Should I bring all my books with me on the first day of community college?

Question

I start college today, I am nervous. Should I bring all of my books. I have no idea what to do.

Answer 1

Bring the books for the classes you have that day- there are usually no lockers so you are stuck lugging everything around all day- most likely there will be many students who don't have books until close to the 2nd week of class because of financial aid disbursements- most professors expect this but if you have yours take them- that's why you bought them.

Don't be nervous, the first week is generally somewhat laid back, you could actually probably get away with a single notebook for the first day, usually the first day is about getting the syllabus which usually describes your whole semester (hold onto these- they will help more than you know). The professor will usually spend some time going over their syllabus, the expectations, grading scale, attendance policies...

you may get a professor that puts you to work on the first day but it depends on the professor and the course-- take any math books- you'll probably get homework immediately in those courses and believe me it doesn't hurt to get ahead now while other people are waiting for their books- if you stay ahead you'll have less problems if you need to slow down on certain areas and your professors will be more likely to give you break if needed. Just know that professors at the community college level are generally more laid back but most are big on making sure you understand that the work you do or don't do, getting to class on time, your final grade is your responsibility- you are an adult now and excuses don't work the same in this environment- keep your excuses to a minimum and ask questions in class- it will help your professor remember you- they go through about 500 students a day and they usually only remember those students who are very active or those who are a waste of space.

Answer 2

Just bring the books for the classes you have today. Also, be sure to bring something to write on and write with. If you are taking a math class be sure to bring your calculator. Turn your cell phone to silent or vibrate while in the classroom.

You will find that college is very different from high school, not nearly as much drama, cliques and being popular doesn't matter anymore. In your classes you will have people from your age to your grandparents age.

Also, don't be shy about speaking up and answering questions, usually part of your grade is on class participation. There is nothing worse for the professor than asking a question and nobody answering it. So, even if your not sure you're correct, give it a try.

Take some deep breaths, and just have fun. You're entering a new and exciting phase of your life, one you will cherish forever. There really is nothing to be scared or nervous about, you will be just fine. Get all the bad high school memories out of your head and look towards the future.