Syllabus Week, aka "The Calm Before the Storm"

For those of us who don't know, syllabus week is like the best of times in a class while also being worse due to the pre-cursor of finding out how much that course is going to wreck your life.

But here are some things you should do during syllabus week, and maybe if I followed my own advice I'd be doing better in life.

1. Get to class early.

Assuming that you've already filled your schedule with your ideal classes, if you're new to campus, try to find your classes earlier so that if it's a smaller setting it's less awkward for you than walking in late and confused on the first day (even though it happens to everyone).

2. Stay flexible.

If you aren't sure about the classes you have on the schedule, checking the syllabus and attending the first few classes will definitely help you decide whether this class is a good fit for you or if you're willing to stick with it even though you know it'll prove to be challenging.

** Keep in Mind that there IS an Add/Drop Period and a Withdrawal deadline so be aware and make sure you add/drop or withdraw before it's too late if you feel like it would be best for you **

3. READ. THE. SYLLABUS.

Seriously, read it. One reason is that it gives you a lot of information about the course, expectations of you, and expectations that you should also have. Some syllabi also give you a calendar with deadlines for assignments and other due dates for things like readings and topics. These are really helpful for charting out what your schedule for the course will look like. Also, some professors might give a small quiz on some random thing from the syllabus the first day. An example of this is that one of my professors had put his favorite baseball players jersey number in the syllabus and said there would be a quiz on it (he wrote in the syllabus) and sure enough on the first day of classes there was a quiz with that single question.

4. Come prepared.

If your syllabus has a specific supply list make sure you make note of what you have, what you need to get, and things that might not be so specific to you (such as using a notebook versus a binder).

It's important that you have all the supplies that you need for a class so it doesn't hinder you later on. So check out your school bookstore, or go take a trip to Walmart, Target or wherever else you want to get school supplies from. PLUS getting new school supplies is always enjoyable.

5. Be independent.

See if you have a class with any of your friends, it could be helpful but it could also be a distraction.

If you have a course with friends it can be beneficial to have someone you're already comfortable with in the class which makes the transition easier. However, if it proves to be a distraction during the lecture where you are no longer paying attention, you should do what you need to do to fix that.

6. Be social.

If you don't have friends in the class, maybe try to make an acquaintance/friend in the class who you can trade notes with or future questions with.

This will prove to be helpful because everyone wants to do well in class. Sometimes, it is a little intimidating to try to be social and make small talk but in the end, it's worth it and most times you might be pleasantly surprised and end up with some cool friends.

7. Be Calm, Be Chill, Have Fun.

Syllabus week is one of the lightest weeks in the semester (arguably the lightest week) so don't be too hard on yourself for this week. Especially because you don't want to burn yourself out. Go have fun with friends after class, or go do something cool you want to do, check out clubs and events. It's good to do this now because as the semester progresses you'll have less time to do chill fun things and be spending more time stressing and doing work.

Most Importantly

Make Your Semester Enjoyable for Yourself

Try to get the Most out of Your Classes

Work Hard / Power Through