Know where your classes are
Undoing a bad impression is hard, and being late on your first of class is a good way to set one. Don’t let that be you: make sure you know where all your classes are well in advance.
Before your first day of class, try walking to your classes in order, one by one. This is a good way to pinpoint where your classes are and how to get from one to the next. It also helps you learn the layout of campus. You can use the campus map to find your classes and map your route.
Know where everything else is
Beyond your classes, you’ll need to familiarize yourself with other important spots on campus, such as restrooms, places to eat or the tutoring center. Finding these places doesn’t take an active approach. As you go about your first day, try to note their locations and keep them in the back of your mind.
Give yourself time
You may know where all your classes are, but there’s still the matter of getting there. Colleges can be much bigger than high schools, and can be deceptively large. Try to leave at least 10 or 15 minutes of wiggle room as you walk to your classes, even if it means leaving a little earlier than seems necessary.
Have your supplies ready
You may not know exactly what you need for a class until you read the syllabus, but most classes will require something to take notes with: that means a laptop or tablet, or a notebook and pen or pencil if you prefer to do things old school.
Speaking of syllabi…
Read the syllabus ahead of time
Some professors post the syllabus for a class online before the class starts. Before your first day, try checking your classes in your student portal. You may find that a few of them have the syllabus already posted. You don’t have to read the entire thing, but skimming the syllabus will give you a good picture of what the class will be like and what you’ll need to buy or bring.
