Back to school: Starting your first college courses at Concordia Nebraska

You’ve made it through the trip to Seward, Nebraska, move-in day, and Launch weekend, and now you’ve begun your first few weeks of the new school year. This year, it’s looking a little different – as a freshman, you are learning how to live independently while also making new friends, having new experiences and joining new clubs. On top of all that, it’s still another school year! Classes will be in full swing soon, and homework, tests, and study time may start to feel a little overwhelming. Unlikely as it may seem right now, there are ways to be successful as a new college student, even while balancing all parts of this new chapter in your life.  

Getting to know your professors early 

Concordia’s professors are there to assist you in your studies; they care about your success. So don’t be afraid to get to know your professors! Ask them questions about class material or even certain points of lectures that especially intrigue you! Later, when you need assistance with difficult topics in the class, you will have an established academic relationship with your professor, likely allowing you to feel more comfortable approaching them.  

Regularly attending class 

Simply attending class is one of the best ways to ensure success in college – so whether it’s an 8 a.m. psychology course or a history course that lasts until 3:30, show up! This way, you won’t have to worry about missed notes, not knowing important instructions for upcoming assignments or falling behind. Even on days when you feel like you just can’t find the motivation to get out of the dorm – or even your bed – try your best to just show up. Your future self will thank you.  

Asking questions – sometimes lots!

In college, your education is something for which you – or your parents, or someone else – are paying. It follows, then, that you may seek to get the most value possible out of this education. Part of getting that value is asking questions and ensuring your understanding of the concepts that professors are teaching. No matter how simple your question may be, don’t be afraid to ask lots of questions in college! Professors are there for your learning and want to see you succeed – they'll be glad to help you out, either in class or one-on-one.  

Finding study partners and friends in class 

It is often useful to have friends – or at least people with whom you’re comfortable communicating – in each of your college classes. That way, if you must miss a session, you’ll have someone who can share the in-class notes with you. You will also have someone with whom you can carry out study sessions in the library, and someone who can compare information with you regarding what you may need to do for the next class session. 

Knowing how to organize your time and life 

One of the most significant changes you can make in your academic life when coming to college is committing to a more effective organization system. College differs greatly from high school; in some ways, it’s easier, but in others, it can be more difficult to keep track of all the tasks you need to complete in a day. Having different schedules for different days each week makes it easier to overlook tasks lined up for any particular day. So find a method of organization that works for you, and stick to it! It may be difficult at first, but it will be worth it. 

Concordia University, Nebraska is a university that emphasizes the Christ-centered message of the Gospel in a rigorous academic setting. It equips its students for service to both the church and the world, readying them not only with an academic degree but with a sense of God-given purpose that they can take into their future vocation, wherever it may lie. Schedule a visit today here.