If you’re starting your master’s degree soon it’s important you’re using the summer break as your chance to prepare. With just a few short months before classes start, you need to be sure you have everything you need and that you’re as prepared as you can be. Whether you’re studying on campus or you’re taking an online master’s, preparation is key when it comes to success. With that in mind, here are a number of tips and tricks to help you prepare for your new adventure:
Make Sure You Learn Your Timetable
Although you may not get your timetable until a couple of weeks before your classes start, you need to ensure you’re learning exactly when and where your classes are before you arrive on campus. If you’re going to be studying across a number of different buildings, you might want to consider looking at a campus map before you arrive too. Once you get to campus, taking a short walk around to get your bearings and find your room numbers will also be incredibly beneficial.
Find Accommodation Close To Your Campus
Once you know where you’re going to be studying you need to look at all of your accommodation options. Although you may find that there are dorms specifically for master’s students, you might find that you prefer to stay off-campus. If you are going to be staying off-campus, ensuring you’re nearby will definitely help when you’re running late for lectures or if you’re looking to cut down on transportation costs. For tips and tricks when it comes to finding the perfect student accommodation, you can visit this site here.
Purchase All Of Your Recommended Reading And Textbooks
Before your master’s degree starts you will get an email that details all of the recommended reading and textbooks you need to buy. Although it can be a little pricey, purchasing these ahead of schedule is a great way to get ahead start on your studies.
You won’t have much time to read whilst you’re studying so the sooner you get started, the better.
Get A Feel For The Campus
As mentioned before, once you arrive at your campus it is important you take some time to get used to your surroundings. Depending on the size of the campus you’re studying at, you might find that it takes a couple of days before you remember where you’re going. Don’t worry though, everyone will be in the same position at first.
If you don’t have a chance to get a feel for your campus before classes start, make sure you’re leaving early every day during your first week. There will be a lot of students trying to get to their classes and if you don’t know the exact route, chances are you’re going to get lost in the crowds.
Buy Yourself All Of The Essentials
Whether you’re studying on campus or studying with an online establishment like Rutgers University, you need to ensure you’re buying all of the essentials you need for your degree. From pens and highlighters to cooking equipment and bedding, you need to ensure you have everything. For a list of essentials when it comes to studying a degree, you can visit this site here.
If you’re moving from a far distance in order to take your degree, you may find it best to buy everything once you have arrived to save packing it to go with you.
Join Societies And Groups That Align With Your Values And Interests
Another great way to prepare before classes start is to think about the societies and groups you want to join. Societies are a great way to meet new people and if you all have a common interest, it’s much easier to make friends. If you’re unsure what societies there are at your university, you may want to consider researching them before you arrive. If not, chances are there will be an event or two that all of the societies and clubs attend in order to drum up interest.
Take The Time To Meet With Your Professors Before Class Starts
Finally, you might want to consider taking the time to meet with your professors before your classes start. Although not all professors will give you this option, some will send out an email letting you know their office times and that their door is always open. If you want to introduce yourself ahead of classes, orientation week is the best time to start.
Are you starting your master’s degree soon? What do you need to do to ensure you’re as prepared as you can be? Let me know your thoughts in the comments section below.