4 tips to jump-start your semester
Get organized
During your first week of classes, you’ll get a syllabus for each one of your courses. This document has expectations, required readings, project deadlines and exam dates. Review each syllabus to help you get organized for the semester.
Put dates in your calendar. Whether you use a calendar app or a paper planner, take note of important dates from your syllabi. This includes exam dates, project and paper due dates, presentations and other assignments.
Add reminders and to-dos. Avoid procrastination by breaking big projects into smaller tasks in your calendar and scheduling group project meetings.
Schedule time to study. Regular study sessions help you balance academics with other responsibilities. College students should dedicate two to three hours of studying a week for each hour they are in class.
Attend office hours
Faculty members make time to be available for students outside the classroom. This is known as “office hours.” Office hours allow you to meet one-on-one with your professors to ask questions or find support. For example, if you had a question about an upcoming assignment, you could attend office hours to get clarification.
Even if you don’t have an academic reason to attend office hours, stop by to introduce yourself to your professors. Meeting your professors now can make it easier to go later in the semester if you need help. Get more tips for attending office hours.
Figure out what works for you
Take time this week to try different study techniques and environments to determine what's best for you:
Would you prefer to study alone, or would being in a group be helpful?
Are you more mentally sharp at a certain point in the day (early mornings or evenings)?
Do you need silence, or do you focus better with background noise?
Try making flashcards, re-writing your notes or color-coding key concepts. You can also explore .
Find support
You don’t have to wait until your first exam to ask for help. Visit your professor during office hours to ask questions and check out campus resources.
Academic Success and Achievement Program (ASAP)
ASAP offers free peer tutoring to all first-year students and any student living on campus, including new transfer students and Bear Creek residents.
Tutoring resources
CU Boulder offers tutoring and learning resources to support you and your academic success. Some are specific to certain classes, departments or groups of students. Most are free, while some require a fee.
Writing Center
The Writing Center is a service that offers students from all academic disciplines and skill levels the opportunity to work one-on-one with professionally trained writing consultants.
University Libraries
University Libraries offer a massive collection of academic resources. Services include Ask a Librarian, where you can chat, text, email or schedule a consultation to get help with your research and course assignments.
Peer Wellness Coaching
Peer wellness coaches are trained students who can help you create study plans, practice self-care, set goals, make friends and more. Coaching sessions are free and open to all CU Boulder students.
The Honor Code
鶹Ժ are expected to follow the Honor Code by not participating in academic dishonesty, including plagiarism, cheating or helping another student gain an unfair advantage.