Hey all, it’s me, Hannah!

As the fall semester gets closer and closer, some of you may find yourself in the same situation I did two years ago. With a loaded class and extracurricular schedule, I was becoming more and more anxious as to how I would ever be able to manage all my activities and still do well in my classes. However, throughout the course of that semester and all the ones since, I’ve discovered a lot of things that have helped me to succeed in my academic career. Hopefully these things will be of some benefit to you, as well!

Number One: Schedule wisely!

So if you’ve already been through Camp War Eagle, I’m sure you know all too well the chaos of trying to schedule and register for classes. Often times, it’s pressing enough to just get the class you want, let alone in a building that fits well with the rest of your schedule. However, sometimes where the class is located can be just as important as the class itself. If you have class in a location that requires you to pretty much sprint across campus, odds are you’ll be less likely to go. Don’t assume that every section of a class is held in the same building. Many courses are taught in buildings all across campus.

Don’t worry, however, if you do happen to have a schedule that will require some serious trekking across campus. It’s probably a better idea to just go with it, than try to reschedule the class. I walked back and forth all over campus for classes my freshman year, and I’m pretty sure that’s what kept away the freshman fifteen!

Number Two: Know where to go!

Sure you saw pretty much all of campus during Camp War Eagle, but do you think you’ll be able to remember which way to go when you only have ten or fifteen minutes to get there? Probably not. Unless you’re one of those lucky kids who have been visiting campus since birth, you will most likely need to scout out your classrooms before the first day of school. Some building will be pretty easy to remember, but some may not. I’m going to be a junior in the fall and I still get lost in the Haley Center.

There’s always a break here and there during Preseason Camp, so during the free time you have, you could always get a group of fellow freshman together and do a little group search and find for classes. I’m sure some of the upperclassmen in your sections would have no problem at all helping you out, either! Check out the Campus Map if you need to, as well!

Number Three: Actually go to class!

If you’re gonna spend all that time scheduling, locating, and not mention paying for your classes, you might as well go to them. Sure some of them will be boring, and some of them will be early, some of them won’t even take attendance, and some of them will fall at times when you seem to have a million better things to do. However, showing up and paying attention are probably two of the most beneficial things you can do for yourself as a college student.

But what about the G.A.P. policy, can’t I just use that, you might ask? Well, you can….but using up all of your GAPs as a freshman really isn’t wise. You never know what tricky class could be up ahead. My advice is to think of them as a “rainy day” savings…something that you shouldn’t spend unless you absolutely have to!

(Ed. note: Yeah, I’d just like to reemphasize the whole GAP thing. You can use them to avoid having to drop out of college, but otherwise try to act like they don’t exist. Those of you on scholarship especially, just forget it… nobody will look at your adjusted grades; they only care about your actual GPA.)

Number Four: Keep up with important dates!

This one pretty much goes along with what Allison said in the previous post about using a daily planner. Planners are amazing little things that can go a long way when it comes to crazy fall schedules. However, if you’re like me, keeping up with a planner is kind of difficult, too! To solve this problem, I buy the binders with a clear cover, or with the plastic slit that allow for coversheets. Then, when the professor gives you the syllabus, you just slide it into the front or make it the front page of your binder. Now, every time you go to class or study, you have the schedule right there in front of you!

In addition to that, a dry-erase calendar is also really helpful to have at home. With it, you can write down the important dates of practices, exams, and of course football games!!

Number Five: Find a Study Buddy and Use the Library!

First of all, a study buddy does not equal someone you find attractive and/or want to date who just so happens to be in the same class as you, haha. A good study buddy can be a tremendous help when it comes to classes. You never know when you may get sick or just accidentally fall asleep in class (I told you some of them might be boring!). With a reliable study partner, you can be certain to catch up on whatever you may miss. In addition to being a good safety net, your study buddy can be one of the best test preparation tools around. (Don’t be a freeloader, though! Make sure you are just as reliable for your study buddy in case the same thing happens to them!)

So maybe you’re shy? That’s okay, too! Auburn offers Study Partners (a peer tutoring service), as well as Supplemental Instruction (a regularly scheduled, peer-lead review session) that you can use! (Ed. note: Also, if you’re struggling with math, the department usually offers free tutoring in the afternoons. Actually, in general, if you ask around you should have no trouble finding assistance if you need help in any class, whether it’s from a professor, some know-it-all in your class who would love to show off and help you out, or some sort of tutoring/study program put on by the department or a campus organization. Of course, if you can’t find help on your own, ask your favorite R.A.T. Leader, and they can hook you up.)

While it may seem like a hassle to either walk or drive to the library, the benefits that come from it have been pretty impressive for me in the past. At your apartment or dorm, there are tons of distractions (the refrigerator is always a big one for me, haha) that can limit the effectiveness of your study time. At the library, these things are limited and you can more easily focus all of your time on nailing down those History notes for your exam. Also, the Study Partners program is based in the library if you wanted to check that out!

I know this may all seem like a lot to try and remember, but probably my best advice for you guys is to just use common sense when it comes to school. Attend classes, study early, and never be afraid to ask for help. The AUMB has majors of all kinds, and lots of members with impressive GPA’s. With a few good organizational skills and dedication, I know you guys and girls will have no problem at all being successful at Auburn University!

Can’t wait to see you all!
War Eagle!

Hannah