It may sound goofy, but a first day of class checklist can be just what you need to calm your nerves and get all of your things in order. Especially for those first year students, a simple checklist could hopefully relieve some stress you may be experiencing. However for returning students, these are just some friendly reminders of things you should be doing at the start of each semester.
Here are the top 5 thinks to have on your checklist:
1. Refresh yourself with your class schedule. For some of you, it’s been an entire summer since you selected your classes. Make sure you know class times and locations before that first morning of class.
2. Holla at your friends. Sure, we all promised to stay in touch throughout the summer but that may not been as successful as planned. Wipe the slate clean by reaching out to friends to see how their summer went and what classes they are taking this semester. There’s even a chance y’all might have a class together.
3. Prepare a writing utensil. Too many people go to the first day of class without a pen or pencil and later regret it. Make sure you put one in your backpack along with a notebook in case you start taking notes on that first day.
4. Write out 3 goals for the semester. It is healthy to start out with some direction for how you want your semester to go. Make these goals broad like: eat breakfast every morning, work out at least twice a week, turn in assignments on time, go to all my classes etc. Goals like these will start you out with healthy school habits.
5. BEAR UP! Put on your maroon and get excited to be back in bear country! Missouri State is the only home where you’ll find this much enthusiasm and love for being a bear, embrace it.
I guarantee that these 5 simple tasks will improve the start of your Fall 2016 experience here at Missouri State University. Returning students-please do not take this semester lightly. Even though you have been here, it is inevitable that every semester is a new start and a different experience. Let’s make this semester a great one.
~Zoë
Zoë Pixler, a junior majoring in Photography and Art Education, is a Family Orientation Assistant, helping with special projects and family orientation. She is a member of a social sorority where she is the Vice President of New Member Education.