How to Survive as a (Transfer) Student

Earlier this afternoon, I gave a friend of mine, who was transferring from the urban college to a UC school, some advice on how to be a better student. I’ve met this young man a few years back when I was the faculty advisor for the college’s LGBT club. We’ve kept in touch even though neither of us are no longer involved in that organization. I’m happy for him that he’s moving on up academically, but I hope he cultivates new student habits. He’ll need some as the university is a completely different world than the community college.

As a student, I’ve gone through the community college, undergraduate university, and grad school systems. I’ve also worked as a TA, GTA, and a community college instructor, so I have some perspective from both sides. Even with more and more courses going online, a majority of classes offered still take place in real time, these things definitely apply:

1. Read the syllabus and keep it preserved throughout the quarter or semester. The professor may refer to it from time to time. Also, you as the student need to know the policies. Protect yourself by knowing the law of the classroom. It’s always good to know he rules, but this can also come in handy if you have a legitimate grievance. Also, if a schedule’s attached,  it is important to note the assignments, and deadlines. Keep the schedule and CYA.
2. Attend all your classes, barring illness or something that legitimately prevents you from doing so. Playing hooky only hurts you.
3. Read the assignments and do the homework. This is active learning. You’ll learn by doing, whether it’s studying the material, reading assigned books, or getting practice in writing and critical thinking. This approach also works for classes in math or science. Also, doing these things will help you be prepared for your next class.
4. Come to class prepared. Do the readings and homework. Also, come to class with your thoughts and questions on the subject at hand. Write these things down while studying. Also, being prepared helps you to participate in class as you’ll ask germane questions and effectively contribute to the discussions.
5. Participate, participate, participate. If something doesn’t make sense, ask questions. Several of your classmates may even have the same question. Also, if you’re getting insights from your studies, contribute to the discussion as appropriate. What you say may compliment the professor’s lessons and might even provide an “a-ha” moment for your classmates. When you’re put in groups, do the work and make sure your classmates are pulling their weight. All this said, many professors consider the amount and quality of class participation when factoring their grades.
6. Behave appropriately. Follow the syllabus’s policies on classroom decorum. Treat everyone with respect. You don’t want to become that disruptive student. You don’t want to be the one who plays with their mobile phone in class, chatters with classmates while the professor is talking or another classmate is contributing to the discussion, or the one who always makes a grand entrance walking in late. While this may not be fair, behavior unbecoming of a student often has a way of overshadowing whatever achievements made in class.
7. Turn things in on time and meet the exam deadlines. If you have a job, you really don’t want someone to make you back track on a task and do it over again. That’s what you do to a teacher by turning something in late (provided they accept it). There are many professors who don’t accept late assignments or make up tests, so you only hurt yourself by failing to comply.
8. Keep your school schedule on the reasonable side of full-time. Going beyond 12 units is a mistake and taking on too many commitments outside of school is as well. Overextending yourself will really hurt you academically.
9. No excuses. Offer none. No one really cares. Perhaps for the first time in your life, you may find that the world does not revolve around you. No one will feel sorry for you. The professors have heard almost every excuse ever made, including some very 21st century ones.
10. Do your best. You will get the most out of your education if you do.

If you get a class taught by a TA, all of the above rules apply. Do not expect any favors from them because they’re (grad) students. Also, do not bully them or do things to treat them badly. They have worked hard to get where they are, even to get the position of teaching your class or breakout session of a lecture course. If you think you’re smarter than them, keep it to yourself. Anyone who thinks their  superior intelligence justifies mistreating a TA must understand that this conduct is absolutely inexcusable. They should try treating a fully tenured professor this way and see where it gets them. Overall, be respectful and do you work, regardless of instructor’s rank.

Keep in mind that your relationship with the professors is not only academic, but political. You may need to approach them to write letters of recommendations or serve as references. You definitely want them to know who you are by distinguishing yourself in their courses with your work in their courses. It does you little good if the professor doesn’t know who you are simply because you coasted by in their classes. Also, you do not want them as your enemies.  As mentioned before, be respectful.

In closing, take responsibility for your learning and be a respectfully active participant in your education. It will help you go a long way.