5 Tips for a Successful Semester

Monday, January 13, 2020
Image of a trophy with stars on a light blue background

Welcome back to the semester, and knowledge is yours for the taking! As a new or returning student to the Maricopa Community Colleges, your success is our community’s success, and we’re here to help make it happen.  

There are resources, and to help you stay on track, here are five out-of-the-box tips for the semester.

Start studying now.

As soon as you receive your syllabus, plot out when the largest assignments are due. If you have multiple big projects due within the same week, get the ball rolling to complete them in a timely manner. Breaking up large tasks into smaller pieces to be completed over time will make them easier to manage.

Make a connection in every class.

Life happens and it is invaluable to have a peer in your course that you can message when you miss class. If you are sick or have transportation issues, having someone that can share notes or assignments could save you stress. And vice versa, your classmate will be thankful if they are ever in the same situation!

However, do not rely on another student to act as your teacher. If you miss multiple classes and cannot catch up, go to your instructor for help.

Do not beat yourself up.

If you do not score what you were expecting on the first assignment, it is not the end of the world or the class. Talk to your instructor about the course material and ask for guidance on how to improve your grade or if there are extra credit options. If you need more assistance, visit the Learning Centers on your campus - tutoring is free for students.

Enjoy student life.

Explore what the Maricopa Community Colleges have to offer outside of the classroom. Clubs, sports, arts, fairs, conferences, events, and so much more are housed at the ten campuses for the community. See an event you want to attend at a college you aren’t enrolled in? No problem! The majority of campus events are open to all Maricopa Community College students.

Take care of yourself without guilt.

If you are looking for a sign to take a break, this is your sign. There are a lot of ways to care for one’s well-being in today’s world. Get outside to clear your mind, listen to music to unwind, or treat yourself after a hard day. No matter how you relax, be sure to make time to do so without feeling guilty or stressed.

Thank you for being part of our community serving students in Maricopa County. Best of luck this semester!