After a long summer of office internships, Netflix binge-watching, and scouting out air conditioning, we're finally back on campus. While it's easy to get caught up in the social aspect of being back at Northwestern (three months is a long time not to see some of your best friends), it's important to start strong academically.
We're nicknamed "Nerdwestern" for a reason, right? Here are some tips for having a great first week of classes:
1. Attend all of your classes.
This seems like a no-brainer, but for some reason, people still skip classes during the first week. Yes, even if your class is at 8 a.m. for five days a week, or if the professor is known for posting everything on Canvas, GO. You will thank yourself later.
2. Use a planner to keep track of assignments/reading due dates.
Consistently using a planner makes it so much easier to keep track of when assignments are due and when midterms or tests will occur. Because Northwestern students have so much going on, between classes, extracurriculars, and social activities, it's easy to slip up and completely forget about an assignment. Once you receive your syllabi during the first week, make sure you immediately transfer all due dates into your planner or online calendar.
3. Coordinate your schedule with your friends' schedules.
Sometimes, weekdays can seem to drag on forever, so it's important to mix in a little social time in between classes. Grabbing coffee in Norbucks or a quick lunch in a dining hall with a friend or two will get you energized for your next class.
4. Minimize the number of naps you take.
Naps are great. I'm admittedly a huge napper. However, naps can also be dangerous for college students. Whether it be feeling groggy after a nap, sleeping through a class, or not being able to fall asleep later that night, naps can do quite a bit of damage to our mental and physical health. With that being said, a nap can also be great, as long as it's a quick, 30 minute one. Try not to slip into bad napping habits, especially during the first week.
5. Keep up/get ahead with reading.
Most professors will already be assigning reading this week, and often times, it will be a daunting amount. During the first class of my freshman year fall quarter, my professor assigned 300 pages of reading due for the next week. What I found most effective was to chip away at the reading every day so that I didn't get slammed by all 300 pages in one night. Keeping up with reading assignments definitely helps with starting the quarter off on the right foot.
