Whether you’re starting college for the first time ever or you’ve been going for a few years, there are many things you need to do.  The first week of college is always the most important.  Not only do you get a feel if this is the class you want but you learn what the professor expects for the whole semester.  Miss these few things, and you’ll be sorry.  Find out the top 10 things you need to do in the first week of college.

1. Go to class – This is probably the most important out of all of them.  If you miss the first week you miss out on everything.  The professor most likely has already explained the whole syllabus and what the semester will be like.  If you’re not there how will you know all this information?  Also, if you’re not there, that just makes you look bad to the professor, you’ll look like you don’t care about your grades.
2. How is the professor? - You want to make sure you understand the professor and you get along with them somewhat.  If they seem unorganized, and come off as a bad professor drop the class.  If you don’t like them from day one, you’re most likely not going to like them at all.  Also you can always go to sites like ratemyprofessor.com and that will give you other students views on them.  Make sure this class will work for you as well as the professor.  There are many different teachers for the subjects, choose the right one and make your time more enjoyable!
3. Are you in the right class? – Students tend to take the more advanced classes thinking they will get done faster and that they can handle it.  What happens with this is students get overwhelmed, do poorly and it takes even longer for them to learn the material.  Make sure this class is for you and it it’s at your level.  You never want to take a class that is too advanced for you.
4. Figure out the class – If you’re staying in the class, read over the syllabus again when you get home.  Be sure you understand all their expectations and know what’s going on.  Get a feel for the class and learn how it runs ahead of time.
5. Buy your books – Be sure to buy your books the day you find out what they are.  Often professors don’t care if you have the book and assign homework anyways.  What does this do?  This makes you very behind in the class.  A bad start is never good!
6. Find a study buddy – On the first day of class try and find a study buddy.  Talk to the person next to you or around you to familiarize yourself with people in the class.  Having a study buddy can be very beneficial.  You want to do this because if you’re sick someone can grab extra copies for you, and you can learn from others while studying with them!  Study buddies are great for an extra hand, get one and be one!
7. Make a schedule – If you work or have a lot to do outside of school make a schedule and plan.  You don’t want to stress yourself out with school.  Have days for just school, and days for just work.  Plan ahead and get an agenda to help you out! There are many important dates you’ll have to remember, it’s almost impossible to remember them all in your head.

As you can see there is a lot that needs to be done the first week of school.  You want to make sure you get a good start and are ready for the class.  Now is the time to get prepared, get on good terms with your professor and make friends.   These 7 things will get you more than ready for school.  Good luck!