The first week of the quarter can be a stressful time for anybody. You need to find out where your classes are, buy books, fight your way through the parking lot just to get a spot, and of course there’s the stress of just surviving your actual classes. The first week is definitely stressful, even for seniors who have been through this before. With that in mind, here are some tips to help everyone get through the first week in one piece. Hopefully.
First is parking. Unfortunately, parking is crazy ridiculous and has only gotten worse. Therefore, make sure that give yourself enough time to find a spot and make it to class on time. I know that’s easier said than done, believe me. And I know that circling a parking lot for half an hour and trying to find parking can be seriously stressful, but just remember to try not to let it get to you. You don’t want to start your day on the wrong foot. If it is at all possible, I recommend trying to arrive on campus at least an hour before your class starts. Every extra minute might help.
Now let’s talk about books. Books are ridiculously expensive, but I’ve found that if they are available, buying books on Amazon is a hell of a lot cheaper than the bookstore. Don’t waste any more money than you already have to. And if it is at all possible, try and get Amazon Student. It’ll help in the long run.
So now that you have a parking space and your books, the next thing you need to do is figure out where your classes are. Being lost on a huge campus can be pretty intimidating, but fear not! You can usually find maps and helpful people at makeshift information desks designed specifically to get you were you need to be. Or you can also just ask someone for directions. Just hope they actually know where locations are. I can’t tell you how many times someone has asked me for a building only for me to reply with, “I’m not sure…” Okay, it’s been three times. But still.
Last, but not least, remember to relax. A new class can be scary. I get it. And some professors certainly don’t help matters when they throw so much information at you on the first day in attempt to scare you away. Just remember, that you wanted this class and got the spot for a reason. I know that reading the syllabus can be very intimidating, especially when you see that in week two you have a presentation, a midterm week five, and various other homework. It can be scary. I get it, but believe me, the quarter will go by extremely quickly and you’ll look back and wonder what you were worried about in the first place.
Or it’ll be week ten and you’re swamped with papers, presentations, and finals and just want to cry in a corner. But don’t worry. There will be therapy dogs on campus to help you out.
So don’t fret. Be excited! You got this, guys! Good luck!
