7 Things to Consider Before University Starts (Fall 2020)

The usual sense of back-to-school anticipation and excitement may be a bit different this year because of COVID-19 and remote learning, but consider this the most unique university experience you'll ever have! You will be talking about this time for years to come. We must all try to make the best of the situation, and that means going forward with some sort of a plan for a successful year.

Here is a list of seven things to do before school starts!

1. Get all necessary supplies

In order to fully engage with your education, don't skimp out on what you need to learn best just because we're in a remote environment. Do you like typing notes? Writing out notes in a notebook? Writing in your textbook? Staying organized with an agenda or calendar?

The university bookstore is offering delivery for supplies and textbooks, and they are currently selling access codes for ebooks too. You could also check the university library (which has online resources and curbside pickup throughout the semester), to see if they may have your recommended textbooks listed or an ebook copy available. The library website will become your favourite page to visit on the internet - the chat box has always been an amazing tool and I think I will use it even more now.

If you need a laptop, see if you're eligible for the laptop lending program.

Ensure you are well stocked with face masks and hand sanitizer in case you have to go to the university campus, as masks are required in all indoor common areas. Free disposable masks are available to students at the University Bookstore.

2. Take your OneCard picture

Your OneCard is what identifies you as a U of A student! It's used to write exams and receive discounts. Check out the OneCard website for more details on how to go about getting a virtual or physical card, depending on your learning situation.

Some advice: the picture stays with you for your whole university career at the U of A unless you choose to pay for another one. Definitely make sure you are happy with your picture, something I wish I had taken into consideration when taking mine way back when! (NOTE: The deadline for submitting your OneCard photo is August 19th!)

3. Prepare a work station

If you like working to deadlines, set a tentative deadline for August 21 to get yourself set and ready with a workstation. Everyone's home situation looks different and varies so you'll have to determine what particular spot may work best for you: a dining table, the floor of your bedroom, or simply a desk. Whichever spot you decide to go with, here are a few things to consider:

• It should be spacious enough for you to be able to comfortably maneuver between your laptop and textbook or notebook without it being a balancing act.
• It should be exempt from distractions as much as possible. This may be more difficult in communal spaces in your home where family members or roommates may need to use the area too, but depending on your class and study schedule you can always try and see if things work in your favour in terms of everyone else's schedule in your house.
• Try to work in a space where there is some natural light to keep you motivated and alert. In any case, taking breaks for fresh air and away from your screen are key!

4. Plan your time

Even though you may not physically be leaving your home to go to school, you'll still need to mentally prepare yourself for class. Working out your course schedule helps you plan your week so you'll know which time sections to block out for classes and when you'll need to be focused on school. Feel free to reach out to your faculty for help specific to your program. For example, the Faculty of Science has a useful checklist for first year students. Faculty of Arts has some tips for using BearTracks and building a schedule. Or check out the resources offered by IST: they are always willing to help especially given the current remote circumstances.

In addition to class time, consider making your own personal study schedule which will include dedicated time to each course outside of class time to study, make notes, and work on assignments. Also plan time to engage in recreational activities, whatever that look likes for you. Taking breaks is important for mental health and focus.

5. Get into the habit of using virtual communication

Now that we're in an almost completely remote environment, figure out the ways that your professors, classmates, and others at the U of A will be communicating with you. For instance, a lot of useful information is communicated via email, so you should be regularly checking your emails! A lot of orientation programs are being offered online this year, including the Students' Union's Orientation and Residence's Expedition: Connect, so check these out as ways to learn more about the U of A and to meet people.

You may consider starting a virtual study group with friends or people that are in your class. Part of utilizing the forum feature on eClass will require you engage with others and try to form connections online. These are people in the same boat as you so you can always freely reach out to them and try and work things out.

6. Take time to go through the syllabus for your courses

Read through the syllabus entirely and understand what is expected of you, and that way if you have any questions you can raise them during class or during a meeting. Virtual office hours are still a thing, so don't distance yourself from your professors! You do not want to be emailing last minute to try and fit into your professor's busy schedule. Reading through your syllabus is vital, most especially in this unique remote circumstance, to be sure that you are clear on:

• dates of all course and program deadlines
• what you actually need to submit as part of your coursework/assignments
• the grade weighting of each assignment toward your final grade (#GPAruleseverything)

7. Get excited!

You are about to start an amazing university career at U of A and it is going to be a wonderful experience for you! Enjoy it and have a great fall semester!