college experience at the outset of the second half of the academic year.
These first-time freshmen may have the feeling of being cast into the deep end of an already quickly moving stream, but with a little help and advice from those in the know, these students will find themselves getting along swimmingly in no time.
“If we can establish some of these habits right from the get go and this knowledge base, I think the student is going to have such a more positive experience and be more successful,” said JoAnn Hertz, the central academic advising director.
Here are 13 things to help, not only freshman coming into their spring semester, but all students.
1. Finalize schedule as soon as possible.
According to Hertz, ISU allows students to add or drop classes for the first 10 days of school. It is best to have the schedule done the first day of class, but if this is not possible, make sure to have it done by the end of the first week so as not to get behind.
2. Buy all books at the beginning of the semester.
There can be times where a student thinks they don’t need a book for a class, but it is recommended to have all books. For first time freshmen who haven’t received their loans yet, there is a book loan option in financial services to help them. “Even if you don’t think you need the book, it’s really helpful to set yourself up right away for success and have all your books,” Hertz said.
3. Make a schedule.
Time management can be crucial while attending college. It is a big shift from high school. Planning their schedule each week to include at least two hours of study time per credit as well as recreation can help students to succeed.
4. Plan on attending every class session.
College comes with a bit more flexibility and freedom than high school; students aren’t going to get ticketed for not attending. If students skip classes when it is not an emergency and then something does come up, it could lead to long-term trouble in the class. “Plan to attend every single class, period. This is your job. This is what you are here to do. You are paying for this,” Hertz said.
5. Update contact info for the university.
Students move and end up with different addresses or change their phone number and it becomes difficult for the university to reach them. If administrative personnel or people with scholarships send something to a student’s old address or call an old number they are likely not to receive the information. To update this information, students can go to BengalWeb under the academic tools tab and click student records.
6. Declare a major.
Advisers can better instruct students which classes they should take if they have declared a major. As well if students change their mind, they should change their declared major to avoid taking unnecessary classes. Then students can be assigned an adviser from within their department of study starting their sophomore year. Students will then be able to receive emails regarding their department, which also could include scholarship opportunities.
7. Read your ISU email.
This is how administration communicates with students and it is possible to miss important news or scholarship information if they don’t check it regularly.
8. Complete the 2016-2017 FAFSA by the end of February.
This is easy to put off but for students to secure their loans for the next semester this is a good thing to keep in mind.
9. Search for fall scholarships in the Bengal Online Scholarship System and then apply.
Every little bit helps.
10. Take advantage of the ISU Career Center.
Located on the fourth floor of the Museum building, the Career Center offers a career and life-planning class that could help students succeed: Counseling 1150.
“It’s a fantastic class to help freshmen and sophomores figure out majors, career paths, work on resumes and work on interviewing,” said Lance Erickson, Career Center director. They help with resumes, tests to take to help get students headed in the right direction and many other benefits for students to take advantage of for free.
11. Focus on a major.
If students are still unsure what major they want to pursue, there is a program on the Career Center’s website called Focus. It consists of a series of tests to help students figure out their interests and what majors would be suited to those interests. “The university is really looking at wanting the students to be successful and communicating with them. Students are always welcome to come into Central Academic Advising,” Hertz said.
12. Manage money.
Students should pay attention to their financial situation. It easy to buy a water bottle here, a coffee there or a candy bar, but those things quickly add up.
13. Have FUN!
The college experience and any benefits that may be gained from completing it are all for naught if you drive yourself into a straitjacket and end up spending the duration of finals week looking out through the barred window of your padded room. Take a one credit class or two to add something different to your day: whether that is a spinning course, billiards or bowling, these classes can help you keep your sanity.
