News

January 19, 2022

Start Your Semester off Right at Roberts

Roberts Students

Tips to Start Fresh this Semester

Returning to Roberts to start the Spring semester here probably feels different. You bring a different experience from what you have learned, not only in the classroom, but also from your mistakes, too. You may have less (or more) anxiety, since you already know what to expect. You may have more confidence that wasn’t there in the fall as you have learned how to navigate the community.

Whether you are a traditional undergraduate student, graduate student, non-traditional adult student or in our doctorate program, welcome to the spring semester at Roberts! Whether this is your first semester or you’re preparing for graduation, consider today a chance for a new beginning! There are plenty of resources as you start the semester, so never hesitate to reach out to your advisor, career development, your Redhawk guide or faculty for help. At Roberts, we want you to reach your full potential.

Evaluate Last Semester & Start the New Year Off Right

You completed your fall semester and that’s quite an accomplishment – especially during a pandemic! 2022 is a new year, so set some new goals. Look at areas that you may need a new start or to be more disciplined in doing what needs to be done.

Take Advantage of Campus Resources

There are many resources available to you on campus. If you have a difficult course this semester, one of the best ways you can ensure you’ll do well is by utilizing the resources and support available to you. Don’t wait until your first test or project is due to ask for help from your professor. You can also contact the Learning Center and request a tutor who can help you with a class. It’s free and you have nothing to lose, everything to gain.

Don’t forget to use the Writing Center to become a better writer for any stage of the writing process. Take advantage of these opportunities early on and you’ll thank yourself later. Think about new ways to make your dreams a reality.

Links to Campus Resources:

Make Every Effort

It’s normal to feel anxious about the new semester. So, reach out to others around you – friends, faculty, staff, trustworthy family members – or make an appointment with the Counseling Center on campus.

To ensure you are prepared to do your best in classes, make sure you utilize the resources available to you at Roberts. Be proactive, not waiting for a test or project, and reach out to the Learning Center and they can connect you with a tutor if you feel stuck in a class or are not clear about class concepts. It’s better to ask for help early on versus waiting and falling behind.

Prepare for a Great Second Semester

Before you start classes, get a planner and start mapping out the semester. Add the important dates from your syllabuses for tests, projects, papers, presentations, etc. Look ahead at your first few weeks of classes to see what is coming up and which things should take priority. Break up the work you can into chunks over the semester to set a plan in place. Drafting a semester plan will help to keep you on the path to success. And, ensure you have a place for every class item that you’ll need such as a Google folder for your typed notes, a notebook/folder for handwritten notes, and a defined area on your desk/shelf for your course work.

More Tips & Tricks to consider:

  • Did you know that a basic rule of thumb is to study for two to three hours for each hour you are in class? If your class meets three hours a week, then you would plan to study six to nine hours a week for that class. Use your planner to schedule consistent blocks of time every day to study/review class material. You may feel like there is a lot of time before your first exam, however studying regularly will help you stay familiar with the material you are learning.
  • Create index cards/flashcards for memorization. This can be especially helpful for key concepts, definitions and dates. Determine what you need to remember and write down the keywords, themes and definitions by subject. You can use these flashcards later to study for exams.
  • Use a time management system. One example is the Pomodoro Technique. Just set a timer for 25 minutes and concentrate on a task during that time. When the timer is up, take a five-minute break to get a snack or stretch. After your break, repeat. If you follow the Pomodoro Technique four times, then take a longer 15-30-minute break.
  • Declutter your virtual workspace. Organize folders on your computer using a logical naming system. Delete what you no longer need (such as documents and photos). Remember to uninstall non-essential apps too. This will help to free up storage space. When you’re done, remember to clean your laptop screen and keyboard with a damp (with water) microfiber cleaning cloth.

No matter what year you are, this is a new semester and an opportunity for a fresh start. We are here to help you and guide you, so take advantage of the resources available at Roberts!

Have a great semester Redhawks!