How to have a Successful Semester

By: Rachid Ouedraogo

Many students ask themselves these two questions at the beginning of every semester: How can I do better this semester? How can I change my bad habits? This article will provide you with some tips and tricks to have a successful semester.

Always go to class
Not everyone likes early morning or late night classes. Sometimes you have no choice. It is important that you do not miss your classes. Class time is valuable. Teachers often give lectures, explain material, and are open to questions during class. You may need this information for assignments, projects, or exams. If you miss one lecture, make sure you talk to your professor and your classmates to find out what you missed. It is also important to check your course’s syllabus for the attendance policy. Many teachers count attendance and participation into the class grade.

After attending class, take 10 to 15 minutes to review that day’s lecture notes. Always remember to read your notes from last lecture before coming to class. This way, you’ll always be prepared.

Use your school resources

Do well in classes by taking advantage of your school’s resources. St. Cloud State University places a lot of importance on preparing students for college success. At SCSU, we have many academic support services including:

• The Academic Learning Center – teaches study and reading techniques and offers tutoring on many subjects.
• Advising & Student Transitions – Get help choosing a major and making appropriate class choices.
• Honors Program – This learning community at SCSU is highly selective, intellectually rigorous, and provides alternative classes to required liberal education classes.
• Miller Center Library – The library is a great resource not only for books. There are many staff and media resources to help you complete your projects. Study rooms are also available to rent!
• Multicultural Student Services – A great resources for underrepresented students. MSS provides multicultural programming and academic support.
• Student Accessibility Services – Disability services and assistance for students.
• The Write Place – Supports SCSU students through one-on-one writing consultations. Get help with brainstorming, developing, and editing school papers.

Our university values education and will make sure you have the tools you need. In addition to these services, there are courses in the IEC and English for Academic Purposes to help prepare English language learners for college studies. There are also college preparatory classes through the Academic Learning Center and Academic Collegiate Excellence programs. These courses improve reading and study skills.

Learn about the culture
Most international students in the U.S., especially ESL students, have a hard time adjusting to the American culture. You can learn and adjust to the American culture by reading the news or books written in English. Listening to music and watching American movies are also very effective ways to learn not only the culture but English as well. Making friends and meeting people at school or other local organizations will help you practice your English and familiarize to the culture. Most people are friendly and willing to help you learn. Most importantly, you need to get involved around campus or in the community. Experience is better than reading about it!

Manage stress
Stress is normal. However, it is important to adopt a few behaviors or techniques to deal with the stress. If you are unable to manage stress, you may develop unhealthy behaviors or symptoms (drinking alcohol, using drugs, anxiety, depression, overeating etc.). If you feel stressed, it is important to talk to someone. A friend, professor, or a counselor at SCSU’s CAPS program may be able to help. Some healthy behaviors to adopt are: getting enough sleep, doing a fun activity, eating health, visiting friends and family, or physical activity. As a student at SCSU, the Halenbeck Fieldhouse/Gym is open for your use (swimming pool, rock climbing, track and field, etc.).

Time management
Good time management requires discipline and determination. Managing your time allows you to turn in your homework and projects on time, lowers your stress, and increases productivity. Always give yourself plenty of time for your homework, reading assignments and projects. Start projects 1-2 weeks before the due date. Prioritize your work. To do so, ask yourself these three questions

1. Is this activity important?
2. Will this activity help me achieve my goals?
3. What is the result of the activity?

It helps to organize your work based on what is due first, difficulty, or amount of time needed. By doing so, you will be able to enjoy your free time.