Coming back to school can be a stressful transition, especially for incoming transfers and freshmen who are entering a new school environment. To aim for a smoother transition back into semesters, follow these tips:
Staying organized by using a daily planner can make for an easier transition into fall 2019.
(Zuvanny Macias | The Poly Post)
Parking
“If you don’t live on campus, get ready for parking because it’s going to be hell,” said Christopher Khayhe, fourth-year management and human resources student. “Be sure to come early.”
It’s recommended that students give themselves at least an hour in advance to find parking around campus and still be able to make it to class on time.
Students are also encouraged to take the Bronco Express to and from classes especially if parked in the overflow parking lots. To find shuttle times, download the Bronco Express mobile app.
Picking up time management habits early will help avoid headaches when it comes to parking on campus and also for any upcoming class assignments and projects.
Waitlisted Classes
If classes are waitlisted, it’s recommended to email the professor to find out his or her policy on adding students to the waitlist.
Students can always show up to class and professors will have a first-come, first-served system for waitlists.
Purchasing textbooks
Students often find themselves buying books before a class starts only to find out on the first day that the professor didn’t make the book a requirement for the course. To play it safe, email professors to see if a book is needed for their class.
Many professors actually prefer when students go out of their way to email them or when students visit their office hours during the school year.
Keep open communication with professors
Visiting a professor during office hours should be an opportunity that all students take advantage of, even though it can be viewed as intimidating.
Don’t be afraid to visit professors and talk to them about any problems regarding class material or personal life events that might affect one’s academic performance.
“If you happen to have some time before the school term, contact the professor to ask what chapters [you] should be reviewing,” said Paul M. Nissenson, professor of mechanical engineering.
Many professors are welcoming with their office hours and will gladly try to accommodate meeting times with students if the need arises.
Take advantage of CPP’s resources
If a professor still seems too intimidating to ask for help, try starting a study group or go to the Learning Resource Center in the library. Don’t wait until the last minute to get help understanding concepts because it might be too late.
“Check out what resources there are, like the Learning Resource Center, and if you’re in [the] Educational Opportunity Program just take advantage of your resources because they really are really helpful,” said Angela Alvarez-Cendejas, a second-year urban and regional planning student.
Cal Poly Pomona offers free tutoring that incoming students can take advantage of to pass their classes. CPP offers smaller classes which can be an advantage for students to connect with professors better.
“Know that [college is] what you make of it; if you don’t get involved you probably won’t like it as much,” Alvarez-Cendejas said.
