Syllabus week is what I've found to be one of the most crucial and influential weeks during a semester. By the end of the week, I'll usually have attended one session of each course I'm registered for, and devoted time to looking over course requirements, policies, and so on.
Over the course of the four years I've been enrolled in college, I've come to realize the importance of developing a positive and strong relationship with each of my professors from the very first day. By doing so, it increases my rate of participation throughout the duration of the semester. Now, along with coming to terms with the required work load, and introducing myself to the professor; I'll take the time to introduce myself to peers that sit in front, behind, and adjacent to my seat. This always comes in handy when the professor decides to assign group projects and presentations.
Every professor is different. Some professors assign work from the very first day, while other professors may wait until the second or third session. However, for those who do assign work for a long term due date, my advice is to "get right on it". Procrastination in my opinion is one of the worst habits a student can do during the first five days. Try your very best to form a habit of studying the same day a specific portion of work is assigned. By doing so, as each week of the semester passes, you'll find your day-to-day schedule self-fulfilling and worthwhile. It's this idea that a student's time management during syllabus week has a huge impact on the weeks that follow.
The first week of classes also provides students the opportunity to ask their professor the ways in which the course material will be laid out, and discussed. This is especially important since many students these days (millennials) learn best through visual aids such as pictures, interactive videos, diagrams, charts, and presentations. Whereas others may simply benefit from listening attentively to the dialogue spoken by the professor. So this is the week to ask any and all questions you may have about how the material will be taught.
Try to start the first day of classes with a positive mindset. When you're sitting in class, with the syllabus down in front of you; instead of seeing the upcoming assignments as a pile of burdens, think of the assignments as gradual steps to your cap and gown. After a month long period of rest, take a deep breath, and believe in yourself. Believe that the obstacles ahead this semester will shape you into the person you so desperately want to be. Because after all, (and especially for seniors), our transcripts remain permanent through our adult lives, and can weigh heavily in the career we wish to pursue.
