This booklet has hyperlinks, so be sure to click on the pink underlined words for more information!
Do balance out classes by type (STEM vs humanities, core vs major requirements).
Do go to office hours & recitations!
Do schedule classes & activities for when you feel most productive!
Do read the syllabus, plan out big projects, & remind yourself of important dates!
Do celebrate your accomplishments & those of your peers!
Don't take more than 5 classes or 16 credits!
Don't be shy to reach out, whether it's to professors, TAs, your dean, or GSP!
Don't skip class!
Don't wait until the last minute (this will save you so much stress)!
Don't compare yourself to other students!
College textbooks are expensive, so we've compiled some free resources below!
Always check Lauinger Library and course reserves! CMEA's Book Co-Op Library: students can rent books from the CMEA for the entire semester (for FREE)! If the CMEA Library doesn't have a certain textbook, apply for the CMEA Book Loan Scholarship! If approved, the CMEA buys the book for the student to use during the semester, which is then returned to the Co-Op Library.
Check sites like LibGen or ZLibrary for free text access (always practice internet safety & install an ad blocker)!
Check GU groupchats to see if any upperclass students are selling their old books!
Abebooks, Chegg, Amazon, & Ebay are usually cheaper than the GU bookstore. So is RENTING instead of buying, or buying USED instead of new.
QUICK TIP: Generally wait to buy books until your classes start to see which are actually required!
PRO TIPS:
Always prepare in advance (look at the course catalog, check RateMyProfessor, satisfy prerequisites, & become familiar with major requirements)!
Consider signing up for Mastering the Hidden Curriculum, a class for FGLI students (w/ free food)!
Add/drop period- lasts ~1-2 weeks after classes start; allows you to try out classes & change your schedule
Refund- a leftover balance on your student account (when funding > amount due)! Be aware of refund deadlines every semester & if you have one, prioritize spending it on academic expenses first! For any questions, contact your academic dean first! Save these solutions to common registration errors!
July 28- Registration opens for first-year undergrads
August 23- First day of classes!!!
August 30- Last day the waitlist will run
August 31 @ 3PM EST- Last day to claim a seat
September 1- Add form closes (@ 5PM EST), registration closes, & the last day to drop without a W
We always encourage students to reach out if they need help, so here are some useful (free) resources for you!
The ARC offers academic accommodations, webinars & worksheets, foreign language tutoring, & so much more!
GSP Tutoring Resources
Check out our curated tutoring resources here or apply for a GSP Necessity Grant (can cover up to $30/hr of tutoring)!
Subject-Specific Resources
Visit the Writing Center or Math Assistance Center! Check the department for extra resources.
The transition from high school to university classes can be challenging! Here are some tips for your success that'll make your studying a little easier: Learn to skim & summarize to get through long, dense readings (CTRL + F always helps)!
Test out different organization styles to find one that works for you (Google Cal, bullet journal, to-do app, etc)!
Limit distractions w/ your phone's Do Not Disturb feature. Prioritize work using the Eisenhower Matrix!
Change your surroundings & get out of the dorm to study (we have a list of great campus study spots here)!
