1. Get to know your adviser

Your adviser can help you in so many ways that it’s a shame to let that opportunity go to waste. Whether you are confused on what classes to take or looking for a job or internship in your chosen field, you adviser should be able to help answer your questions.

Meet with your adviser regularly to be sure you are on top of your academic responsibilities. Ask questions and be prepared to change your game plan a little.

2. Register early

The earlier you register for your classes, the more availability you will have.

If you decide you want to change your schedule or even your major, the sooner you register, the easier it will be to get into the alternative classes before school starts.

Also, by registering earlier, you have more time to plan that semester’s activities, be it weekend getaways or making that big decision on whether or not to get a job.

3. Take summer and intersession classes-

It’s a dirty thought, classes when school should be out, but the more classes you take when the doors are open, the sooner you get out.

Another advantage to taking summer and intersession classes is that although you don’t get the break you had hoped for, you won’t lose the academic mind-set you have been in all school year.

4. Find your classes before the first day

By finding your classes a few days before school starts, you cut down on the running around time on the first day.

It also gives you an idea of what time to arrive in the morning, what route you should take from one place to the next, and where you should park your car in order to, well… exit quickly at the end of the day.

5. Apply early

For those intending to get a job for the fall, start applying now. Like summer jobs, they go quickly.

Most businesses are already taking resumes for fall jobs because many students working in the summer will not be working then. The sooner you put in your application, the better your chances are of getting that job you really want.

However, put in several applications.

If you don’t get that job you were hoping for, you don’t want to be completely out of work.

6. Review the student handbook

It’s very important, let me reiterate, very important that you understand the parking rules and absence policy. Academic success means you graduate college.

If you have unpaid parking tickets or you miscalculate how many times you decided not to attend class, it could mean not graduating when planned.

7. Join clubs and organizations

Your parents tell you to join student run clubs and organizations to meet new people. Often, it’s because they don’t like the friends you have, or they think it will encourage you to “try harder.”

Let’s face it. We have certain friends because, well, we like them. We are interested in meeting new people, but we generally meet them as they cross our paths.

Clubs and organizations are great ways to meet new people, and it’s an even better way to make contacts for the future.

Joining will satisfy your parents’ requests and allow you the opportunity to meet people who can help further your future endeavors.

8. Stay healthy

Go search Oxford for healthy places to eat, find bike and hiking trails, and locate the Turner Center.

Staying healthy keeps your mind in order.

Bike or walk wherever you can and visit the Turner Center for working out.

Exercise is a great way to destress and ready your body for all of the campus activities you will participate in.