First Year Transition

Student Advising and Academic Resources has compiled a list of advice and tips to help you to make the most of your first year at UW-Platteville, stay organized, and do your best in your classes.

For more advice and support, check out our programs and services. We provide services that include tutoring, academic advising, the Writing Center, and much more.

Tip: Whenever possible, study in a location other than places where you sleep, eat, or play. 
Why? It is too tempting to take a nap, watch TV, surf the internet, and procrastinate at home.

Tip: Study in the library or classrooms whenever possible. 
Why? The third (top) floor is the quiet floor and there are study rooms on the third floor. Also, classrooms are great for learning and recall of the information you learned there.

Tip: If applicable, pick up lunch at the Pioneer Crossing and eat in the library. 
Why? Students can eat and drink in the library, and you can knock out a quick hour of studying while eating.

Tip: Utilize an interactive note taking strategy (e.g. Cornell Note taking or note cards or flash cards).
Why? Activity reduces daydreaming and visualizing helps students remember information.

Tip: Highlight key topics and concepts while reading textbooks and notes.
Why? It is OK to highlight with a yellow highlighter and make notes in pencil in textbooks.

Tip: Try to study without looking at your email or cell phone for at least 30–60 minutes per day.
Why? It takes time to retrieve and respond to messages, so homework and studying will take longer.

Tip: When you can, review, read, and study notes immediately before and after class. Review the notes often.
Why? Cramming before an exam is not effective—the notes may not make sense anymore, and you might find that you feel stressed about the number of notes and material that has to be reviewed. 

Tip: Get a tutor early if and when you realize that you could use some support for that course.
Why? Many students qualify for free tutoring through Student Support Services. All students can receive free tutoring through Academic Support Programs. Campus Resources link takes you to a non-working page. Tip: Go to Academic Support to work on paper/speech... We do not have a computer lab or a printer for students to print. 

Tip: Go see professors during office hours at least once per semester. The syllabus lists office hours and location.
Why? A visit shows a student cares. Simply ask your professor: “What are tips to be successful in your class?”

Tip: Record all due dates, quiz dates, and exam dates in your planner at the beginning of the semester.
Why? This will help you to plan ahead. Every Sunday, you should look ahead at the next two weeks and plan for the busy days.

Tip: Study 30-45 hours per week.
Why? You want to do your best in each of your classes. Also, the job market is competitive, so strive for an excellent grade point average. 

Tip: Use campus resources for help and support. 
Why? Many of these resources are completely free. Academic Support Programs can provide you with a list of available student resources at UW-Platteville.

Tip: Go to Academic Support Programs to work on your papers and speeches.
Why? Academic Support Programs has a computer lab; students can get one-to-one assistance, and you can write and print for free.

Tip: Try working on math homework in the Math Learning Center. 
Why? The Math Learning Center (360 Gardner Hall) has tutors ready to help students in college algebra, elementary statistics, and other advanced math classes.

Tip: Do not hesitate to seek assistance from the staff in the Academic Support Programs.
Why? Staff from Academic Support Programs can help you achieve college SUCCEESS!