Your first year can seem daunting — but we’ve got your back! Check off what you can each term, and if you run into trouble, we’re available at the Science Success Center in Kidder 109 to help you out!
Resources for first-generation students
Fall term to-dos
Fall Term
Locate your college’s student supports! The College of Science has a Science Success Center where students can study and get support from Peer Advisors!
Attend a variety of events and club meetings. Finding your people may be easier than you think!
Get to know your roommate and the people in your dorm
Interested in research? Check out URSA Engage info session
Explore campus! Where do you want to study, where are your classes and favorite place to get a snack?
Winter term to-dos
Apply for scholarships on ScholarDollars
You might get more scholarships that help with finances for next year. Just one application can put you in the running for hundreds of potential scholarships.
Create a resume with college level experiences and get it reviewed by your college career supports
Apply for Alternative Spring Break Program
Need plans for spring break? Travel throughout the Pacific Northwest to engage in leadership and community service during your break!
Learn about abroad experiences
Talk with your advisor about abroad experiences that could work with your degree and check out OSU Global Opportunities!
Try a new activity
Have you ever thought about trying a new hobby? Sport? Try it now!
Plan for summer!
What meaningful experiences do you want for your summer? Many summer internships and jobs have deadlines in early January so get looking!
Plan for next year’s housing and potential roommates
Is living on campus more suitable for you? What is your budget for off-campus housing? What are your living plans for the next school year?
Spring term to-dos
Create a LinkedIn and Handshake account to network effectively and apply for jobs on and off-campus
Attend a Career Fair
Attending a career fair is a great opportunity to build relations and learn about different career paths.
Apply for student jobs
Many on-campus jobs for next year do their hiring during spring term. Check out some of your favorite spots on campus and when they’re hiring.
Get outside!
Corvallis has multiple local hiking trails and a vibrant downtown and is less than an hour from the coast. There's even a Coast-to-Valley bus!
Engage in service learning by volunteering!
It’s easy to sign up to give back to your community and invest in the future.
Science resources
Every Term
Read the syllabus for each of your classes — thoroughly! Note deadlines of big assignments, midterms and your final. Learn the rules and expectations of your classes.
Make note of the academic calendar course deadlines. Check for the dates of add/drop, S/U and other deadlines so you have plenty of time to plan.
Attend office hours. Make connections, ask questions, and learn about opportunities. Your college professors can be excellent for letters of recommendation and resources!
Check your priority registration date, time and any holds. Being proactive with your registration will increase your chances of getting registered for your desired class times
Review, understand and pay your OSU bill
Make an appointment with your academic advisor in Beaver Hub to meet with your academic advisor. Draft your planner in your My Degrees. After meeting with your advisor, you should be able to register for class once registration is active.
Email tips
Check your email daily
Important announcements and opportunities are often shared via email. Make it a habit to check at LEAST once a day. Get organized by creating auto-forwards and flag/color different emails too.
Learn good email etiquette
Changing your communication style may be important in college. Professors often prefer more formal written communication and adapting your style will show you care.
Create an email signature
Create something professional and personal that highlights what you do.
Pro tips
Check in with yourself
Do you need mental, physical or academic support? How are you feeling about course load? What are you’re looking forward to?
Review academic skills from past
What were some strengths or weaknesses in your academic journey? You can keep improving your study skills here.
Discover your organizational style and use a planner!
Invest in your efficiency by exploring how you organize your time and balance your priorities. Using an academic planner will be useful as you organize your time. Did you know you can get a planner at the Science Success Center (Kidder 109) or the Library?
More resources we love!
Check out Basic Needs Center’s Textbook Lending Program.
Before buying books, consider borrowing course materials to save money!
Visit OSU's free tutoring centers. Being active in your learning process will help in achieving your academic and personal goals.
Register for Supplemental Instruction (SI) tables. SI tables are designated time allotted to study your course material led by students who have previously taken and done well in the course!
Federal work-study
If you have work-study you have to find a campus job in order to get those funds. If you don’t use it, you lose it for the future, so make sure you get help finding a job!
Learn about the Degree Partnership Program
Take classes at a community college giving you smaller class sizes and lower tuition for your 100 and 200 courses.
Explore C.A.F.E
Increase your financial literacy knowledge and skills with worksheets and staff.
Stop by the Academic Success Center
Learn new tips about how you can improve your academic skills! Try talking with an academic coach!