It’s a Marathon, Not a Sprint

The quote “By failing to prepare, you’ve prepared to fail,” attributed to Benjamin Franklin, is a nice reminder of just how far intentionally preparing for a new project can go. To be successful in your undergraduate journey, only one thing is as important as your dedication, and that is your organization. Before you begin your courses, give yourself a few days to get oriented to the idea of being a college student. 

Make sure you have a dedicated space for your schoolwork. It is important to have a clean and organized space that is well-lit and stocked with sticky notes, highlighters, pens, and notepads. Make your space comfortable and welcoming because you will spend a lot of time there. Your virtual space is also important, so take some time to create a signature for your University of Kentucky student email. Make sure all the administrative tasks are done before you start classes; for example, list all the important players and their contact information, such as the Political Science Department Chair, Director of Undergraduate Studies, Internship Director, and your academic advisor.  It is essential to know who to go to when you need help.

During your semesters at the University, you will have the opportunity to meet and interact with the faculty, introduce yourself, and make a good impression. The connections you make early on will be very important to your academic experiences and sense of belonging.

Note:  The original text has been adapted and edited for content and tone to better suit the intended audience.