A few questions for the college students

[Huit]

Hey. I just signed up for a few community college classes, and I have no idea what to expect. Is there some unspoken rule about what you're supposed to bring on the first day? And does anyone have any advice? I know it's just community college, but anything would be appreciated.

 

[PigletGurl]

I just brought a notebook to my first day. They told me what books to buy and whatnot.

 

[Hawaiidood]

Hey. I just signed up for a few community college classes, and I have no idea what to expect. Is there some unspoken rule about what you're supposed to bring on the first day? And does anyone have any advice? I know it's just community college, but anything would be appreciated.

Figure out the books you are gonna need and DO NOT buy them till AFTER the first class. You might be waiting in line for 40 minutes or so, but sometimes the teachers tell you that you dont need certain things that can save you a TON of money. And yeah, pretty much a notebook and pen. The first day is USUALLY way short, like each class should be 30-40 minutes tops...but dont expect that. Its possible, but not a definate. Essentially go in there with a good attitude, a pen, and notebook and you should be fine.

 

[BabyPiglet]

I completely and totally know what you're going through. I just went through it a few weeks ago myself.

Anyway, all you'll need a some paper, a folder, and a pen. You won't be doing any work the first day. It will mostly be the instructors introducing themselves, talking about the rules and dynamic of the class, and going over the syllabus and schedule of the semester.

Please don't me nervous. Everything will go absolutely fine.

College is so much better than high school, I'm sure you'll love it. And don't be afraid to be excited, college is a huge step!

Lots and lots of luck, you should post details about how it went!

 

[chisnpeke]

Bring a notebook and pen and a folder. Don't buy any books until you're sure they are exactly what you will need. Also, if you can afford to wait, search amazon and half.com for the books. They can be found MUCH cheaper than what the university's bookstore will charge.

 

[Huit]

Great, thank you all SO much for your replies!

 

[BabyPiglet]

Bring a notebook and pen and a folder. Don't buy any books until you're sure they are exactly what you will need. Also, if you can afford to wait, search amazon and half.com for the books. They can be found MUCH cheaper than what the university's bookstore will charge.

Oooooh. Seriously?

I completely disagree. What if it's a different edition? Or doesn't have a required packet?

I suggest if you have a discount bookstore in your city, that you might go there. But I would buy anything off the internet (plus you'd have to wait for it to be shipped here.)

JMO.

 

[chisnpeke]

Oooooh. Seriously?

I completely disagree. What if it's a different edition? Or doesn't have a required packet?

I suggest if you have a discount bookstore in your city, that you might go there. But I would buy anything off the internet (plus you'd have to wait for it to be shipped here.)

JMO.

It says what edition it is when you buy it. Some teachers don't make you get the exact edition of the book they want. My politics teacher wanted us to get the 4th edition of a book that included information about the 2008 election. She said we didn't have to get this edition but it wouldn't have that information. Well last quarter I had a different book that had information about this past year's election so I got the 3rd edition brand new off of amazon for 75 cents.

I always ask if the book contains any needed CD or supplements that I might need.

If I would have bought the 4th from the university bookstore it was $100, brand new off of amazon it would have been $73. That's a pretty big savings.

Last year I signed up for a biology class that I later dropped. I bought the book and from the bookstore it would have cost $150. I got it new on amazon for $80.

I got an education book last year on amazon for $35 when at the bookstore it was double that.

Most of the books for me have been primarily for reading, so I wait on the books and catch up on the reading later on. It's worth it to me to save that much money.

We do have a bookstore near us that isn't owned by the university but the prices are still significantly higher than online. Also, to resell books at the bookstore is a huge ripoff. List them online. I had a psychology book last year that could only be purchased at their bookstore. I bought it and tried to sell it back after the class and they wouldn't take it because they "changed formats." This was just after the quarter ended.

I've always been really happy with book purchases made online. Most of my professors have told the class to find books cheaper on the internet.

 

[pigletgirl]

Yes wait on buying/renting textbooks.
If your taking math classes wait to see what kind of calculator you'll need. Most likely a TI- of somesort. A graphing one.

My classes were all full lengh. We spent the first half going over orientation and then our class actually started with a lecture.

Also bring some type of calendar. Not all professors will give a schedule for quizzes, exams, homework due dates, ect. At least mine all didnt.

And last but not least, have fun! College is amazing!

 

[chisnpeke]

Yes wait on buying/renting textbooks.
If your taking math classes wait to see what kind of calculator you'll need. Most likely a TI- of somesort. A graphing one.

My classes were all full lengh. We spent the first half going over orientation and then our class actually started with a lecture.

Also bring some type of calendar. Not all professors will give a schedule for quizzes, exams, homework due dates, ect. At least mine all didnt.

And last but not least, have fun! College is amazing!

I think it depends on the class and the amount of material that needs to be covered but some teachers start the first day with a lecture after explaining everything about the class. College is fast paced.

 

[DramaQueen]

My advice would be if you have access to the syllabus before you start your class read it over so you know what to expect.
A notebook & pens & stuff would be fine, and I agree with everyone who said don't buy the book before you start th class, because you never know, and i know my university is really strict on returns. (once i bought a book for 80$ and only got 20$ back for it because it was "out of the package")
And if you can get 2nd hand books they're great, much cheaper, and sometimes there are important things highlighted/written down in them.

Don't be nervous, and dont be too worried about making friends right away, in college/university there's alot more focus on academics than socializing, i didn't have any friends until about 3 months in!! haha

If it's in a big lecture hall, make sure you pick a seat where you're comfortable and will be able to see/hear everything well (and if you're easily annoyed stay away from groups of chatty girls, because they WILL talk through the whole lecture, trust me, I know hahaha)

And ifposible I'd try to get there at least 15-20 minutes early so you can get a good seat and get comfortable and organzied before the lecture/class begins.

That's about all I have for advice, any more questions feel free to ask.

 

[pigletgirl]

Yeah, that was the biggest shocker for me. WAAAY different from highschool! But again, so much better too.

 

[pigletgirl]

My advice would be if you have access to the syllabus before you start your class read it over so you know what to expect.
A notebook & pens & stuff would be fine, and I agree with everyone who said don't buy the book before you start th class, because you never know, and i know my university is really strict on returns. (once i bought a book for 80$ and only got 20$ back for it because it was "out of the package")
And if you can get 2nd hand books they're great, much cheaper, and sometimes there are important things highlighted/written down in them.

Don't be nervous, and dont be too worried about making friends right away, in college/university there's alot more focus on academics than socializing, i didn't have any friends until about 3 months in!! haha

If it's in a big lecture hall, make sure you pick a seat where you're comfortable and will be able to see/hear everything well (and if you're easily annoyed stay away from groups of chatty girls, because they WILL talk through the whole lecture, trust me, I know hahaha)

And ifposible I'd try to get there at least 15-20 minutes early so you can get a good seat and get comfortable and organzied before the lecture/class begins.

That's about all I have for advice, any more questions feel free to ask.

So true!
And in big lecture halls I like to sit on the end. More leg room, and I can get out easily if need be.

And you will meet people!