Student Tips

Get to Know Your Professors

Not only can they provide you with tips and advice on how to succeed in their course, but as a professional with years of experience in your field of interest, they may also serve as an important life mentor.

Great ways to start building this relationship include:

• Introduce yourself after your first class with a professor.
• Make participation a priority.
• Visit your professor's in-person or virtual office hours to get help, or just to chat – that time is there for you!

A professor you have built a relationship with can write strong letters of reference when you apply to internships, jobs, and graduate schools!

Develop Good Study Habits

The most important thing is to find the strategies that work for you, while recognizing that the strategies that worked in high school may not be sufficient for college-level work! Here are some ideas to help guide this transition:

• Eliminate distractions: Keep your cell phone out of site and keep your study space separate from your leisure space.
• Create a study plan: Space out your studying to avoid cramming. Do assigned readings ahead of time to jot down questions to ask in class. There are many different time management tools available online -check out the Pomodoro Technique!
• Consider joining a study group: Studying in groups can be beneficial to some, however you may find that you prefer to study independently.
• Ask for help! There are many campus resources available to help you. Ask your professor about tutoring services, office hours, and more!
• Always read your syllabus: If you have a question, try checking the syllabus first!

Making an Academic Plan

A Pathways Planner is a unique and useful tool. It helps you plan all of the courses needed to fulfill the graduation requirements of the degree that you wish to earn. You can make one with the help of your Academic Advisor!

See Pathways Planner resources. Also see great resources from College of Engineering, including an Excel template, that may be useful to you.

• Create a four or five year plan that outlines the courses you will take during each semester at Virginia Tech.
• Attend workshops on how to make an academic plan using the pathways planner, organized by a team of transitional advisors and student leaders!
• Be sure to refer to your degree check-sheet or, the Degree Audit Reporting System (aka DARS) in Hokie Spa, as you assemble your four-year plan.
• After having completed a draft of your four-year plan, make sure to review it with your Academic Advisor so you can be sure your plan fulfills all of your degree requirements!

Time Management Tips

1. Keep a calendar
   Google Calendar is a great resource to organize your class schedule, assignments, and other activities.
2. Create to-do lists
   Hold yourself accountable for your responsibilities. There are plenty of great, free to-do list apps for your phone. Give them a try!
3. Make time for fun
   Build in time for social interaction, recreation, exercise, and relaxation
4. Prioritize sleep
   Getting a good night’s sleep will allow you to be efficient with your time during the day.
5. Manage screen time
   While social media and digital entertainment can be a part of your relaxation regimen, it needs to be controlled in a healthy way.

Getting Involved

Planning Your Career

As a first-year student, it is natural to feel as if career-planning is something that can be put off for a later time – after all, you have four whole years before you enter the job market!

While it’s true – you have lots of time – you want to be sure you’re making the most of this time!

Here are some tips:

• Start networking now – build relationships with your peers, faculty, and professionals in your field.
• Attend career fairs, even if you are not currently looking for a job. Use these as practice!
• Have your resume and cover letter reviewed for free at the Smith Career Center.
• Seek out opportunities during winter and summer breaks! Many fellowships, internships, co-ops, and other such programs are offered during these breaks.
• Find career mentors on Hokie Mentorship Connect. There are thousands of Hokie Alum that would be happy to help you!

Remote Learning Tips: Academic Success in a Virtual Environment

Be prepared
A critical component for academic success in an online environment is being prepared for any technical difficulties that may arise.

• Ensure connectivity.
• Have a plan for internet access as well as 2-factor.
• Consider printing a list of DUO passcodes just in case.

Manage your time
Some courses will be taught in real time, some won’t. Know your professors’ class time expectations.  

• Review the syllabus and develop a plan to complete assignments on time.
• For asynchronous classes, ensure your class schedule mimics a regular semester schedule to stay on track.

Keep a healthy learning and study environment
Identify a quiet place to work without distractions from television, family, or roommates.

• Avoid games and apps. Consider turning off your phone during class time to avoid temptation.

Figure out what works best for you
Treat an online course like a “real” course.

• Hold yourself accountable.
• Make a daily "To Do" list.
• Develop a daily routine with scheduled course time, study time, and free time.

Keep in touch with your professors
Communication skills are vital in online learning.

• Determine how your professor would like you to communicate questions.
• If your teacher is offering online office hours, don't be shy about using those tools to communicate and seek help.

Be flexible
Given the online environment, sometimes communication can be difficult.

• Check your Canvas Account Notification Settings--adjust to be more frequent.
• Before sending messages, take a moment to reread your communications to ensure they convey respect and courtesy.