Now that you’re on campus, and classes have started, where are you going to study? In order to do well in classes you need to go to class, but outside of the class you need to find a study space that will work well for you. Ask yourself some of these questions to find a good study space. What type of environment do you prefer working in, quiet or louder? Do you study better around people or alone? Do you want to sit at a table, desk, couch, etc.? Think about all of these options while you walk around campus and town keeping an eye out for the study space that will work the best for you.
There are a lot of coffee shops or dining centers on campus where you can study if you don’t get distracted with people being around you. If you like it to be really quiet there are very quiet areas in the Valley library on the 4th, 5th, and 6th floor or take a quick walk to the downtown Corvallis library. Make sure to check out all the different floors because you might find an area on a specific floor that’s perfect for your needs. The OSU library is also great for group projects or if you just likes to study with a group of friends. There are study rooms in the library that you can reserve online or at the front desk. Other areas you might want to consider on campus are the MU, or your residence hall or co-op study lounges, or even the small study areas in Dixon Rec Center. Your study spaces might be closer to you than you think. Try giving the different study areas a try throughout the first few weeks and find the space that works for you!
What is coaching?
Academic Coaching is an opportunity for a peer to peer conversation to focus on change, skill improvement, and growth of academic abilities. It is individualized, you can meet with a coach once or on an ongoing basis. It is a safe and confidential place to collaborate with a coach on an academic plan
How does this benefit students and why should students use it?
- Good resource for transition from high school to college
- Get on the right track/start college successfully
- Get connected to resources
- Building academic self-discipline
- Peer Partnership/accountability
- Tools for time management, testing strategies, textbook reading, note taking, etc.
- Battle procrastination
Is it free?
YES! Appointments are free and are sponsored in part by Educational Activities.
What does an academic coaching appointment look like?
Coaching appointments are completely individualized. Students will be greeted by the staff when they check in and asked to provide some information about why she/he chose to come in. These reasons will be brought into the conversation with a coach and will be the core of the appointment. Students may plan out a term schedule of major assignments, fill out a weekly planner, or begin articulating short and long term goals of their education.
How do student set up appointments for academic coaching?
Appointments can be made in a variety of ways. We recommend coming into 102 Waldo Hall to set up an appointment and sit on our comfy couch.
- Come visit us early in the term! Use your resources before you need them, not when you need them.
- Take initiative of your own college experience and success, self-advocate
- Don’t fall behind, look ahead
- It is easier to develop good habits now, than break bad habits later. Work on developing your strategies for success early
- Cramming doesn’t work.
- Make an action plan for success! For example, your upcoming midterm.
- Don’t give up. Be confident! One exam doesn’t define you.
- Utilize your TAs and office hours.
- Find the balance between your social life and academics!
The first day of class has approached quickly and whether you are feeling over prepared, overwhelmed, or anywhere in between- that’s ok. Nerves are to be expected, this stuff is brand new and will take some time to get used to, but don’t worry, we’ve got you covered with a few things you can do to better prepare yourself for the first week of classes and most likely make the rest of your term more successful.
- It sounds simple but GO TO ALL OF YOUR CLASSES! The first week is when each of your professors will give out your syllabus (these are very important documents, always keep a copy either paper or electronic close by). Utilizing each of your syllabi will let you know when your assignments are due, when tests are scheduled, and help you plan the rest of your daily schedule.
- Put your schedule in writing. Whether you use your phone, tablet, or hand written planner, having your schedule visible will allow you to find time slots that work best for studying in between classes, eating, working, and scheduling your time to socialize! If you create that schedule, you will be most time efficient and successful throughout the entirety of this term! Need help in efficiently planning your term, check out these Time Management steps or make an appointment with an academic coach to talk with a fellow, successful student about successful time management strategies: http://success.oregonstate.edu/academic-coaching
- If there are any changes you think are necessary to make in your schedule, do that this week! The sooner you change your schedule, the less class time you will lose and fall behind. To learn more about adding and dropping courses visit the Registrar’s Office website.
- Find your favorite study space. Once you find a study space that is not distracting, and you become comfortable being there, you will most likely enjoy studying there more often and it will become habitual, then you can add that location into your planner!
- Leave for class a little early, learn the easiest routes to your classrooms. Campus can be confusing at times, but soon enough you’ll know the fastest ways to each building, but giving yourself a little extra time in the beginning allows you to also see how beautiful campus can be in the fall!
- Attend the Beaver Community Fair on Friday afternoon in the MU Quad. Here you will find tons of different clubs and organizations to get involved with this year. Being involved in a few outside of class activities will provide you with friends, entertainment, new skills and help you manage your time effectively.
There are numerous things you can do to make the most of your first week of classes, these are only a few. Just remember to enjoy this week, meet new friends, try some new food out on campus, and get yourself comfortable with campus. Get to know people in your classes, residence halls, clubs, organizations, or just say hello to someone while eating lunch! Enjoy your first week! For more helpful hints for Week 1 and beyond check out: Zero To Success
