Tuesday, Sep 5, 2017
by Robert Leitner ’17
Starting anything new can be difficult, and college is certainly no exception. To help you start the semester on the right foot, the University's Academic Success Center, which offers students free programs and services to enhance their learning and development, compiled these six tips.
1) Get to know your professors
The size of the University — with an average student/faculty ratio of 12 to 1 — gives you a wonderful opportunity to forge relationships with Rider’s faculty. Find out their office hours and stop by at least once within the first week or two of class. Discuss your hopes and worries about the course, or just make a little small talk. These relationships can be very important in helping you grow, find opportunities and achieve your goals over the coming months, years and even decades.
2) Organize
Organization is crucial if you want to keep a busy schedule from turning into an overwhelming schedule. Create a weekly schedule grid that includes class times, study hours and personal time to help stay on track. (Also consider using separate notebooks, and even color coding them, for each class to help minimize confusion.) Don't hesitate — get started right away so you don't have to play catch-up later in the semester.
3) Get involved
Take full advantage of your Rider experience. There are more than 140 clubs and organizations to join. Influence what happens here. Student leaders control an annual budget of $1 million for student programming and activities. Don’t let these opportunities pass you by. You will regret it once you graduate.
4) Use the Academic Success Center
Located in Bart Luedeke Center 237, the Academic Success Center is designed to enhance student learning and development through various types of tutoring. Take advantage of this free tool and get ahead of the curve on your weaker subjects. The decision to request help can be the difference between success and failure.
5) Get regular sleep
Sleep is critical in getting the most out of your education. Few things have a more positive impact on the way people feel and the way their brains function than a solid night of sleep. Students are no different. Get your rest!
6) Identify supporters
Whether it is family, friends, professors or others, everyone needs a good support system in place. The trained professional staff of Rider's Counseling Services is also ready to assist you with all personal and/or academic difficulties. Counseling services are free, confidential and available on each campus.