The University System

            Unlike most high schools and some community colleges, the size of a university can pose several problematic issues that may need to be resolved as early as possible.

Class Scheduling

            Many new students schedule classes too close together and try to load up all classes on two or three days. While it may seem ideal to only attend class a couple days a week, this schedule can cause problems for several reasons. For example, taking too many classes in one day can make it hard to comprehend all the new information you take in. By the time you get to your third lecture, your mind might not be capable of taking in new and complicated ideas. Taking too many classes in one day might make you tired and not leave you with energy to study at the end of the day. Also, you want to give yourself more time to enjoy campus life. Prepare a class schedule where your lectures, labs and discussions are spread out across the week and where you don’t have to run from one class to the next. This sounds simple enough, but you would be surprised if you knew how many students perform poorly and become stressed because they didn’t give themselves enough time to get there.

Campus Bureaucracy

            Most issues regarding registration, financial aid, academic counseling, etc., can be taken care of at one building at your university. However, it is waiting in lines and uncertainty about which office to go to that brings about the most frustration. To eliminate most of the aggravation, take care of all bureaucratic issues as early as possible. Call ahead to find out exactly who you need to see, and always ask what information they need to serve you better. Schedule plenty of time to resolve these issues, as it will save you stress and give you more time to attend to your academic needs. In other words, do not make the mistake of thinking you can get them accomplished between classes.  Even the task of purchasing your books can become a big hassle due to the size of some universities.  Always plan ahead and give yourself time to work these issues out. 

In addition, make use of the counselors that the university offers.  You do not have to figure everything out for yourself.  There are counselors for each bureaucratic department: admissions, academic, financial aid, career planning, etc.  They are paid to make your time at the university easier; make use of them.

To read more about the differences between environments at four-year universities with that of any high school or two-year college and the methods you can use to adjust, click here.