Advice for College Freshman by Dr. Nicole Mucica

Stay organized!

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Use planners, calendars, or apps to keep track of assignments, exams, and important dates. Time management is key.

Communicate with professors

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Attend office hours, ask questions, and seek clarification when needed. Building relationships with your professors can be beneficial.

The Real Gateway Drug: Skipping Class!

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DON'T SKIP CLASS! I know it's tempting. Establish the habit early of not missing class. After you miss one class, you make the excuse "I can just get the notes from a mate" then you've missed two to three classes and you're struggling to catch up and your grade is impacted. Also, you are paying to attend classes here, even if it's not coming directly out of pocket you will have to pay those loans eventually!

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If you are comfortable, try to make at least one friend in each class. They can help you feel more comfortable and help if you miss anything.

Make Time for Self-Care!

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Time-management is key. We are college students, but your health is important. Make time for activities that relieve stress and that make you happy. You are not you when you are stressed (Almost the Snickers slogan).

Learn the Resources Available to You!

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Take the time to listen to someone's speech in the union. You might make a new friend, join a new activity, and now be more knowledgeable what is available for you to utilize to be successful not only academically, but holistically.

Keep Track of Assignments and Color Code Classes!

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One of the best tips I can give is at the beginning of each semester, go through each class syllabus and add every due date in with a designated class color. That way you can see all the work you are responsible for from the beginning and easily change dates or add things if necessary. Using the Outlook calendar provided to you with your Brockport sign in is perfect so you can attach other important dates and times from school too such as appointments or work schedules!

Establish your Personal Brand!

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No matter who you meet or how you feel be conscious of the people you are meeting and be present. You are making first impressions whether you know it or not. They could be a future reference, boss, colleague, etc. Also, clean up your social media and don't post what you don't want future employers to see. Think about what makes you, well you, and stand out from other people. A good way to get a sense of what your personal brand might be, is to ask people around you the first three words that people think when they think of you!

Join Clubs and Be Present for On Campus Events!

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Joining clubs or going to campus events such Brockport Student Government(BSG) or Resident Assistant(RA) events are a great way to meet new people and get involved on campus! Joining clubs also looks great on a resume and can open many doors to new opportunities.

It's Okay to Change Your Major!

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I changed my major 6 times. Change your major and change it again. Many students change their major time and time again. Pick a major that you enjoy and don't feel obligated to follow in people's footsteps. Make your own path!

Create a Routine

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College can be overwhelming. Therefore, to take advantage of your time everyday create a routine that's not too demanding, but one you know you'll be able to stick to. Being able to take responsibility and regulate yourself is key in succeeding in your educational endeavors. Make sure you have a proper Work/Life balance where you devote time to your studies, but also yourself. Your mental and physical health is what's most important!

Emailing teachers

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When coming into college and starting class and when teacher goes over something you don’t understand please email your teacher or even talk to them after class because if you do the assignment wrong they will give you a 0 I had to learn it the hard way and now that I am senior here at Brockport I still email my teachers for help or when I don’t understand a assignment

My Key Takeaway!

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Join clubs! Partake in campus activities! Everyone is in the same boat when coming to campus and not having friends. It is easier to make friends at clubs in comparison to classes because it is more laid back. Clubs are always open to new attendees and it’s never too late to go to club events. You’ll have a great time and there is so many options. You’ll find a family you wouldn’t expect or imagine! Enjoy life, live free (in respect to keeping on track with your classes ofc).