10 Things First-Year Students Should Know Before Starting Classes at Le Moyne
Starting college is a big deal, and stepping into your first college class can feel a little intimidating. But here’s the thing: your professors and the whole Le Moyne community are pulling for you. We want to see you succeed, and we’re here to help you every step of the way.
We asked some of our faculty (shoutout to Father Vincent Hevern, who’s been teaching at Le Moyne for over 30 years!) to share their top advice for new students. Here are 10 things they wish every first-year student knew before starting classes.
Tips for Success
It’s true! Professors at Le Moyne are passionate about teaching and helping you grow. They’re here to guide you through tough material, answer your questions, and even chat about your goals. So don’t be shy about reaching out—they’re on your team.
It’s true! Professors at Le Moyne are passionate about teaching and helping you grow. They’re here to guide you through tough material, answer your questions, and even chat about your goals. So don’t be shy about reaching out—they’re on your team.
If you’re struggling with something—whether it’s an assignment, lecture topic, or time management—let your professor know. Ask questions in class, email them, or visit during office hours. They’d much rather help you early on than see you fall behind.
Pro tip: Even a simple email like, “Hi Professor, I’m confused about today’s lecture—can I come by to discuss it?” can make a big difference.
If you’re struggling with something—whether it’s an assignment, lecture topic, or time management—let your professor know. Ask questions in class, email them, or visit during office hours. They’d much rather help you early on than see you fall behind.
Pro tip: Even a simple email like, “Hi Professor, I’m confused about today’s lecture—can I come by to discuss it?” can make a big difference.
Think of office hours as open invitations to chat with your professor. These one-on-one meetings are a chance to:
- Get help with assignments.
- Dive deeper into class topics.
- Ask for career or academic advice.
Faculty love when students use this time, so take advantage of it. Plus, it shows them you’re serious about learning.
Think of office hours as open invitations to chat with your professor. These one-on-one meetings are a chance to:
- Get help with assignments.
- Dive deeper into class topics.
- Ask for career or academic advice.
Faculty love when students use this time, so take advantage of it. Plus, it shows them you’re serious about learning.
Worried your question might sound silly? Don’t be. Odds are, your classmates are wondering the same thing. Professors appreciate curiosity and effort. If you’re still nervous, consider writing your question down and emailing it to your professor later.
Worried your question might sound silly? Don’t be. Odds are, your classmates are wondering the same thing. Professors appreciate curiosity and effort. If you’re still nervous, consider writing your question down and emailing it to your professor later.
When you start each class, your professor will give you a syllabus. It’s not just a boring handout—it’s a roadmap for the semester. It lists assignments, deadlines, grading policies, and more. Pro tip: Bookmark it or save it somewhere handy. You’ll thank yourself later!
When you start each class, your professor will give you a syllabus. It’s not just a boring handout—it’s a roadmap for the semester. It lists assignments, deadlines, grading policies, and more. Pro tip: Bookmark it or save it somewhere handy. You’ll thank yourself later!
Showing up to class on time (and being ready to engage) is one of the easiest ways to succeed. Not only will you keep up with the material, but you’ll also show your professors that you care. If you’re sick or something urgent comes up, just let them know—they understand that life happens.
Showing up to class on time (and being ready to engage) is one of the easiest ways to succeed. Not only will you keep up with the material, but you’ll also show your professors that you care. If you’re sick or something urgent comes up, just let them know—they understand that life happens.
In high school, you might’ve been able to ace a test by cramming the night before. In college? Maybe not so much. Here’s what can work better:
- Review your notes after each class.
- Break assignments into smaller chunks.
- Study regularly instead of all at once.
Fun fact: This approach (called “distributed practice”) is proven to work better than cramming.
In high school, you might’ve been able to ace a test by cramming the night before. In college? Maybe not so much. Here’s what can work better:
- Review your notes after each class.
- Break assignments into smaller chunks.
- Study regularly instead of all at once.
Fun fact: This approach (called “distributed practice”) is proven to work better than cramming.
We get it—your phone is a constant companion. But during class, it’s time to focus. Checking social media or texting doesn’t just distract you; it can disrupt your classmates and professor too. Pro tip: Turn your phone on silent or keep it in your bag to avoid temptation.
We get it—your phone is a constant companion. But during class, it’s time to focus. Checking social media or texting doesn’t just distract you; it can disrupt your classmates and professor too. Pro tip: Turn your phone on silent or keep it in your bag to avoid temptation.
Your professors aren’t just here to teach—they can be amazing mentors. Developing a strong connection with them can lead to:
- Great recommendation letters.
- Internship and job opportunities.
- Advice on grad school or career paths.
Start by introducing yourself early in the semester. A simple, “Hi, I’m [Your Name], and I’m excited to be in your class!” can break the ice.
Your professors aren’t just here to teach—they can be amazing mentors. Developing a strong connection with them can lead to:
- Great recommendation letters.
- Internship and job opportunities.
- Advice on grad school or career paths.
Start by introducing yourself early in the semester. A simple, “Hi, I’m [Your Name], and I’m excited to be in your class!” can break the ice.
Starting college is a learning curve, and it’s okay to mess up. Missed a deadline? Bombed a quiz? Don’t panic. Be honest, take responsibility, and focus on how you can improve. Your professors are here to help you grow—they just need to know you’re putting in the effort.
Starting college is a learning curve, and it’s okay to mess up. Missed a deadline? Bombed a quiz? Don’t panic. Be honest, take responsibility, and focus on how you can improve. Your professors are here to help you grow—they just need to know you’re putting in the effort.
You’ve Got This! Let’s Make It a Great First Semester.
College isn’t just about earning a degree—it’s about discovering who you are and what you’re passionate about. By using these tips, building connections, and taking advantage of the resources available to you, you’ll be off to a strong start. Most importantly, welcome to Le Moyne—we can’t wait to see will achieve!
Through mentorship and study skill development, Le Moyne’s academic support and advising team offers many resources to help you – no matter if you are an undecided or declared major – learn about how you can do your best on the Heights.
