Though crazy parties and late nights at Denny’s are part of the college experience, seasoned college students also know all about the less-than-fun times that lie ahead.
For instance, a common trap students fall into freshman year is using their time unwisely.
Nash McIntosh, a sophomore general education from Las Vegas, said students should get studying in before they start the fun times.
“Say I have an hour between classes—I use it to work on my homework instead of hanging around my room watching Netflix,” he said. “If I get it done throughout the day, it doesn’t take as long and I have more time later on to do other things.”
Derek Oliver, a senior psychology major from St. George and a tutor in the Tutoring Center, said he recommends just going to class.
“If you’re just not going to class (or) you’re not reading, thinking you can coast by, that’s when I see a lot of problems,” he said.
Some students say freshmen should come into college aware of the heightened expectations from college professors.
“From kindergarten to 12th grade, it’s all about good effort,” said Katie Galicia, a sophomore dental hygiene major from St. George. “When you get to college, you have to understand everything you’ve been taught.”
When it comes to professors, Katherine Kirkland, a senior English major from St. George, said she recommends students check out websites such as ratemyprofessor.com, where they can find other student opinions of professors on campus.
“I really liked having a place to go where I could preview what teachers were good,” she said. “It helped me a few times to select a teacher when I didn’t know who to select. Now, certainly you can ask around, but when you’re new, you don’t know (anyone).”
But while some professors are intimidating and unfriendly, lecturer Julia Combs said most professors want their students to approach them.
“Talk to the professor,” she said. “Don’t be intimidated about talking to a professor about any concern you have…most of us are here because we really enjoy being around the students. So ask questions.”
While college is a good time to do some soul searching, Valerie Butler, a senior integrated studies major, said students should find a focus quickly.
“I think the biggest thing is take it seriously,” she said. “Decide what you want. Once you know what you want, it answers all the rest of your questions…you know exactly what classes you want (and) you know exactly where to go.”
