Your first semester of college can be incredibly stressful and overwhelming. There are so many new people to meet and things to keep track of that make the beginning of most people’s college careers difficult. One thing that can exacerbate the experience is the lack of knowledge many students have about the institution they are attending. Here is a list of 10 things you should do to make the most of your time at CT State Manchester!
1. Meet With Your Advisor
Bulletin board outside of Guided Pathways Advising Office. (
Nico Arroyo )
Meeting with your advisor is critical to your journey as a college student. Your advisor can assist you in making the right academic decisions for your chosen path and talking with them is an overall beneficial experience.
https://www.manchestercc.edu/enrollment/financial-aid/
Financial issues cause anxiety for many college attendees and the Financial Aid process can be additionally confusing. Speaking with the Financial Aid Office’s personnel in SSC L177 is helpful in obtaining and maintaining your aid.
Yes, that wall of text your professors give you at the beginning of the semester is in fact useful. In your syllabus, you will often find a premade calendar of assignment due dates, your professor’s office hours, as well as other information regarding CT State Manchester’s student services.
4. Create an Academic Planner
One of the most common issues for new students is the independent nature of college and self-management is key in combatting that. Whether it’s on your phone or in an actual planner, visualizing the dates when work is due can be a lifesaver.
5. Talk With Your Professors
(Getty Images/iStockphoto )
Professors can seem elusive and intimidating for first-time students, but they’re people just like you! If you’re having difficulties during the semester, a conversation with your professor can be a huge help.
6. Utilize the Academic Support Center
There is no shame in needing additional support for the classes you are taking. The Academic Support Center offers professional and peer tutoring for a variety of subjects in SSC L282.
https://www.mccgiving.org/ways-to-give
The Manchester Campus Library has a lot to offer students at CT State Manchester. Not only is it a great study spot but you can also borrow learning equipment, reserve a study room, and receive guidance in navigating their texts and databases.
8. Check Out the Food Pantry
Laura Bruno, left, director of the Cougar Pantry, and Carole Lopez, president of the Student Government Association, prepare for a turkey giveaway before Thanksgiving. (
Brian Lombardo )
The Cougar Pantry in SSC L149 offers free food and goods for students who may need them. There is no ID or financial information necessary to utilize this resource. It can seem daunting to just walk in, but trust that you are welcome!
Clubs also participate in campus life, like the annual Spring Fling, pictured above.
Clubs are a great way to connect more with your peers and can also offer you some experience in your field of interest. CT State Manchester has a variety of clubs that are centered around art, culture, and even specific career paths. To find out more about clubs on campus visit https://www.manchestercc.edu/about/campus-life/ .
10. Visit the School Website
https://ctstate.edu/manchester
The school website is an overlooked resource that contains boundless information on what CT State Manchester has to offer. There you can find the room numbers for the offices you are looking for, links to schedule appointments online, and details on the institution’s staff. With the existence of other great services such as bus pass coverage, the Fitness Center, and the Wellness Center it is important to stay informed! Visit https://www.manchestercc.edu/ .
