INTENSIVE COURSE
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW by Laura Captari
SO WHAT’S THE SECRET? LET’S TAKE A LOOK AT A FEW STEPS THAT WILL MAKE YOUR INTENSIVE EXPERIENCE SUCCESSFUL, REWARDING, AND FUN!
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RESERVE YOUR FLIGHT AND HOTEL THROUGH BOOKING PORTAL You’re already spending valuable money on tuition and books, so take advantage of the Liberty University Booking Portal. Here, you can book local hotel accommodations as well as any flight or car rental needs — all with Liberty University negotiated rates! If you have problems or questions, please feel free to contact the Liberty University Travel Office via email at travel@liberty. edu or phone at (434) 592-6540. And make sure to double-check your dates before booking (nothing like paying an airline change fee because you were distracted!).
READ YOUR SYLLABUS AND COURSE CHART CAREFULLY There’s no need to lose points on an assignment because you skimmed over the directions and missed something. Download your syllabus and course chart as soon as possible, and set aside time to read it in detail. If you have any questions, email your professor as soon as possible to clear up the confusion, or ask a friend who has already taken the course.
START ON PRE-INTENSIVE WORK AT LEAST A MONTH BEFOREHAND I know it may sound extreme, but there is nothing worse than pulling an all-nighter Sunday night before your first class to get it all done.You will be miserable. So, buy your textbooks as soon as you complete course registration and get started. Keep in mind that graduate intensives require significant preparation, including reading (sometimes multiple textbooks), watching DVDs, completing workbooks, and/or writing papers. Make a plan and pace yourself.
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GET TO KNOW YOUR CLASSMATES BEFORE YOU COME Take advantage of technology to start getting to know the people you’ll be sitting in class with for eight hours a day. Grad school isn’t just about learning, it’s also about connecting with others and beginning to build professional relationships. Make sure to post your information on the introductory discussion board, and take time to read and respond to others. You can even connect through social media and make plans ahead of time to grab lunch or dinner as a group.
DONT RUSH — ARRIVE EARLY SO YOU CAN RELAX If possible, try to arrive on Sunday afternoon so you can settle in, grab dinner with classmates, and get rested before your first day of class. Graduate intensives typically run from 8 a.m.–4:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 8 a.m.–noon. Friday. After class gets out Friday, take some time to relax, grab coffee with friends, and maybe even explore campus a bit before you head home. Do not book a flight that leaves Friday before 3 p.m. (or before 5 p.m. for COUN 505). ARRANGE FOR ANY NECESSARY CHILDCARE Don’t forget about your kids in the midst of planning! Obviously, you won’t be there to meet the bus and cook dinner, so coordinate with your spouse or find a trustworthy babysitter to cover these responsibilities while you’re away. Keep in mind that you will have homework in the evenings, so bringing your children along probably isn’t the best idea. If you do, however, make sure you arrange for childcare while you are in class, as Liberty University does not provide this.
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PRACTICE SELF-CARE THROUGHOUT THE WEEK To be honest, some stress is inevitable during an intensive, so how will you cope? Take advantage of all that Liberty has to offer! Liberty University has world-class facilities, where you can lift weights, rock climb, play basketball, soccer, volleyball… and so much more! Maybe you’re feeling adventurous and want to try our year-round ski slope or ice skating rink. If you’re in a more “chill” mood, pick up your favorite Starbucks drink at the Barnes and Noble on campus.
EAT HEALTHY, STAY HYDRATED, AND GET REST Intensives are often physically and emotionally draining, and the last thing you want is to get sick. Go to bed early — you will need your energy for class the next day! Also, avoid caffeinated drinks in the evening that might disrupt your sleep. And about your meals? Try to avoid eating burgers and fries all week. A healthy balanced diet, including fruits, vegetables, protein, and lots of water will improve your mood, attention span, and energy levels.
TAKE TIME TO RECHARGE AFTERWARD When Friday comes and you get ready to head home, remember that you’ve worked hard and deserve a break! So cut yourself some slack. Rather than being overwhelmed by the post-intensive assignments looming ahead, take a few days to recover. Celebrate what you’ve already completed! Take a nap. Watch your favorite TV show. Spend time with your family. After a rejuvenating weekend, make a plan to complete the remaining assignments. Pace yourself, and then take it one step at a time.
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