First week of classes… Get ahead of the game now!
Posted on September 21, 2009 by Som Seng
Ok, is everyone else as stressed as I am? I am always so inspired by my peers that work full-time, go to school part-time online, and have children. I don’t have children, and I can’t even fathom trying to do it all. Kudos to those of you that are doing the work, school, family balance!
Alright stressing out is not getting me anywhere. So I have a game plan! First week of classes, get ahead of the game by doing the following:
- Study your syllabus – know what is required of you!
*I like to print out the syllabus, and hang it in my home office & at work - Put weekly chats and deadlines for assignments, discussion posts, quizzes, exams, papers, and projects on a calendar.
*I like to put these dates on my outlook calendar and large calendar at work - Block time to read or listen to your lecture notes, read assigned chapters, and prepare for exams and papers.
*I spend most of my weekends doing all of my school work; I try to use lunch time to do some work as well - Check in everyday!
*I try to check in every morning for about 5-10 minutes before the work day begins - Email your instructor and introduce yourself.
*I like to establish a relationship from the beginning
Doing the above has really set the tone for me for the semester. I feel organized and ready to take on the challenges! I start to feel less overwhelmed and more in control.
And of course the To Do list keeps me on track… Do you have additional tips for me?
To Do list
Review degree requirements – check
Triple check with advisor that you meet all the graduation requirements – check
Pick out last two courses for the program and make sure they satisfy graduation requirements – check
Make sure there are no holds on the account - check
Register for the classes – check
Order books – check (still waiting for books to come out, but pre-ordered)
Follow up on book order – check (pick up on Sept. 3rd)
Pay for the classes – wait for Tuition Waiver to go through
Fill out Tuition Waiver – check
Print Class Schedule, Class descriptions/requirements – check
Put online chats, Thursday on-campus class on outlook calendar – check
Put assignments, quizzes, all deadlines on outlook calendar- check
Print syllabus - check
Log into class Aug. 27th (I recommend 1 week before classes start) - check
Fill out Graduation Clearance form in the middle of September- check
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“The calendar is your friend” - this is my favorite phrase
I put everything on my MobileMe calendar (Syncs with my iPhone, it’s available Online, and sync with my Mac at home - even with outlook if I want). All my To Dos, due dates and so on are on there.
I also have weekly folders, so all readings are sectioned off per week (My professors give us all the readings up front), so if there is a spare moment and I’ve done this week’s readings, I start working on next weeks. There is an old Greek saying that goes like this “Prudent kids cook before they are hungry” - I never really got this until I got to Grad school
I like the phrase and saying too! Sounds like being super organized, and using technology can really help you stay on top of the game!!!
Som