蜜桃影像

Starting college is a big deal, and stepping into your first college class can feel a little intimidating. But here鈥檚 the thing: your professors and the whole 蜜桃影像 community are pulling for you. We want to see you succeed, and we’re here to help you every step of the way.

We asked some of our faculty (shoutout to Father Vincent Hevern, who鈥檚 been teaching at 蜜桃影像 for over 30 years!) to share their top advice for new students. Here are 10 things they wish every first-year student knew before starting classes.

Tips for Success

It鈥檚 true! Professors at 蜜桃影像 are passionate about teaching and helping you grow. They鈥檙e here to guide you through tough material, answer your questions, and even chat about your goals. So don鈥檛 be shy about reaching out鈥攖hey鈥檙e on your team.

If you鈥檙e struggling with something鈥攚hether it鈥檚 an assignment, lecture topic, or time management鈥攍et your professor know. Ask questions in class, email them, or visit during office hours. They鈥檇 much rather help you early on than see you fall behind.

Pro tip: Even a simple email like, 鈥淗i Professor, I鈥檓 confused about today鈥檚 lecture鈥攃an I come by to discuss it?鈥 can make a big difference.

Think of office hours as open invitations to chat with your professor. These one-on-one meetings are a chance to:

  • Get help with assignments.
  • Dive deeper into class topics.
  • Ask for career or academic advice.

Faculty love when students use this time, so take advantage of it. Plus, it shows them you鈥檙e serious about learning.

Worried your question might sound silly? Don鈥檛 be. Odds are, your classmates are wondering the same thing. Professors appreciate curiosity and effort. If you鈥檙e still nervous, consider writing your question down and emailing it to your professor later.

When you start each class, your professor will give you a syllabus. It鈥檚 not just a boring handout鈥攊t鈥檚 a roadmap for the semester. It lists assignments, deadlines, grading policies, and more. Pro tip: Bookmark it or save it somewhere handy. You鈥檒l thank yourself later!

Showing up to class on time (and being ready to engage) is one of the easiest ways to succeed. Not only will you keep up with the material, but you鈥檒l also show your professors that you care. If you鈥檙e sick or something urgent comes up, just let them know鈥攖hey understand that life happens.

In high school, you might鈥檝e been able to ace a test by cramming the night before. In college? Maybe not so much. Here鈥檚 what can work better:

  • Review your notes after each class.
  • Break assignments into smaller chunks.
  • Study regularly instead of all at once.

Fun fact: This approach (called 鈥渄istributed practice鈥) is proven to work better than cramming.

We get it鈥攜our phone is a constant companion. But during class, it鈥檚 time to focus. Checking social media or texting doesn鈥檛 just distract you; it can disrupt your classmates and professor too. Pro tip: Turn your phone on silent or keep it in your bag to avoid temptation.

Your professors aren鈥檛 just here to teach鈥攖hey can be amazing mentors. Developing a strong connection with them can lead to:

  • Great recommendation letters.
  • Internship and job opportunities.
  • Advice on grad school or career paths.

Start by introducing yourself early in the semester. A simple, 鈥淗i, I鈥檓 [Your Name], and I鈥檓 excited to be in your class!鈥 can break the ice.

Starting college is a learning curve, and it鈥檚 okay to mess up. Missed a deadline? Bombed a quiz? Don鈥檛 panic. Be honest, take responsibility, and focus on how you can improve. Your professors are here to help you grow鈥攖hey just need to know you鈥檙e putting in the effort.

You鈥檝e Got This! Let鈥檚 Make It a Great First Semester.

College isn鈥檛 just about earning a degree鈥攊t鈥檚 about discovering who you are and what you鈥檙e passionate about. By using these tips, building connections, and taking advantage of the resources available to you, you鈥檒l be off to a strong start. Most importantly, welcome to 蜜桃影像鈥攚e can鈥檛 wait to see will achieve!

Through mentorship and study skill development, 蜜桃影像鈥檚 academic support and advising team offers many resources to help you 鈥 no matter if you are an undecided or declared major 鈥 learn about how you can do your best on the Heights.