By the time you graduate, you will probably have picked up a variety of methods to keep your life running as smoothly as possible. Here are some basics to help get you started.
Basic goods
The convenience store in the new campus center has most of the things you will need to get by for the year. It has, among other things, notebooks, pens, pencils and toothpaste.
Off-campus resources
There is a good selection of businesses within walking distance of campus. You might want to keep an eye on the schedule of the Fox Valley Performing Arts Center. Discounted tickets are available one hour before most shows if you have a student ID. There are also a good number of affordable restaurants with which to diversify your diet that are either nearby or that will deliver to your dorm building. The Appleton Public Library and Pages & Pipes both have reasonable selections of books. If you have time to kill, a walk around town or just down College Avenue will give you an idea of the options available to you.
Office hours
Remember to take advantage of office hours. In almost all cases your professor will be able and more than willing to at least put you on the right path or clarify any portions of the material that you do not understand. Even if you are not having trouble with a paper, consider seeing if your professor will go over it with you or accept a rough draft. Professors might notice an error you overlooked or a portion of the paper that could stand to be fleshed out. Whenever possible, be sure to start your work and your studying far enough in advance that if you do run into problems, there is an office hour before the due date or exam.
Studying
The library is a classic place to study for good reason: It is quiet and largely free of distractions. However, math and natural science students might want to consider the ground floors of Briggs Hall and Science Hall, respectively. They have the advantages of the library and there’s a reasonable chance that someone who took or is taking the course is studying there as well. Absent a professor, fellow students are your best bet for helping understand difficult material.
Minimizing classwork-related stress
Avoid procrastination; getting work done early enables you to spend time doing things you enjoy without worrying about leaving time to do a good job. However, try to avoid letting work consume all your time. Find time to relax and hang out with friends.
Tricks of the Trade
