#1 Find a friend in each class.

Find a friend the first day of class in each class. Look around and choose someone who looks reliable. Be friendly. Offer to exchange contact information. Email. Cell phone numbers. This one friend per class idea will get you out of a jam every time. This is the person you call if you can’t make it to class and need the notes. Or if you don’t remember what the professor said. Or if you need clarification on the expectations. This does not mean you become a free-loader. You will help your friend when they need help. Disclaimer: remember to do your own work. Plagiarism is a illegal.

#2 Visit your professors in their office.

Make it a point to visit each of your professors during their office hours every other week . Ask them specific questions about the assignment. Or ask them what are the main topics you should focus on in this week’s readings. Or ask them about something you found interesting in lecture.

#3 Use You Tube and Wikipedia

Know what the main topic is for this week (hint: it’s in the syllabus). And then look it up on YouTube. Read about this topic on Wikipedia before you go to class or even before you do your assigned readings. This will improve comprehension and help with conceptualization.

#4 Use the resources on campus

Find out what resources the University offers on campus. There will be a variety of resources on campus to help you. For example, the Writing Center will assist in all kinds of writing. There will be different types of tutoring available through specific departments or through Academic Services. There will be workshops offered throughout the semester addressing different skills. Take advantage of all the help the University offers.