What to Do in Your First Week of Classes

Walk Around and Get to Know the Area

Before your first day of classes, walk around campus to find the exact buildings and classrooms on your schedule. Doing this ahead of time takes the stress out of the first day and ensures you arrive on time. I once had a class hidden down a side hallway that was incredibly hard to find, even my professor admitted he had trouble locating it! Fortunately, I was prepared because I had spent time tracking down the room a few days prior.

It is also important to know what else is in the area near your classrooms. Take a few minutes to walk around and locate potential study spots, the nearest bathrooms, and the closest dining locations.

Establish a Daily Routine

Getting into a routine early on helps you establish good habits. Plan your daily schedule and dedicate specific blocks of time for studying and homework. Set a consistent wake-up time each morning and try your best to stick to it during the first week. Adjusting to a steady routine early on gives you a solid foundation for the rest of the semester.

Explore the Dining Options

RIT has many dining options across campus. The first week is a great time to explore these options and find out what you like. For breakfast, Brick City has amazing pancakes, and Artesano has good coffee. I enjoy lunch on campus at Crossroads or Cantina. On the way back from classes, I’ll often grab something from Nathan’s or the Commons. It took me a few weeks to figure out what I liked best at each location, so don't be afraid to experiment!

Read Over Your Syllabus and Use a Calendar

A syllabus contains all the essential information about the course you are taking. It includes the exact due dates for homework assignments, as well as dates for major tests and projects. Whether you prefer a digital platform or a physical planner, it is crucial to use a calendar to keep track of your assignments. I personally prefer Google Calendar because it includes a "Tasks" feature where I can list and check off my schoolwork.

Grab a Good Seat

Arriving to class early during your first week ensures you get a great seat. Once the semester gets rolling, people tend to sit in the exact same spot every single day, and it can be awkward if you accidentally take someone's unofficial seat partway through the semester. I prefer to sit in one of the first few rows to stay focused.

Attend Campus Events

The first week of classes is absolutely loaded with events. The club fair happens during the first week, where many of RIT’s clubs set up tables. You are highly encouraged to walk around, talk to members, and join anything that catches your eye. Take advantage of this opportunity to try something brand new! There is also an intramural sports night, which is another fantastic way to learn about activities and things to do on campus.

Double-Check Your Schedule

Make sure your class schedule actually works for you. If you are a freshman, your academic advisor will often place you into your initial classes. Sometimes these classes, or even the ones you enroll in yourself, just don’t turn out to be a good fit. During the first week, you will get a feel for the course load after reviewing the syllabus and sitting through a few lectures. If you realize right away that a class isn't right for you, you can drop it and enroll in a new one, but remember that you can only do this within the first week!