First Semester at University: 10 Tips for a Stress-Free Start

The biggest shock when starting university is often not the studying itself, but everything around it. Many problems first-year students face come from overlooking or forgetting something important. So how can you avoid these common mistakes?

In this article, you’ll learn:

• what to find out about each course at the beginning of the semester,
• how to keep track of deadlines, assignments, and important information,
• how to communicate with lecturers and make use of office hours,
• why it’s useful to create a group with your classmates,
• how to set up a system that helps you remember everything important.

1️⃣ Get an overview of the semester before it starts

Don’t rely on your lecturers to repeat important information. For each course, write down:

• where to find study materials,
• how to submit assignments,
• how to register for exams,
• what the requirements are for completing the course,
• who teaches the course,
• important deadlines.

This is essential because information may be scattered across different sections of the university’s information system.

2️⃣ Add more information after the first class

After attending the first class of each course, add the following information to your notes:

• what exactly you need to do to receive course credit or pass the exam,
• whether attendance is compulsory and how many absences are allowed,
• how many assignments you’ll have,
• when they are due,
• whether there will be tests during the semester,
• whether your participation in class throughout the semester affects your final grade.

3️⃣ Back up your materials before you need them

Don’t assume that study materials will always be available in the university’s information system. Lecturers may remove them over time. Save them regularly, and don’t forget to make backup copies of particularly important materials.

4️⃣ Set up advance reminders

Simply writing down exam dates and assignment deadlines isn’t enough. Set up advance reminders so that nothing slips through the cracks. If you only add the exam date itself to your calendar, you may easily overlook it during a busy semester.

5️⃣ Read all your emails and don’t delete old ones

Many first-year students only read the latest messages and announcements in their university email account. They skip some emails. Don’t do that! Read every message and keep the old ones. You never know when you might need to look up an important piece of information later.

6️⃣ Create a group with your classmates

Ideally, create a kind of support network with your classmates right at the beginning of the semester. Set up a group where you can:

• let each other know about changes to classes,
• share notes from classes someone missed,
• remind each other about upcoming assignment or exam deadlines.

A smaller group is usually better than a huge one with hundreds of members, where new messages can easily get lost.

7️⃣ Don’t be afraid to use office hours

There’s no reason to be afraid of office hours. Many students only use them when they have a serious problem – but by then, it may already be too late. If something isn’t clear, it’s better to ask straight away than regret it later. Just make sure you prepare a specific question rather than simply saying, “I don’t understand this.”

8️⃣ Learn how to email your lecturers

Emails to lecturers are a little different from everyday emails. It’s a good idea to identify yourself clearly so that the lecturer can quickly understand who you are and what you need. Include the following in every email:

• your name,
• the course name,
• your student ID number (if you have one),
• your specific question.

Pay attention to the subject line as well. Instead of writing “Question – urgent,” use something like “Question about course credit – Course Name – Your Name.”

Lecturers receive a lot of emails. The easier you make it for them to understand your message, the sooner you’re likely to get a useful response.

9️⃣ Create your own university glossary

When you first start university, you may come across terms you don’t understand. There’s no need to feel embarrassed about it! Create your own glossary of university terms and add new words whenever you encounter them.

🔟 Do a weekly review

At the end of each week, take a few minutes to review what’s coming up. Ask yourself:

• What do I need to do next week?
• What’s coming up? Tests? Essay deadlines? Assignments?

You should also check your university’s information system for:

• new emails,
• newly uploaded study materials,
• new assignments,
• new grades,
• any timetable changes for the upcoming week – for example, has a class been cancelled because the lecturer is ill?