Tips & Tricks

We're so proud of you for taking this first step toward your degree and a successful future! At PCC, we want to make sure you're set up for academic achievement, and also feel like part of the Panther community. The information in this section will provide first-week tips on how to adjust quickly and confidently to campus life!

Come to campus early.
Plan on arriving early to campus. This will help give you time to find parking, read your campus map, locate the building your class will be in, give you extra time to find the classroom.  


Explore!
Familiarize yourself with campus. If the campus map is not enough, make a "dry run" to all your classrooms and resource locations. Check out the campus grounds or seek out a quiet place you can escape to clear your head or for uninterrupted study time.


Ask for help!
During the first week of classes, look for PCC Help Hubs or anyone who looks like an employee! We're more than happy to point you in the right direction or answer your questions!

 
Meet people!
The first week of college is when you're likely to make the friends that will stick around for your entire college career (and hopefully long after that!) Introduce yourself and remember that you have something in common with all the people you meet at PCC- your desire to learn more and get that degree!

 
Go to class (and be prepared)!
Though this may seem like an obvious one, you'd be surprised how many students choose to skip the first few classes of college, thinking that the real lessons won't begin until later. Well, they couldn't be more wrong! On the first day of college, your instructors will probably review the syllabus and talk about the plan for the semester. They're also likely to list their office hours and contact information. Be sure to take notes! Some professors also start lecturing on the first day, so it's critical to come prepared.

PCC Flex classes offer you the freedom to participate in class from an off-campus location, but you still have to attend virtually at the right time!


Fill out your calendar.
Once you've gone to all your classes and learned about the requirements of each, jot down all of your major deadlines for the semester in a planner or calendar. Presentations? Term papers? Exams? It's important to know when all of them are (particularly in relation to each other) so that you can manage your time effectively, which will give you time to:


Relax and enjoy yourself.
Your first week of college will be packed with exciting classes, meetings and events- it's easy to feel overwhelmed with all of the things going on. Make sure you take time to relax and enjoy it!

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