Preparing for Your First Day of Classes

Your first day of class at Penn State may seem overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be! As someone from a small high school, I was nervous to start class on a big campus, in large lecture halls, and with so many new people, but I’ve compiled a list of helpful tips to help you prepare for your first day—whether your classes are in person or online.

If your classes are in person:

Find your classes ahead of time

I cannot recommend enough walking to all of your class buildings before the first day. Print out your schedule (or take a screenshot) and go to all of the buildings in the order you will have class. This is so helpful as it lets you see what the buildings look like and learn some of the campus landmarks that will help you navigate over the next four years. If it’s possible, go into the buildings and find the specific classroom you will be in. This small task can give you one less thing to worry about on your first day. Google Maps is your BEST FRIEND—take advantage of it! I still use Google Maps to get to buildings that I haven’t been to before. Pro tip: if you don’t want to be staring at your phone, you can put headphones on, and it will tell you when to turn!

Get to class early

On the first day, plan to get to your classes 10-15 minutes ahead of time. This will allow you to find a seat and get settled. Classes are 15 minutes apart, so there is no need to get to class earlier than 15 minutes (otherwise you may risk walking into the class in the room before you).

Sit close to the front

It is likely that most of your first semester will consist of bigger introductory classes. Though class sizes may be different this year, it is likely your classes will be in a large lecture hall. Sitting in the front makes the class seem smaller and more comfortable. It will also make it easier to stay focused—in the back of the room, it is more tempting to use your phone and easy to be distracted watching the people in front of you. The closer you sit to the front, the less distractions you will encounter. Sitting in the front will also allow you to have better interactions with your professor, as they will be more likely to remember your face, and it is easier to ask them questions. 

If your classes are online:

Download Zoom and get familiar with it 

You should have Zoom downloaded onto your computer already—because WEPO! If not, go to zoom.us and download the desktop app. Make sure to click sign in with an SSO, typing in psu as the company domain, and log in with your Penn State information. Take some time to get familiar with Zoom too. Zoom has some great functions, like raising your hand, thumbs up/clapping reactions, the chat, etc—take advantage of them!

Join only a few minutes early

Unlike in person classes, you don’t need to worry about finding a seat for Zoom lectures, so there is no need to join the call too early. Joining 5 minutes before class time is more than enough—it gives you enough time to make sure everything is working correctly without having to worry about being the first person on the call.

Make sure you are muted if you are not speaking

It’s a good habit to mute your microphone as soon as you join a call. Classes and meetings are more efficient if only one person is talking at a time. Also, it’s inevitable that someone around you will be making noise/talking/etc. that may be disruptive, so it is easier to put yourself on mute. That said, make sure to unmute yourself when you are speaking!

Stick to your schedule

If your classes are pre-recorded and not held at the same time as your originally scheduled classes, it is easy to get behind. Try to stick to your schedule and watch the lectures at the time class would normally be held. This will keep you accountable and on top of the material. 

Both in person and/or online

Check your email

Professors may reach out to you before classes start with important information or assignments. Be sure to check your email to make sure you are up to date!

Bring something to take notes with

The first day of class can consist of simply going over the syllabus, or you may jump right into material. Bring a laptop or a notebook to take down any important notes, whether it is about the syllabus or class material.

Make friends and study together 

It may seem intimidating to say hi to the person next to you sitting on their phone, or the group of people having a conversation behind you, but I can’t stress enough how helpful it is to talk to the people around you. Everyone is in the same situation and wants to meet new people! It’s likely you’ll see some familiar faces from WEPO too ☺ Even if your classes are online, it’s likely you will see some familiar faces from WEPO or your other classes. Making friends in your classes will help you so much throughout the semester: ask them for the notes if you are sick, ask them questions, study together, etc.

Olivia Brencovich

Team D Mentor