Start developing good habits on Day One!

1. Collect a syllabus for each course – paper or electronic – and keep them in a safe place. You may need to refer to them later!
2. Put the dates of your assignments/quizzes/papers/exams into the planner that you established in August.
3. Learn about the Academic Assistance resources that you may need for this semester’s classes, and visit each professor’s office hours. You don’t want to add to the frustration of not understanding things in class by not knowing where to find help!
4. Consider joining the Council of Majors – or the equivalent, like the American Chemical Society Student Affiliates – for your department or major. You’ll get a chance to meet upperclassmen in your major, interact with faculty in your department, and find opportunities for leadership and service in your field! If your schedule doesn’t allow you to attend their meetings this semester, at least get connected with them electronically – listserv, myUMBC Group, or other social media outlet.
5. If your travel at Thanksgiving and Winter Break relies on other people – e.g., family members booking your plane ticket, or fellow students carpooling home – be sure to share with them the dates of your semester and final exams. Most professors give the dates of their exams in the syllabus you receive on the first day of class, giving you PLENTY of notice to schedule your travel around them – don’t expect them to make exceptions!

BONUS: Make sure that you know (or know how to find) all of UMBC’s Academic Dates and Deadlines for the semester – that information may come in handy later!

Download the Five Things To Do in September checklist here.