By Audrey Valenzuela | Staff Writer
Baylor University is gearing up for a new semester, welcoming many students back and introducing freshmen to their new home away from home. A Baylor professor and upperclassman have three tips to ensure that students succeed this fall.
1. Be prepared
Patricia Hassell, lecturer in the department of New Student Programs, said it’s important to have the necessary materials for all your classes.
The first week can be overwhelming, but Hassell said it’s important to stay positive. Hassell teaches college success for freshmen and said there are many tools freshmen can use to make the transition easier.
Be sure to look over the syllabi and assignments, Hassell said. This will give students a sense of what to expect for each course. Be sure to have notebooks, pencils, a laptop and any necessary textbooks. According to Hassell, students should consider bringing a water bottle — there will be lots of walking between classes.
“Come with an open mind and something to take notes with,” Hassell said. “Be yourself and don’t try to be anyone else. You are unique, and that’s what makes you perfect. It’s a big temptation to be someone you aren’t. It won’t last, and you’ll eventually come back to yourself and who you really are.”
Preparation also includes planning out schedules and routes. If possible, students should walk their schedules a day or two before classes to familiarize themselves with their schedule, Hassell said. Using a planner for class schedules and any upcoming assignments is the easiest way to stay organized.
2. Be open
Arlington Heights, Ill. senior Annie Jo Piet said meeting people and making new connections is the best way to feel engaged and connected to the university. It’s important to be open to meeting new people in classes or extracurriculars.
“Don’t be afraid to talk to the students in your classes or your professors,” Piet said. “You’ll meet your closest friends by sitting next to them in class and introducing yourself. A lot of people are just as nervous as you are, [but] we are all in the same boat trying to figure out Baylor and college life.”
Piet said not everyone came to college with their best friends, and it’s important to remember everyone is meeting each other for the first time. Piet also recommends reaching out to professors for help and guidance, as they also understand that this is a new experience for many students.
3. Venture into Waco
College itself has many new activities and experiences for all students to participate in, but Hassell said it’s a good idea to get to know Waco as well.
“I love teaching the New Student Experience because I get to show my students the university and the Waco community,” Hassell said. “I teach them how to be involved and make it feel like home. I want them to have the desire to be in a community and come back to visit a place they found joy in.”
Whether it’s volunteering, attending a church service or visiting local shops, there are many opportunities for students to venture outside campus to broaden their college experience.
“I try to make a bucket list of things I want to do around Waco outside of Baylor,” Piet said. “I enjoy scheduling [things] with my church, friends and the city of Waco to make sure I have a well-rounded experience… I think it’s important to love the city and find spaces away from campus that bring you comfort.”
