May Oo Khine

It's not like high school anymore where your teacher will give you a printed sheet of dates and review guides! You've got to make sure yourself by going online to the class portal or by checking in with your professor. This really helps when you want to start planning ahead and also to start making plans for the winter break (ex. buying plane tickets!)

Use your resources! Make study groups with the others in your class and go to office hours to talk to your professors! One tip I got from an upperclassman was to divide readings between you and a friend and then explain to each other. Talking it out really helps your understanding! 

     By the 4th week of the term, I developed a very bad habit of missing breakfast. I really don't recommend this! If you don't have time for a full meal, at least get some light snacks from The Hop or some fresh pastries from Novack or King Arthur Flour (KAF). A happy tummy will definitely sit well with you once you start your first class of the day. Especially when the workload piles up, breakfast can really give you much needed energy. 

     Once finals approach, the library instantly becomes our second home, which means so many places and study spots will be full. Try to find somewhere comfortable in the afternoon when it is not too crowded yet. Also, during finals, other places like the Center for Professional Development and Collis Center open up study spots for students along with refreshments, so keep an eye out for them, too! 

Who doesn't need a friendly cuddle from a good ol' therapy dog? Some Greek houses and associations bring therapy dogs for students to come and meet while taking a break from studying. There might be some free Lou's donuts too so make sure to check your inbox! 

And finally, take a deep breath! It's your first term in college. You're doing your best trying to settle in, meeting new friends, finding your place in a new environment. Take a deep breath and don't put too much pressure on yourself and your academics. Things will work out — take it one step at a time!