Corner Post Editorial
Transfer student tips
by Rebecca Lewis, posted Sept. 11, 2008
Are you getting that freshman feeling all over again? Are you in a new place trying to juggle classes and social activities? If you are feeling overwhelmed, I can relate fully. This year I transferred to MU from a small junior college and am trying my hardest to survive. But have no fear, there are many ways that we can overcome our obstacles and succeed.
Becoming a successful student is as easy as you make it. I find it best to take advice from people who see the struggles and achievements of new students on a regular basis.
Bryan Garton, interim associate dean and director of academic programs for the College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources, has five tips for any new student at MU.
Tip 1 - Go to class.
Sometimes students underestimate the importance of attending class. The information you receive in class is irreplaceable and should not be taken for granted.
"There is a positive correlation between class attendance and academic performance,” Garton said.
Regular class attendance is one way I stay ahead of my studies and work assignments. Also, during class it is very easy to focus on the clock and pray for time to fly. Instead, why don’t you take this time to meet new people? Before class, you can start up a conversation with the person sitting next to you. Remember that each student is in the class for a reason, and you just might have something in common with one of your classmates.
Tip 2 - Be prepared.
Going to class is not enough; it’s just a start. Being prepared for class is just as important. This means that when you go to class you should have completed all of your homework assignments and chapter readings and should have reviewed the previous lecture session notes. Garton suggests good study habits that include a study formula that “equals the number of credit hours enrolled times two." This is how many hours you should be studying and preparing in a week. So, for a 15-hour class schedule, students should be studying 30 hours per week. That’s the equivalent of a full time job!
Tip 3 - Get to know your adviser.
As a transfer student, we seem to always be playing catch-up. A student’s adviser is the main defense in the war against time. Advisers help students develop class schedules, warn them of possible problems and help students get accustomed to university rules. Advisers are also important in helping students set up their plans for graduation.
"As a student you are expected to complete a program for graduation at the completion of 75 hours," Garton said.
It is important to talk to your adviser as soon as possible about this program because without an approved plan, you can’t register for classes.
Another important relationship to develop is the one with your professors. Take the time to introduce yourself to your professors after class. Also, don’t be afraid to stop by their offices during scheduled office hours to ask questions. And always be sure to let them know if you will be missing a class in the future.
Tip 4 - Become involved.
It is always best to become an active and informed student. Joining organizations is one way to become active. Pick organizations that share your interests. The people you meet and the relationships you form during your college years can translate into a job opportunity down the road. However, being overly involved can be just as bad as being not being involved at all.
“The key is to get involved in student organizations to apply leadership and communication skills, but don't get overly committed," said Garton.
Tip5 - Take care of yourself.
It is easy to get caught up in the rush of college life and forget to take care of yourself. A quick bite to eat here and another coffee for energy can take a toll on your body. Make sure you take the time to eat healthy meals. Along with healthy eating comes a daily exercise program. Make time to go to the recreation center on campus or walk to class instead of riding the bus.
Personally, I have problems managing my time and end up spending long nights doing last-minute homework. By the time morning rolls around, I am exhausted and spend the rest of my day trying to catch up on lost sleep. Set up a daily schedule, do homework at a certain time and go to bed at a decent hour.
Little Bits of Advice
Before you can go to class you have to be able to navigate your way around campus. For directionally challenged individuals, such as myself, this can be a major obstacle. My best advice is to make sure you arrive in town in advance so you can get acquainted with the campus and city.
Living arrangements during college can become tricky business. The option of a dorm room is always open, however, for transfer students who would rather be roomed with an older student, it can be challenging. The number of freshmen attending MU is at an all-time high, according to 2008 MU records. So the chance of being roomed with a freshman is much greater.
If you are sick of living on campus, there is the option of renting a house or apartment. However, finding roommates can be challenging. I was lucky to have a friend whose friends were looking for an extra roommate. Because of my connection, I am now living happily with three roommates who all get along great.
Becoming an informed student at MU is as easy as checking your e-mail. E-mail is a main way for MU and CAFNR to keep in touch with the student body. Professors will communicate through e-mail, and the College sends alerts and information about campus-wide activities through e-mail. I constantly get CAFNR event schedules and the latest news.
College success is way more than the grades you earn. It’s about the experiences you survive and the lessons learned. Being a transfer student is just one more hurdle to jump on the road to success. Just remember that the anxiety you feel now will soon pass, and following these tips can set you on the path to a happy and bright future.
