It's the start of a new semester, and for students it's important to start the semester on a good note. For freshmen and returning students alike, there are a variety of tips and tricks that can make the beginning of the school year more pleasant. Many different things can affect how well the semester goes, but one of the most important aspects of college is time management.
Academic adviser Ann Lee said one problem facing many students new to college is that they have to manage their own time, as opposed to having their schedules dictated by school and parents.
"Now they're on their own," she said, adding that many students may assume they have lots of free time.
One way for students to figure out how much time they actually have to themselves is by looking at the week in hours.
"There are 168 hours in a week, subtract school, sleep, eating, work, and you'll have 40 to 60 hours of free time," Lee said.
Studying is something that is very essential when it comes to the college life, and Lee suggests at least 15 hours of studying.
"Most [students] who hit this minimum do well," she said.
According to the College Board, it is important to decide where and when to study in advance. It is genuinely not a good idea to study at night when someone would be more tired. Set reasonable goals when studying and try to establish a schedule that can be followed in the future. Collegeboard.com suggests students use time in between classes, and to do the more difficult studying in the morning; this way the more challenging topics can have more time devoted to them.
Bracken Library is usually the preferred place on campus for students to study, Lee said. Some students like the fourth floor because it is completely silent, but others enjoy studying on the second and third floors because they can study as well as socialize with others.
Staying on campus for a while before returning home might help students feel connected to the campus, Lee said.
Sophomore Kyle Stubbeman also recommends students to stay on campus, especially freshmen.
"It's a good thing, just to get used to the college life," Stubbeman said.
There are many other places students can go for information if they still need help getting off on the right foot. The counseling center in Lucina Hall can aid a student is he or she is stressed about things in their academic or personal life.
For the more educational quandaries, an academic adviser might be helpful. To find out who their adviser is, students can check the Ball State website and search for "Who is My Advisor?" or go to academic advising in North Quad.
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