<p>So it is the first week of classes and I have already missed two of my classes. One class is a large lecture hall with hundreds of students that meets 50 minutes 3 times a week, which I missed because of difficulty finding the building it was in. I have now found it and am attempting to get notes from someone in the class. My other class is a smaller one that is discussion based with about 40 kids. I accidentally slept through 2 alarms and missed this class which takes place twice a week for an hour and fifteen minutes. Each class that I missed is the second class of each course, so I already have been to each of them once and received the syllabus, etc. I don't plan to make a habit of missing classes, but I know everyone will eventually miss a class for whatever reason. How much worse is it that I missed two classes during the first week? I have a plan to be proactive and get the notes, but I have never been to college before so I would like someones advice based on experience. What else can I do to ensure this doesn't drastically effect my grades?</p>
<p>I don’t think it’s that bad, usually the first week of classes is a joke especially discussion sections. As for ensuring that it doesn’t affect your grades, buy a few more alarms… loud ones ;)</p>
<p>So, you made it to the first class, but then couldn’t find the building when you tried to go again? I think you are kidding yourself as to the reasons why you are missing your classes. Get yourself together quickly. Sure, usually people miss some classes, but, that’s later in the semester when people are very busy and have to prioritize. Put your alarm clock across the room if you need to, so you have to get up out of bed to shut it off. Bring a campus map with you. How big is your campus? If the class runs for at least 50 mins, even if you miss the first 15, it’s worth going in late. Ask someone if you get lost that easily! Professors don’t really buy excuses the way high school teachers do…they expect you to have grown up a bit.</p>
<p>Thank you both for your responses. And yes, I made it to the first class and could not find the building again. My campus is HUGE and confusing, but I know exactly where all of my classes will be now. I am not used to this kind of schedule and this kind of responsibility! I now understand why everyone was telling me how difficult a large university could be for someone coming from a small private high school. I am capable of understanding all the material, but I just have a hard time prioritizing and keeping organized :/</p>
<p>Don’t worry about it. Chalk it up to a learning experience… It is college after all</p>
<p>In the future… You find out where you have to go before you have to go. Especially when a job is concerned. Barring some crazy circumstance, when applicants show up late to interviews or miss them because of getting lost I don’t even bother interviewing them. They go straight to the “NEVER hire” pile.</p>
<p>Showing up late or missing a day in the first couple of months of work will also get you the boot.</p>
<p>Since you know that you have trouble with organization, etc, while your classes are just starting and are easy, make yourself a good organization system. Set the alarm for even earlier than it really needs to be, by 20-30 mins. Leave early for classes - when you get there, you can always sit in a hall and review your notes until class starts. Make a schedule for yourself that you think will work, like keeping 7 to 9pm free for studying Mon-Thurs, organizing a file system/binders so you don’t lose work or important papers. If you develop a good system and habits now, when the demands build, you will have it down and cut the stress level. Stress leads to the disorganization a lot of the time! There should also be a resource center on campus that can help you with these skills if you need a “push”, or someone to be accountable to. Something else I have noticed as a teacher, is that students seem to lose time easily. If you need to, wear a watch instead of just counting on the cell phone for time. Having the time right there on your wrist, maybe even set 10 mins. fast, can help you.</p>
<p>Just by getting up early and organizing your thoughts and reviewing what is on your agenda that day will help get you focused.
Picking out your outfit the night before will speed you along in the morning.
Packing your backpack the night before with notes, spirals, books, snacks needed for the next day will help cut down on the chaos of getting you out of your room on time.
Organizing your desk will help you find your things quickly.
Keep your phone charging when not in use, so you can grab on your way out.
Keep a day planner or enter assignments in your phone with alerts.
Take time to wander around campus with a map to orient yourself this weekend, you need to be able to get around from all points of the campus quickly.
Good luck.</p>
<p>Don’t worry about it, you’re probably fine.</p>
<p>buy a 300W amp and a big speaker and set your alarm to this:</p>
<p>[9</a>. Baby’s First Coffin - YouTube](<a href=“The Dillinger Escape Plan - Baby's First Coffin - YouTube”>The Dillinger Escape Plan - Baby's First Coffin - YouTube)</p>
<p>You’re fine.</p>
<p>You’ll be fine. Missing a class once the first week is nothing.</p>
<p>Its the first week, don’t worry about it…just don’t miss it during finals week because that WILL screw you over if you miss an exam.</p>
<p>You should research sleeping schedule. If you stay up till 3am three nights in a row, don’t expect to wake up at 8am on the 4th day. Your body has a biological clock in it. </p>
<p>As for not finding your class. Thats a little lame. You might be suffering from lack of self esteem. Its doesn’t take 3 days to find a class room. Self esteem relates to your ability to accomplish tasks. It directly effects your level of motivation to overcome obstacles.</p>
<p>Best way to find a class is to ask the people you see around you on campus. I guarantee you that there will be somebody that knows where the building is. If you’re afraid to ask a fellow student because they might mock you or something ask an adult.</p>
<p>It is pretty bad. I think being absent will become a habit for you… my reasoning is: you are already considering making it a habit. Otherwise, why ask this question? If you were really proactive you would have spent the time it took you to make this post, on creating solutions or asking your professors (which you might have done).</p>
<p>However, I disagree with the alarm clock theory. What you need is to go to bed sooner and sleep better. Keep your circadian rhythms up. It’s been years since I’ve needed an alarm… I do set one just in case, but I nearly always wake up naturally before it goes off.</p>