Where Do I Begin : Getting Started

Getting Started

Welcome to college! Your first weeks will be new and exciting, scary and overwhelming all at once. We want to help make your transition as smooth as possible by providing you with all the information and tools you’ll need throughout the school year.

Follow the steps to success!

Step 1: Get connected to online tools.

College Technology (video transcript)

Online tools

Each college will have their own set of online tools, but many will offer similar features, including:

Email: This is where you will receive most information from your instructors and the college.
Learning Management System (LMS): This is where you will find your course content, assignments, exams and more. LMS include sites like Blackboard, Canvas, Moodle and Desire 2 Learn.
Student Information Page: This includes your network login, class schedules, final grades, financial aid information, and more personal information.

Technical difficulties?

For technical issues, contact your college IT Service department for help. Click to expand the list of pages to get connected at your college.

Step 2: Learn how to get things done.

Procrastination (video transcript)

Procrastination—we all do it.

“I have an exam tomorrow morning but I just want to beat this level in my video game”.

“I have to work on my assignment, but I want to keep binge-watching my favourite show.”

Sound familiar?

We know it’s hard to resist the temptation. The problem is those assignments and exams still need to be done.

Luckily, there are strategies that you can use to help you balance play time with work time:

Time management strategies: Learn to beat your desire to procrastinate and get started on your assignments.
Assignment tracker: If you’re not sure how long it will take you to complete an assignment, plan it out.

Step 3: Start planning your schedule early.

How to Plan Your Time (video transcript)

Make a plan!

Many students don’t plan to fail, they just fail to plan. Use these time management strategies to use your time more effectively:

Semester plan: Make a plan of what needs to be done in the semester as soon as you have your class schedule and course outlines.
Weekly schedules: Use your semester plan and your activities for the week to plan when you will get things done.

Step 4: Learn how to take study-worthy notes.

Note Taking Techniques (video transcript)

Write your best notes yet

“My instructor speaks so quickly, I can’t get write everything down”

“I don’t understand my notes when I look at them later”

Between lectures and slides, your instructor will cover a lot of material. Learn how to take effective notes that will still make sense to you later on.

You can capture only the important information, creating more efficient notes.
Note-taking strategies: capture only the important information, creating more efficient notes to use as future study aids.

Step 5: Learn to understand what you read.

Reading Strategies (video transcript)

Read the right way!

It’s not what you read - it’s what you know

It’s not what you read- it’s what you remember!

If you spend lots of time reading but can’t seem to remember anything - you need reading techniques.

Reading Techniques: By using reading techniques, you can learn to find key points in your textbooks, which will help you absorb what you’ve already read.

Step 6: Learn about available services.

Getting Familiar with College Services (video transcript)

So much Help!

During your time in college, you will likely have plenty of questions. Luckily, there are many helpful services at each college that can provide you with whatever you need.

These services can include:

Health services
The registrar’s office
Financial aid
Counselling
A students’ association
Accessibility services
The library
Students learning centres
A gym
Career guidance

Virtual Help from library staff through the

Learning Portal's Virtual Help Service

Note: These services will differ depending on which college you attend, so explore your college website for specific information.

Step 7: If you have a question - ask.

Don’t be afraid to reach out

Remember that there is always someone in the college who can help answer any question you may have.

Here are a few ways your program coordinator and your instructors can help:

provide support for academic issues
answer your questions about aspects of college
direct you to a service that can help you further

Other staff and departments at your college may also be available to answer your questions. With so many people available to assist you, it’s better to ask for help when you need it rather than struggling on your own.

Step 8: Move forward in college.

Cross the College Finish Line!

Now that you have the basic knowledge and confidence to help get you started, it’s time to move forward in the semester.

Continue to the Moving Forward page to learn some tips and techniques to help you in your college program and your career.

Take the next step!

Technology @ Your College

Getting Started at College Infographic Thumbnail - click to read accessible pdf

This tip sheet is copyright material and falls outside the Creative Commons license of The Learning Portal. It can be shared but cannot be modified.

Checklist to get you started

Learn about the online tools at your college.You’ll need them to contact instructors, access assignments, and more.
Learn how to conquer procrastination. Time management strategies will help you balance work and play.
Plan your schedule for the semester. Semester plans and weekly schedules can help you plan your time so you don’t get overwhelmed.
Learn how to take notes you can study. Exam time will be much easier if you’ve got good notes that you can study. Learn how to take complete, organized notes and your future self will thank you.
Learn strategies to help you understand readings. Don’t spend hours pouring over assigned reading and remembering nothing. Learn to pick out important details and understand what you read.
Find out about services available at your college. Your college will have many helpful services that can help you during your time at college. Take advantage of them!
Ask for help. If you have questions, ask someone for help. Between your instructors, coordinator, and other services at your college, there are plenty of people to help you out.

Last Updated: May 18, 2018 7:52 AM
URL: https://tlp-lpa.ca/where-do-i-begin
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