Back To School Tips

Tips and Hints for Back to School for Spring Semester

Nicole Black

The fall semester had begun and the stress of doing well had sunk in. I have long known to do well in classes I have to mange my stress levels. I have had some success with this goal with support from varied places. The first is my RC knowing my class schedule and making sure I do not overload myself with too much LSP and that I am keeping my therapy appointments. Another resource is the Students with Disabilities Department. My Advisor is well versed in the faculty and their style of teaching and a pace that is suitable to me. Also, there are accommodations made for me to better experience class.

                One of the most helpful tools was a series of classes in the Developing Skills Department.  DS107 taught me how to use the campus and where everything was. It allowed me to understand how the Financial Aid office works and how best to utilize the counselors there and not just deal with the window. How to use the library to complete research and access extra information that would aid in my homework was another skill provided in DS107. In DS106, I learned how to be a student. Many of the exercises reminded me of DBT and I was able to learn what kind of learner I am and how to apply it to many teaching styles.  In that class we also learned about how to deal with the stressors that come along with being in school and that work, family, and recreation are planned around school for success. I also learned that sometimes it is ok to take a semester off to tend my life and wellness.

                Organizing and being realistic about my time and energy helped me stay on track.  I made a schedule that included all known appointments. I then added the travel times between appointments. I looked for prime opportunities and the best place to study for me. Upon review of the first draft I realized I had not included cooking and eating. So with the help of my RC we included a plan that made cooking and eating a natural part of my day, as well as back up plans such as access to food on the go that was healthy, snacks I could carry to get me through to my next meal and still provide the nutritious energy I need to absorb information presented in class.  Knowing where I needed to be and enough time to study gave me confidence that I was learning. I also received help from my professors. I asked them for clarity on assignments that I had trouble with and suggestions that where beyond my scope of consideration.

                I made acquaintances in class to have study partners who understood what we were experiencing in class.  This was a big step for me since I have trouble feeling comfortable with people. However, it was worth it. Since I am 41 I am eligible for the Adult Students service that has study groups and advisors to help navigate being on a campus again and the new styles of teaching since the last time I was in school.

                The web has many sources to aid student keep their study skills sharp.  I go to http://www.academictips.org/  for tips and ideas to make organizing information easier.  This site is free. Some sites require fees to view lectures.  I also utilize the Montgomery College website since this is where I go to school. On the main page are tabs at the top to choose from. Counseling and Advising has many tools like Academic and Class Planning, Advising Tools, and access to Student Support services. The Student Life tab keeps me up to date of seminars, lectures, and activities to keep me connected to my academic community like clubs and recreational student events.

                I am enjoying going to school. However it took a lot of work to be prepared to do well. I had to file academic and financial aid appeals to clean up my past academic record from 1989. I have been on the Dean’s List for 3 semesters and have connected with Professors that understand me and my goals and have been supportive. I have also survived the dreaded Grammar class understanding that I had to take extra steps to accommodate the Professors teaching style.  I also go ¾ time instead of full time so I get my Associates Degree in a reasonable amount of time but allowing myself time for therapy and LSP.

Spring semester registration has begun already. I have chosen a lighter load to fit my therapeutic phase. Before you register make an inventory of what you want to accomplish and how much time you have to dedicate to school. Good Luck to all those in pursuit of knowledge, degrees, and the social experience that school provides.