CSULB Back-to-School Survival Guide

  Winter break at California State University, Long Beach is always both a gift and a curse. While we appreciate having more than a month off from school, the extended time away leaves us loathing the thought of returning. So, CSULB students, let’s take a moment and reminisce about all the fun you had this winter break—holidays with your family, nights out with friends, weekend trips to Vegas, sitting poolside with a drink in hand, or, for those of us that couldn’t squeeze Sin City in the budget, day trips to the beach and vodka infused gummy bears.

With the first day of the Spring 2012 semester commencing this Monday, I’ve put together six helpful tips that will help you survive the first day back. 

1. Don’t drink the night before!

We all get that urge to have one last hurrah before heading back to the daily routine of classes, term papers, and all-nighters but there could not be anything worse than dragging yourself around campus while suffering from a pounding headache and nausea.  Get to sleep at a reasonable hour and eat a good breakfast because you’ll need all the energy you can get to make it through the dreaded day. Your first day can set the tone for the entire semester so approach it with your best foot forward.

2. Give yourself time!

More time than you think you will need.  On the first day of school, campus is like an obstacle course and you’re going to need as much time as possible to complete the challenges and make it to class on time.  If you’re a commuter student, like so many at The Beach are, you are well aware of the perils of traffic, parking, and 20 minute walks to class.  I generally live by a one-hour rule--meaning I get to campus a solid hour before my class is scheduled to start. This should be just enough time to fight a traffic jam in parking lot 16, secure a space, travel from lower to upper campus, and make it to class before all of the good seats are taken. Nothing will ruin your day more than having to run from the parking structure on Palo Verde Ave. all the way to your class in the Liberal Arts 1 building near Seventh St.  Giving yourself ample time will ensure less stress on your first day back.

3. Bring a pen and paper.

This one seems like a no-brainer but I cannot tell you how many times I’ve had someone look at me with a panicked expression when the professor begins lecturing on the first day of class, and they didn’t think to bring standard school supplies.  More often than not you will have to take some form of notes or write some type of cheesy “about me” paragraph on the first day, so come prepared. Nobody likes ripping out pages from their new notebook to lend you a few sheets of paper and let’s face it, no one ever remembers to return a pen after borrowing one. 

4. Check your e-mail often.

Last-minute classroom changes have been known to occur at CSULB from time to time so make sure to diligently check your inbox for any surprises. And if you’re following the one-hour rule, you can handle a room change with ease.

5. Learn the art of book buying.

Every professor hands out a course syllabus on the first day of class detailing the required texts of the course and anxiety will overcome you as you begin to add up the prices in your head.  Before making a bee-line for the bookstore, do some research. Figure out if this is a more laid-back lecture type of class in which you can share a textbook with a friend. Splitting the cost of a book often softens the blow of sticker shock.  If you must buy your own book for independent study, get in touch with people who have taken the class before. More often than not, they will be willing to sell their book at a discounted price and even offer some general advice on the course itself.  Most professors are understanding and forgiving when it comes to book buying.  They generally give you a full week to acquire the text before assigning work from it, giving you ample time to buy or rent online.  If you must buy from the bookstore, and chances are you will, try and snag used copies and rent when given the option. 

6. Finally, don’t forget it’s a new year.

I’m not mentioning this tip to inspire you to be a better student by telling you it’s a brand new year for a brand new you.  I really just want to remind you that it’s 2012 because chances are you will accidentally write “1-23-2011” on your paper heading all day long.