ACADEMIC LIFE

SIGNING UP!

Jon: My thoughts are to take 12 hours until you get used to college, then take more once you are comfortable.

Mandy: You should take 12 hours your first semester or you will get swamped and freak out.

Jake: You should take 12 credits to get “into the swing” of things and then take 15 credits once you are comfortable.

Risa: If you want to take 12 hours- that's the minimum, but 15 hours is almost the perfect amount for me.

Carly: You should take 15 hours at first. If you don't, you'll have to play “catch up” later on.

Kristina: You should take 15 hours at first. It will give you time to get the easy classes out of the way. You'll glide right through them.

Should I Take Online Classes?

Risa: I wouldn't recommend it. It was hard to learn outside the classroom and the teacher was never available.

Mandy: I liked online classes a lot. The independence is great and you get to work at your own pace. But I wouldn't take any online classes that have to deal with your major. It is best to take those in the classroom.

Carly: I would recommend online courses, but you have to stay on top of them!

Kristina: I wouldn't recommend them. They are more difficult and it is harder to be in touch with your professor.

GETTING IT!

Jon Corbus

Jake: The key to “getting it” is to listen and really pay attention to what you are hearing. Taking good notes is the first part, and reviewing them often will help you learn the material. Doing your homework right after you finish the reading assignment will make it easier to do a good job on the assignment

Jon: It is always good to get involved in the classroom. Talk to your professors, classmates and don't be afraid to ask questions.

Risa: The key to “getting it” is to STAY AWAKE! Take classes that interest you most in the morning, and take the classes you are less interested in when you have more energy.

Jon: You want to find an advisor your first semester. Make sure that he/she is someone that you can talk to. Also, talk to your professors; see them during their office hours . Doing this will put a face to your name.

Mandy: Try to get involved in the classroom and get to know your professor. Show your professor that you are interested and it will pay off in the end.

Jon: It's never good to miss class, even if you are sick. But if you have to, it is always good to have a friend in the class who can take notes for you.

Mandy: A good strategy is to set aside time to study and commit to it, make yourself do it. Be your own parent!

Jon: The tests are more complicated than in high school, so don't “cram!” Start reviewing and studying your notes right after class.

Risa: It is good to figure out your own study habits and note taking. Find what works for you!

Kristina: Time management is the key. Connect to a schedule, set a time to study, complete the tasks, and when you're done you can have fun.

WHAT IF I STILL DON'T GET IT?

Jake Balderas

Jon: Sometimes teachers really know the material, but aren't good at explaining it to someone who doesn't get it. So, I go to my friends first, they may have a different perspective on the material. You can also call the Learning Resource Center , but be careful, sometimes they don't have tutors in your subject.

Kristina: Keep trying, and don't give up!

Mandy: You can even try talking to another professor. If you know a teacher who may be a great resource beyond the subject area they teach, ask them if they would be willing to help!

CAMPUS LIFE

MOVING IN

Kristina Branch

Jon: Don't forget your game system. It's a great way to get together with the guys on your hall.

Risa: I would not be able to live without shower sandals and air freshener.

Mandy: Bring your own desktop computer not a lap top, lap tops are a lot easier to steal and break.

Kristina: Bring small storage boxes, headphones and an open mind!

Risa: Living on campus is the best. You can meet so many new friends. It's good living on campus when you're going to college in the town you grew up in. It makes it easier to create a “college self.”

Jon: Living in the dorms is a big change. If you feel lost, talk to an advisor, resident assistant or a close friend for support.

Risa: It might be best not to live with a close friend. Being around the same people all the time can be overkill.

GOING OUT !

Risa Tellez

Carly: Keeping your door open, going to functions held at your dorm, and getting to know your RA are great ways to get to know people.

Jake: Be open minded, don't be stubborn

Jon: Old friends in town make it hard to adjust to campus life, make the time and effort to find new friends on campus

Kristina: Going to parties is the reward for studying hard

Mandy: Join groups, church or otherwise. Talk to people in your class, they may be looking for a friend too!

Kristina: Don't get stuck in your old self, you'll be amazed at what you find out about yourself from just meeting new people! Get involved in extracurricular activities. Every sporting event on campus is free to NAU students. Go! It is a great way to meet people that are interested in the same things that you are!

Carly: There are so many cool people to meet in college. People come from all over the world to study, get to know international students at your school and study abroad if you can.

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WORKING HARD!

Carly McGrew

Carly: It can be hard to not work if you know money will be tight, but academics have to come first.

Jon: If you don't have to work your first year, don't! Otherwise, get a job that is not too stressful. Learn to manage your money, it runs out quick. Get the necessities first, and the other stuff later.

Risa: Working on campus for a few hours is great, even if you don't have to work. Or you can find a job that deals with what your major area.

Mandy: Don't just take any job. Get a job that is flexible, you'll need time off at finals and midterms.

Jake: Don't work unless you have to. Make sure that if you do have to work that your employer is understanding of your schedule and is flexible.

Carly: Get a job! It keeps you busy. If you have too much free time on your hands, it's easier to procrastinate. Serving is one of the most flexible jobs, plus you're earning cash- you don't have to wait for payday.

Kristina: You can get really worn out from work and school, so find a job on campus. Campus employers are more understanding and flexible.