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First Week Tips

5 Tips for the First Week of Class

Textbook/Required Materials — Find out what you need for this class by going to the Course Orientation Page. Buy materials as soon as possible so that you do not fall behind. Make sure that items will be shipped to you in time to successfully complete your first assignment. You can use local college book stores or online sites (such as Amazon.com).

Due Dates — There are four easy ways to find course due dates.

  • Your primary source for staying on track with assignments is through the modules tab on the left navigation. This will give you access to the lesson content that you won't be able to find elsewhere. Due dates are displayed on the right of the assignments within the lesson.
  • On the left navigation bar you may find a tab that says "Assignments." You can print this page as your schedule of assignments or refer to it when you would like to know about upcoming assignments.
  • On the right side of most Canvas pages there will be a list of "Coming Up" Assignments to help you stay on top of deadlines.
  • Another source for helping you keep on track is the "Calendar" link on the top navigation. Here you can look at all of your assignments for one or more of your classes as well as connect these to the calendar of your choice (Google Calendar, iCal, Outlook, etc.). How to Use the Canvas Calendar.

Study Time — Plan study time each day or particular days each week at certain times. It is essential that you set this time aside and use it to study. Prioritize your to do list before you get to your study time. Make sure your study environment is free from distractions and learn how to improve your concentration. This includes not multitasking (close any applications that have nothing to do with the task at hand) so that you will produce better quality work. It also means taking 5-10 minute breaks between tasks — walk around, eat a snack, stretch. Know when you are most effective, think about what time of day you are most awake and ready to learn; do your studying then. 

Set Goals and Anticipate Assignments — Set goals Links to an external site. for this semester. Setting goals is extremely powerful in motivating you to do your best and get things done. Above all, don't procrastinate. Start your assignments early so that you can get the help you need.

Networking — Get to know your instructor and classmates early through Canvas and email. Create study groups or look for a study buddy in your class — it's as simple as sending an email, and can be helpful at exam time or when things get harder to understand.