College is a new and exciting experience with lots of opportunities, but it can also be frightening, especially if you are new to the United States! To ease the transition to your life at the University of Arkansas, our international student ambassadors have compiled a list of words of advice that they hope you find useful to navigate through the U of A.
1. Never Lose Your Student ID Card
I know carrying around a small ID card that can easily be misplaced might be difficult, but it is truly one of your main life lines during your freshman year. It gives you access to the dining halls, you have to show your ID to turn in tests, swipe it at the university printing area to use your printing quota, show it to receive care packages, and it gives you access to Student Activities on campus. If you memorize the number you should be fine for a while but that card is fairly important.
2. Check “Rate My Professor” Before Registering for Classes
If you have no experience choosing classes, you probably do not know about the lifesaving website, “Rate My Professor.” This site allows you to see comments from past students about how the course was for them. They will tell you if you should run for the hills or if it will be an easy “A.” Just be careful, super hard professors you’re avoiding might end up being the ones to bring out the best in you. If there is only one class or one time that fits with your schedule, don’t worry, students sometimes give tips in their reviews on how to be successful in the class.
3. Go to Class AND Pay Attention
I know you may hear this a lot from your mentors or advisers, but it really makes a difference if you are in class or not. Not only are you paying tuition to be able to attend these classes, but many professors will give hints for what you should put emphasis on when studying. Don’t talk yourself out of that 8 a.m. just because you and your roommates stayed up watching all the episodes of Grey’s Anatomy. Even if in high school you were able to not pay attention in class, it won’t work in college. In order to do well in your classes you have to go to class and pay attention. It’s not enough to just go to class; you have stay up to date on the material. Don’t be that student who shows up to class and realizes there is a test that day. Missing small assignments here and there can be the difference between an A and a B at the end of the semester.
4. Be Prepared to Feel Like You’re Overwhelmed
This is a new environment, especially if you are an international student. People will be trying to converse with you and you might have no idea what they are saying. But, that’s okay, it will get easier. Everything will be changing. Classes could be much harder than you are used to, and you will have to make friends all over again. But do not let that get you down. You are not the only person feeling that way, everyone does from time to time.
5. Have Fun!
This is college; grades and GPA are very important, but getting involved and making friends is the one of the greatest moments of college. Take some time off from studying to focus on yourself every now and again, and just kick your shoes off and have fun. This will also combat home sickness and let you enjoy college.
6. Try Something New
College is a time where you have the opportunity to do something you have never done before. It’s the perfect time to learn a new language or take that pottery class you’ve always wanted to.
7. Get Involved On-Campus and Off-Campus
Find something that interests you on and off-campus in the community. Having outside activities keeps you focused and helps to have a balanced schedule. Being involved also allows you to meet others on campus and to gain valuable networking opportunities.
8. Use a Calendar
This can help you plan ahead and not procrastinate. Try to stay ahead in all your courses and extracurricular activities. The best way to do this is to keep a planner and to schedule out your day ahead of time. Always try to keep track of events and deadlines. At the beginning of the semester, mark down your exam days and dates for when you have big papers or projects due. This will allow you to get an idea ahead of time for what weeks may be extra busy and allow you to prepare accordingly.
9. Utilize the Razorback Transit
Figure out the bus routes. It is a great system that goes all over Fayetteville, and is extremely convenient if you live off-campus so you don’t have to worry about parking on campus.
10. Always Have a Meal Plan for On-Campus Dining
While you make get tired of eating in the dining halls by the end of freshman year, it is actually essential to have a meal plan. Even if you live off-campus, most of your time is still spent on-campus, and so for those long days studying in the library, it really comes in handy to be able to use your meal plan. You can use it to buy snacks with Flex, or grab a meal at the Union or other retail locations. It also comes in handy for days where you don’t have time to cook or lack physical cash in your pocket. A meal plan provides a lot of options and is really affordable.
11. Get Help When Needed
Don’t wait until the last minute to get help in a class or avoid seeking help at all. The U of A offers so many resources for students struggling in classes. Be sure to check out Class+ for more information and to signup for tutoring. Also, go to your professor’s office hours because they are there to help you. Make arrangements with your professors for what is the best time to meet with them. Some have hours by appointment and others have set hours, but won’t necessarily be in their office. Let them know ahead of time when you will be stopping by so you can be sure they will be there. Also, when it comes time for grades many professors will recognize hard work and help their students. So seek out help and get to know your professors. Also you’ll never know when you’ll need a recommendation letter!
