This document provides tips for students to prepare for the upcoming semester before classes start. It recommends that students 1) set up their communication preferences by choosing an email address and setting auto-forward and save options, 2) get organized by obtaining folders to organize course materials both physically and virtually, and figuring out file transfer methods, and 3) plan their time by looking at schedules, finding study locations, and getting a study partner. It also lists BCC resources for students to utilize such as activating their library card, locating computer labs and tutoring centers, and finding comfortable study spaces on campus.

1. Tips for starting
the semester
Or, what you can do while you still have a little free time

2. Set up communication
 Consider what email address you want to use for
school (sweetkisses@hotmail.com may not be your
best option…)
 If you don’t plan to regularly check your
AccessBCC email account, set the auto-forward
option using an email address that you do check
 Set your email preferences so that sent messages are
saved (to preserve record in case instructors do not
receive emails you’ve sent)

3.  Put your instructors’ email addresses in your
contact list (from syllabus or directory at top right of
BCC homepage)
 Consider exchanging email addresses with a few
students who sit nearby, or exchange names to
friend on FB

4. Get organized
 Get some paper folders to organize course
handouts, and set up virtual folders on your
computer to organize files (maybe one file for the
semester with nested files for each course)
 If you will be using multiple computers (and most
of us do these days), figure out how you will
transfer files: get a flash-drive (if you don’t already
have one) or set up a dropbox account. Either of
these methods is also useful to back-up files.

5. Plan time and place
to work
 Look over your daily and weekly schedules to plan
out study time. The usual amt. of time
recommended is two hours out of class for every
hour in class, which means six hours of out-of-class
work per three-credit class. Be realistic!
 Think about how to use free time on campus
productively; check out campus for a good place to
study
 Find a “study-buddy” or a friend/family member
who will bribe or threaten you (whichever works!)

6. Check out BCC resources
 Get your AccessBCC card activated as a library card
(go to circulation desk in library and fill out blue
postcard—it just takes a couple of minutes)
 Locate computer labs on campus (in library and K)
 Check out the Writing Center in B117 (computers
here too, and a place to get another reader’s
perspective, helpful for ALL writers)
 Drop by TASC (Tutoring and Academic Support
Center) in B110 if you’re having problems in a class
or would like help with study skills

7.  Take a stroll through buildings to find a study nook
that feels comfortable (there are many options in
addition to the library)
 And don’t forget about the nonacademic: check out
the art gallery and the fitness center (both free to
BCC students); on a nice day take a walk around the
pond; get a bite to eat at cafeteria or food cart in C