I Wish I'd Known This Sooner. . .

Not only is it the beginning of a new year, it is the beginning of the winter quarter here at Sullivan University. While the quarter is still fresh take this opportunity to establish good study habits, get ahead on research projects, and to simply learn something new.

Authors Sheridan Scott, Anya Settle, and Nancy Allen have compiled tips from recent college graduates and current college students about what they wish they'd been told when they started school.

1. Don't skip class. (p. 4) Even if you did well on the first exam or you'd rather sleep in, make attending class a priority. If you miss a class you lose out on valuable learning, class discussions, points earned from pop-quizzes, and you will be affected by the attendance policy. Each and every class is important.
2. Take advantage of opportunities. (p. 15-16)
1. Talk with (and listen to) your instructors. They have had a variety of experiences, and you can learn a lot from them.
2. Sullivan University offers a student mentor program for first-quarter students. Each new student gets paired with a returning student who is here to guide and encourage that new student. Don't be afraid to ask your mentor if you have a question.
3. Get involved in campus organizations and any professional organizations that offer student memberships. Through campus and professional organizations you can meet other people who have the same interests as you, and you may be able to network with those working in your career field.
3. Find ways to motivate yourself. (p. 98) You made a committment to yourself to earn a college degree, which involves a lot of hard work and perserverance, so figure out what you need to do so that you can reach your goal.
4. Use the library. (p. 109) The library is so much more than a place to study. You can find  resources (both online and print) to help with your assignments, and the librarians will be glad to assist you with these resources. 
5. Be prepared by getting a head-start on assignments and setting up a good study environment with a place that has all you need (pens, paper, laptop, etc.). (p. 133)

If you want to read more advice from the students and recent grads, look in the book, Now You Tell Me!: 12 College Students Give the Best Advice They Never Got; 378.73 S429n. Check out these other titles on the subject too.

• Career Wisdom for College Students: Insights You Won't Get in Class, on the Internet, or from Your Parents by Peter Vogt; 331.702 V886c
• College Success Guaranteed: 5 Rules to Make It Happen by Malcolm Gauld; 378.198 G269c
• Lecture Notes: A Professor's Inside Guide to College Success by Philip Freeman;

One of the librarians will be glad to help you find any of these titles if you want to borrow them from the library. May this quarter be a successful one for you.