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Tips for a Successful First Year
Your first year is a great time to take advantage of all that UMass Boston
has to offer! Check out these tips and words of advice from some who have
been where you are now!
In the classroom…
- Go to class! While some classes may not have strict
attendance requirements, it is important to attend all of your classes
to get the most of your college education. Absenteeism will hurt your
grades. And, you might miss something important.
- Keep your syllabus and check it regularly. A syllabus,
given by your instructor at the beginning of a course, includes instructor
contact information, required course texts, description of course objectives
and assignment deadlines, and details how the final grade will be computed.
- Come prepared for class. In addition to bringing
along the essentials (a notebook or laptop, pen/pencil and your textbook)
being prepared for class means that you have read the assigned materials
carefully and have completed your homework. Be prepared to participate
in any classroom discussions -- it's a great way to make sure the professor
knows you're there.
- Turn in your assignments on time!
- Take notes during class. Pay attention to what the
instructor is saying. Professors can tell, even in a lecture class,
who is not paying attention or is doing other course work.
- Learn to think critically. Have an open mind for
new ideas and challenge yourself.
- Ask questions if you are confused or are having problems.
Visit your professors during their established office hours. Most professors
believe their office hours are underutilized, so stop in and get to
know them.
- Remember the 3-to-1 rule: It is expected that you
dedicate 3 hours a week for every 1 credit you are taking. So a 12-credit
semester means 36 hours of study time -- that's almost a full time job!
- Review material often. Last-minute studying is stressful
and reduces chances for good grades. Make use of time before class or
waiting in line by reviewing your class notes. Like with so many things,
practice makes perfect.
Campus life…
- Explore campus before the first day of classes.
The campus won't be as busy and you won't be under pressure to get to
class on time. Find out where your classes are, find the bookstore,
cafeterias, etc. This way, your first day of classes will be less stressful
and not so overwhelming.
- Pay attention to all academic and financial aid deadlines.
Know when it's time to register for classes, pay a bill, the deadline
to drop a class, or the date by which you have to file your financial
aid forms for the next year.
- Get to know a professor. Get to know at least one
professor each semester by keeping regular contact even when you are
not taking their class. When it comes times for scholarly advice and
support or a recommendation, you will have already established a connection
with someone who knows you well.
- Visit your academic adviser each semester. Your
adviser can help you select classes that will suit your needs and help
you complete your degree.
- Pick up a copy of the student handbook. It's both
a planner and a resources guide – you can get your copy at the
Student
Life Office.
- Get a campus job. Did you get work-study? Working
on campus is a great way to earn money, meet people and feel more connected
to campus. Check out campus jobs at Student
Employment.
- Keep informed. There are lots of ways for you to
stay in tune with happenings around campus – check out the TV
monitors, the UMass Boston web site (www.umb.edu)
the monthly Campus Community Calendar,
read flyers or the weekly student newspaper The Mass Media, and don't
forget to check your student e-mail
account.
- Manage your time wisely. First-year students tell
us that one of their greatest challenges is learning how to manage their
time well.
- Select a major early and explore career options.
Choosing a major and finding a career path can be challenging; however,
there are a number of useful resources available on campus through Academic
Advising or the Career
Services Office. It's never too early or too late to make plans
for your future.
- Learn how to manage your stress. Take a stress management
workshop or a yoga class. Check out stress management resources at University
Health Services.
- Keep fit. Stay active and relieve some stress by
exercising. Use the ice skating rink or go for a swim. The Beacon
Fitness Center is free to all students – you just need a student
ID. Meet people and stay fit by participating in an intramural sport.
- Utilize your mentor. Each Freshman Seminar class
is assigned a mentor to help new students with any problem or question
they might have their first semester. They make themselves available
both in class, after class and via email. They are a great resource
for 'learning the ropes" from a students perspective.
- Check out the many available resources around campus. Take
advantage of academic support services, career services, disabled student
center, international student services, housing, etc.
If I had to do it over…
"If you could start your college experience over, what would you
do differently?"
We asked students at UMass Boston this question, and here's what they
said:
- DON'T try to compact your schedule on to two days! It may seem to
be the most "efficient" way to get your education, and balance
work, etc. but it doesn't always work out that way. Having only 2 days
to be on campus, can lead you to fill in the extra days with your job,
or other activities that take away from your school work. If you are
attempting a two day a week schedule, you need to also plan your work
schedule to allow chunks of time (either day or night) on the remaining
days to get your work done.
- I would have joined a club my first semester. Often it is difficult
for students to feel a sense of community in a commuter school. Also,
many first year students don't know what they want to major in, which
can make them feel disinterested in their classes. I suggest joining
a club that focuses on something you are interested in your FIRST semester.
This way you can feel a part of a group, and get to know more students
outside of class. And who knows, it might help you to discover something
you want to major in later on!
- This is not high school; accept the professors as peers more than
you would high school teachers. Talk to them as a friend or mentor,
and they'll be there to help and guide you.
- I would have been more confident in taking advantage of all the opportunities
made available to me. The more you actively participate in the entire
college experience--from academics to extracurricular activities--the
more rewarding your time at UMass Boston will be.
- I would definitely prepare myself better from the transition to high
school life to a life of independence. I would plan my college career
path better by knowing what classes to take, take classes up to my ability
(and not too hard, of course) study harder than I did, and try not to
be intimidated to ask for help.
- Explore your major earlier; some of my major courses would have covered
the general education requirements.
- I would have done a better job at studying because that is what is
holding me back the most right now.
- I would've taken more "fun" classes and explored more of
my interests rather than rushing through.
- I would've gotten more involved right away.
- As an older student, I wish I checked out resources earlier to find
out that I wasn't alone and that there are many older students here
at UMass Boston.
- I wish I had applied for more scholarships and fellowships, and submitted
my financial aid paperwork on time. I lost out on lots of money because
I didn't pay attention to deadlines.
- I would have made sure I get some work experience in the field of
my major.
- Be more involved during my freshman year with school-wide activities.
Find out more about scholarships and grants. Participate in leadership
positions.
- I would not allow fear of the unknown stop me from trying anything.
- I would have tried to get a campus job my freshman year. I waited
until my senior year and lost out on making friends earlier.
- I would not skip any classes.
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