Syllabus week. A week dedicated to the introduction of new semester classes, expected to be the easiest period of time for a college student which is completely false information. Whoever told you, “Oh this week will be so easy!”, is wrong. The blessed few of this university get to really experience syllabus week to its full potential, while the rest of us squabble over excessive readings and assignments due the next day.
1. The adjustment process is hard.
Not only do you have to wake up for class, you have tons of work following that class, have to decide if you want to be social, get enough sleep, and somehow fit everything into the exhausting college schedule, winter break allowed you to forget.
2. You will be broke.
Unfortunately your bank account will drastically suffer when each class requires: two $100 dollar textbooks (written by the professor, making it almost impossible to find them anywhere but the bookstore), a binder, a notebook, a calculator, safety googles, a clicker, one pink eraser, a box of crayons, a diamond encrusted pen, and of course a snack for the class. After emptying your pockets for each course, you will be left with about $8, which you will probably end up spending at Starbucks.
3. Class is especially boring.
A whole class devoted to a syllabus can be extra stale, and dozing off while the professor reviews course objectives is completely natural. Don't worry, this is normal and you most likely won't be the only one.
4. Going out is a myth for most people.
Only the few and brave go out this week, while most are chained to their desk with work. You will be forced to watch your friends get ready to go out, while you are only on page 6 of 78 of your assigned reading. They'll leave you alone, forcing your textbook to become your only companion for the night. Although witnessing their fun without you is heartbreaking, the weekend is right around the corner, hang in there.
5. Everything on campus is packed.
Since everyone is so very excited to be back on campus, everything from the dining hall, to the gym will be jam packed with people. These kind of lines will have you question what kind of thing they are giving out for free considering the mass number of people waiting. This will certainly die down, but for the time being it is out of control.
6. Organization is key.
This week is a time to get organized and lay out the semester step by step. It's very important to record all upcoming exams and assignments, preventing them from sneaking up on you. Plus this kind of organization can be very satisfying. Do what works for you, but staying on top of your day planner will be very beneficial in the long run.
7. Printing out the syllabus is almost pointless
Considering everything for any course at this University is online, printing out the syllabus deems unnecessary. Lets face it, if it were to be printed, that syllabus is going to be found crumbled up at the bottom of your book bag in a week anyways, might as well save the time and energy.
8. Impending stress will haunt you.
Hearing of the exams and course requirements all at once can be very intimidating. Stressing about stress is inevitable yet unavoidable. Just focus on staying organized and remain calm, for this is only week one.
9. This is week gives the opportunity of a clean slate.
Maybe last semester, you didn't do as well as you hoped. This is the opportunity to start fresh in a new semester. So get out there and make this semester yours.
