The first year of college is an exciting time, but a potentially disorienting one. Study habits that served students well in high school may no longer be the best way to approach college-level courses. In addition, being away from familiar people and places can add an extra degree of difficulty to achieving academic and personal success.
Marquette Nursing’s student success team hears many of the same questions from students and parents at the start of each academic year. They’ve taken the most common queries and answered them below:
How do you recommend students approach professors if they need help? What form of communication is usually best?
We recommend that students consult the course syllabus to look for their professor’s contact information, including their preferred methods of contact. We also strongly recommend that students approach their professors early in the semester to introduce themselves and reach out sooner rather than later, so professors have the time to give support to students. Lastly, it’s important for students to know that many of their professors want to connect with students and support them in any way they can. Don’t be shy about reaching out to them with questions!
Who can students turn to at Marquette if they need academic help?
Marquette has several resources to support students’ academic success. At the university level, the Lemonis Center for Student Success is a fantastic resource for students to access. There are many great study spaces in the Lemonis Center, and you’ll also find the Academic Resource Center (ARC) and group tutoring.
Within the College of Nursing, Dr. Jayme Aguero works as a Nursing Academic Coach. In this role, she supports undergraduate and graduate nursing students in variety of ways, including organization, time management, study strategies, test-taking skills and reframing stress. She is part of the Center for Nursing Student Success, a space within the college that holistically supports our students’ learning, growth and futures as nursing professionals.
Can caring for your physical health positively impact your academic life? How should first- students be doing that?
Caring for your physical and mental health can support and positively impact your academic career! At Marquette’s Wellness + Helfaer Recreation Center and other campus facilities, students can participate in yoga, mindfulness and breathwork for mental wellness. You’ll find high-energy stress-busting activities like cardio classes, spin and Zumba. You can also connect with friends, classmates and colleagues through Club Sports and Intramural Sports. Massage therapy, mental health counseling, fitness activities and community building can help you strike a balance between academic goals, personal goals and supporting your overall holistic health.
What are some of the most effective study habits a nurse can practice?
Block time in your schedule for studying and look ahead at what you’ll be learning in the next class session. Find a study group or partner and quiz each other.
What is the most common studying mistake you see with first-year students?
A lot of students will focus on memorization instead of application. Put your energy into figuring out how you would actually use the information in a given situation or as a practicing nurse.
What’s the biggest transition from high school to college that most first-year students don’t think about?
Many students assume all the learning will happen during class. Instead, be ready to explore content on your own time. This includes watching lecture videos, reviewing modules, etc.
Are there any particular classes that you find first-year students needing help with most often? If there is, why specifically that class?
Principles of Anatomy & Physiology 1: there are weekly exams, so finding a balance between reviewing what you’ve just learned as well as preparing for your next class is super important.
What tips do you have for parents who are worried about their student in the first year of college and want to know how best to support them?
Be encouraging! This will be a big transition and a great opportunity for students to take initiative, explore resources, and find what works for them.
If you are a nursing student in need of assistance, reach out to one of our academic advisers and they would love to help!
