As the second week of school comes to a close, some students arestill trying to get adjusted back to the world of studying andearly rising after a summer of neither.
Sophomore Teresa Whipple, a 19-year-old foreign language majorwho spent part of her summer abroad, said she just wasn't ready toleave the glamour of Europe for the books of The University ofMemphis.
"I had to come home from Europe and start school in Memphisimmediately," Whipple said.
Although the semester is underway, many students are justbeginning to re-adjust to life back at The University.
"I need to switch my mode of thinking by looking ahead andseeing what exactly I want to accomplish," said senior CynthiaHarris, a 22-year-old accounting major.
Some students get started before the semester begins.
"I came a few days before classes started and walked the campusto see where all my classes would be," said sophomore Philip Yount,a 19-year-old graphics design major.
Educational Support Program coordinator Barbara Bekis saystiming and getting an early start is important.
"It is important to get books early and know your majorrequirements," Bekis said.
"Adjust to a schedule, I find that it's tough for students toget to class on time because of the change in their summerroutine."
Students have various strategies to get themselves back ontrack.
"I do all my reading and homework before I go to bed, which ispromptly at 10 p.m.," said sophomore Brandon Gillespie, a19-year-old English major. "Also, make sure to wake up early to geta good parking spot."
Senior Norris Walker, a 23-year-old biology major, takes adifferent approach.
"I'm actually pretty lazy the first week," Walker said. "It'snot until the first quiz or test that I start to pick it up, andthen I keep it up from there."
Bekis finds this habit often in students and said to keepstudents on track, professors need to give quizzes and testsearlier.
"Students should be eager to learn and set priorities," Bekissaid. "Smart students plan study times when they set their classschedule. Smarter students plan study times after class and oncampus before they leave."
There are many things students shouldn't do.
"Students should never believe that there is nothing to do,"Bekis said. "And don't wait until the last minute."
Not waiting to the last minute also means keeping one's optionsopen, and The University provides many programs to help studentsout. Interaction and the overall community The University providescan play a crucial role in helping students get back into theschool year.
"It's important not to isolate yourself," said Kim Collins,learning specialist.
