Our first freshmen began taking classes recently, and many will end this Summer semester with a new understanding of the fundamental difference between high school classes and college classes….. personal responsibility. This year’s incoming class was highly successful in high school however each of you will enter your first class with very different ideas about studying. It’s not uncommon for freshmen to find themselves struggling to navigate the pace of college life as they try to integrate coursework with the robust student life we offer. I know when I was in high school my teachers were constantly reminding us about upcoming assignments, going over readings, creating study guides for tests, etc. In college, you receive a syllabus with your assignments, dates, and deadlines; the professor might not mention them again until it’s time to turn it in, or they may not mention something you were supposed to read until you see it on your test. Help! Here at USF we’ve tried to provide all of the resources you need to be successful, but you have to take full advantage. Use your planner (electronic or paper) to input all pertinent dates at the beginning of the semester. Don’t be afraid to ask for help, you’ll hear about study groups from time to time, join them, or if you need a study group grab some classmates and invite them to study with you. Our Tutoring Center offers assistance with a variety of classes here on campus; they also offer help with papers and seminars on study skills, time management, and test anxiety. These services are free to USF students and can be great tools in helping you navigate your first semesters here. The most important thing is not to procrastinate! If you wait until the semester ends to begin asking for assistance, you may be too late. Enjoy your Summer and Welcome to Bull’s Country Class of 2014!
For More Information, please visit Tutoring and Learning Services