First Year To-Do List

Know important deadlines

Find out the important deadlines of the semester and put them in your day planner and/or the calendar function of your cell phone.  Here are just a few that you should find:

• The last day to drop a class without getting a “W”.
• The last day to drop a class without having to get permission.
• The due dates for your assignments.
• The dates for all of your quizzes and tests.
• Deadlines for applying for scholarships.
• Deadlines for applying for financial aid.

Know where things are on campus

There are numerous resources on campus that you should be aware of.  Here are just a few that you should make a point of locating:

• The Advising Center.
• The Career Center.
• The Financial Aid Office.
• The Registrar’s Office.
• Student Health and Counseling.
• The offices of all of your professors.

Keep your catalog

Your college catalogue gives you information on college policies that impact your studies.  It also gives you information about majors, course descriptions and graduation requirements.  Make sure you keep your catalogue.

Find out how to pay your tuition

Visit the Financial Aid Office to determine the best way to pay for your tuition.  Do this as soon as possible.  You won’t be able to register for the next semester’s classes until tuition has been paid.  You also won’t be able to get grades or transcripts in case you want to transfer.

Purchase books

Most classes will require that you study BOTH your notes AND your text book.  Don’t wait until the last minute to get your book. You can often find out what books you need even before class starts if you visit the website for the UW-P bookstore.

Identify a good study location on campus

The most fun places where your friends meet aren’t usually the best places to study.  You should find a quiet and comfortable place where you can concentrate and where there are few interruptions. Students often find areas of the library to be the best.

Go to class

Missing class is one of the surest ways to fail.  Professors will likely not check up on you so it is your responsibility to go to every class meeting. If there are circumstances beyond your control that make you miss class, you should talk to you professor about options and consider dropping the class.

Study

To be successful in college, you will need to study a MINIMUM of two hours per every hour of class that you have.  For example, if you are taking 13 credits, expect to study an additional 26 hours per week.

Visit the tutoring center

The tutoring center is a great resource and it is free to all students. You can help with math at any time.  If you need help with other classes, you should stop by and make an appointment.