I can’t believe the first day of school is quickly approaching! I’ve been going for school for like sixteen years now, but the first day still always gets me really excited and a little nervous. I was particularly nervous for my first day of college classes. College is unlike any other school experience you’ve have before, and the first day of school can be nerve wracking. I’ve had my fair share of first days in college classes, and I’m here to share all of my best tips. I find that situations are mush less stressful when you know what to expect.

1) Before class, check out the syllabus online and check your email.

A lot of my classes’ syllabi aren’t available online before the first day of class, but if they are, they can be a huge help in knowing what to expect from the class. They might even have some important information about what to bring or what to expect. Also check your email to see if your professors have sent you important information. I’ve gotten emails from professors telling me to be sure to bring my textbook, laptop, or other supplies on the first day, and I’ve heard of teachers assigning reading for the first day. If you don’t check your email beforehand, you’re going to be unprepared, and that is not a great way to start out.

2) Know your schedule.

You don’t have to have it memorized exactly the first day, but have it written down somewhere, and know which classes you have each day and where they are. I know someone who totally missed the first week of class because he thought that one of his MWF classes was on TT instead. My program also offers half semester classes, so you might have a class that doesn’t start until October. Don’t try to show up for that class in August. I’ve seen it happen all too often, and it’s always embarrassing.

3) Make sure that you know where your class is.

I can’t tell you how many times the professor has passed out the syllabus, and a student has something to the effect of “This isn’t a math class?” You don;t want to end up in the wrong room. If that happens, not only do you embarrass yourself in the wrong class, but you’re also late to the right class. Double check the room and building before you go, just to be safe.

4) Leave a little bit early.

Most college classrooms are easy to find, but some are tucked away in random little hallways under the stairs, or in buildings where what should be the first floor is labeled the second floor and you go up a flight of stairs for nothing. Give yourself enough time to get a little bit lost on your way for class. If you get to class a little bit too early, you have some time to scout out a bathroom or just sit and collect your thoughts. It’s totally normal to go in and sit in the empty classroom before class starts.

NOTE: If you get there more than like ten minutes early, the previous class will probably still be in the classroom when you get there. If the door is shut, leave it shut, especially if you can hear talking from inside the room. Don’t be the kid who always pokes their head into a class that is still going! It’s totally fine and expected to wait outside (though it felt really awkward to me the first time!). Just don’t make a lot of noise, and don’t block the doorway when people are trying to get out. Let everyone leave the room before you go in.

5) Pick a seat that you are comfortable with.

College classes (usually) don’t have official assigned seating, but they might as well. Everyone picks one seat and sits there for the rest of the year, so pick a seat you like. It’s best to sit near the front of the room, but if you know that sitting front and center is going to make you uncomfortable the whole semester, don’t do it. I’m a second row person myself. Just try and make it a point not to sit in the back or next to the door. Those are slacker seats and everyone knows it.

6) Sit next to someone.

I know that human instinct is to take the seat farthest away from any other human, but do it anyway. It’s nice to know some people in the class that you can partner up with on group assignments or get notes form if you miss a day, and there is no better time to start than the first day. Introduce yourself to your classmate. The basic trifecta of college introductions is “What’s your name?” “What’s your major?” and “Where are you from?” so just get used to asking and answering those a thousand times a day.

7) Read the syllabus and take notes while your professor goes over it.

Most of the time, the first day is always syllabus day, and you spend the whole time going over what to expect from the class. You think that you are going to remember everything that your professor says, but after you’ve gone through five syllabuses, it’ll all blend together. If your professor tells you what to call them, the best way to reach them, or any other important information that isn’t in the syllabus, jot it down in your syllabus. Get to know your syllabus. I once had a kid ask me what the professor’s name was half through the semester. Don’t be that kid.

8) Try to make a comment or ask a question.

Obviously, every class will be different and it might not be appropriate to comment during every class the first day, but try to get in the habit of raising your hand in class during the first week. This is especially important in smaller classes and discussion-based classes. If you do this, you’re setting yourself up in the teacher’s mind as someone who participates in class, which is important. Also, if you can comment the first week when the stakes are little bit lower, you’re going to be more confident in commenting later on in the course.

9) Figure out a schedule that works for you.

If you’re starving halfway through your 11:30 class, make a note of it and then schedule yourself some lunch or a snack before that class, or start bringing snacks to that class if you’re allowed to. If you have a break in between classes, scout out a good place to study on the first day, and commit to going there everyday after. Figuring out a schedule that works for you on the first day of the semester will set you up for success later on when your life gets more stressful.

10) Don’t stress about it.

Everyone else is nervous too, and the first day of class is always really chill. Even if the worst case scenario happens and you realize that you’re in the wrong class and get up to leave, trip, and rip your pants in front of everyone, no one will even remember it a week later. Though that’s not going to happen, pinky promise. The point is, the first day isn’t a big deal.

You’ve got this. You’re going to be fine!

Are you worried about the first day of classes? Do you have any tips?