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Tips for First-Year Students
College is different from high school in just about every way. Your admission to Chico State reflects the fact that you are capable of meeting the academic challenges of college, but to stay on top of the game you’ve got to recognize and respond to those differences. We’ve asked students to describe the biggest issues they faced in their first semester and to give advice to incoming students. Here’s a sample of what they had to say.
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Personal responsibility “In college you have freedom to do as you please…to go where you wish…to do as you wish. Unfortunately, this freedom is easily abused. The student carries 98% of the responsibility and control.”
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Class attendance “As a college student, you will decide whether you want to go to class or not. Being absent will hurt you in the long run.” One guaranteed way to raise your grade in a class is to attend every class meeting.
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Teacher attitudes “Your instructors will not hound you to do your work. It’s entirely up to you.” “Get to know your teachers. If your teachers know you, it will be easier for them to look out for you and help you if you’re having trouble.” Many students overestimate the grades they are earning. You should meet with each of your instructors during the 4 th or 5 th week of the semester to get a reality check about how you’re doing in each of your classes.
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Types of assignments “In high school we were given a homework assignment every day. Now we have a large task assigned to be done at a certain time. No one tells you when to start or what to do each day. Once you get an assignment, start working on it right away. It takes a daily effort to keep up.”
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Importance of performance “Don’t take your courses or studies lightly. The decisions you make in college will decide your future, in some respects. Remember that you are here for an education.”
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Time management “The amount of free time you have in college is much more than in high school. Always have a weekly study schedule to go by. Otherwise, time slips away and you will not be able to account for it.”
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Amount of study “In high school I was a B student without studying. In college I was a C/D student without studying. To succeed, you have to study!” Generally, you should plan on studying an average of 2 hours per week for every hour (unit) you spend in class.
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Learning to ask for help “Learn how to use the library right away—go on a tour, and always ask the people at the information desk for help.” “At first I didn’t talk with my instructors outside of class, but after a while I discovered that they really do want students to stop by during their office hours, especially if you are having questions about their class.” No matter what your question or problem is, there’s someone at Chico State who can help you. One of the most useful skills you can develop is the ability to ask for help when you need it. Faculty can help you understand course material and expectations, Advisors can help you select the right classes, the Student Learning Center can help you improve your study skills, Psychological Counseling can help you work through personal issues—all you have to do is ask.
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