Since the beginning of formal education, the first day of class (FDOC) has always been a day of excitement for students, teachers, and administration. FDOC marks a new beginning, a fresh start for many and a time where everyone is looking to start the year off on the right foot. As a fresh-faced first year, I had no idea what to expect; Would I be randomly called on to answer a difficult question? Will I make any friends? Will I make to class on time? Will I even make to class at all?
Looking back on it, I would tell myself to R-E-L-A-X. In reality, FDOC is more of a symbolic day than an event that will determine the success of your entire school year. Nonetheless, I do have some tips and tricks that any incoming student can use to ensure that they get their year started on the right foot.
PLAN
Everything in life comes easier if you plan. In order to alleviate stress of FDOC, you should consider walking your class schedule the day before. The University’s Grounds is not incredibly expansive. Nevertheless, Grounds can become chaotic and hectic if you have no idea where you are going and have little time to get there.
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BE ON TIME.
Speaking of time, there is nothing worse than being that one lone student who walks in to a 300-person lecture fifteen minutes late on the first day of classes. Most classes at UVA are about a fifteen minute walk from first year dorms. With this in mind, be sure to head out for your class with enough time to get there without having to sweat.
Introduce Yourself.
When you walk into your first class, it can feel like everyone else already has a person to sit with on the first day, but remember that you are not the only who feels exactly like that. Except for a lucky few, most of your fellow first-years do not know a lot of people in their classes. This is the time to make those awkward introduction and meet new people. Moreover, this advice doesn’t apply to just your classmates. Use this time to introduce yourself to your professors. Meeting and engaging with professors will only improve your standing in the class for the rest of the semester. Professors at UVA love to interact with students. Professors at UVA love students even more if said students are excited to interact with them.
For first-years, FDOC marks the beginning of your college career. It’s a chance to craft a new path for yourself in a unique environment unlike anywhere else in the world. FDOC is your first look into this very unique space we love so much. As the saying goes, you only have your first day of class once.
Isaiah Jenkins, Class of 2022
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