First Year Experience

What to Expect Academically

A time for exploration

Students may change their majors.
More than 50% take more than 4 years to graduate.

Greater independence/responsibility

Students meet with an adviser on their own.
Students are treated as adults.
Access to a student’s record is restricted (Buckley Amendment).

Greater academic challenge

The typical workload is 14-16 credit hours.
There is more material, more difficult material, and a faster pace of instruction.
There are higher standards for performance.

Less personal attention, especially in large classes

What to Expect Generally:

UNL is a large university with many students
For first year students, this may be…

Their first time away from home.
Their first time in Lincoln.
Their first time at a university.
Their first time with a roommate.

The result? Stress and some anxiety are normal

Students may need time to adjust.
Counseling (CAPS) is available by calling (402) 472-7450.

Survival Tips:

Students need to take an active role

Ask questions in class.
Sit near the front in big classes.
Take advantage of instructor’s office hours.

Make use of special campus resources such as:

• Supplemental instruction sections.
• Departmental resources (The Writing Assistance Center, Math Resource Room, and the Chemistry Resource Room).

Visit advisers on a regular basis, for example:

• Advisers in the A&S Advising Center (402) 472-4190 or
• The adviser in your major field of study.

Obtain sources of academic information such as:

• The Undergraduate Bulletin (hold on to it).
• The Schedule of Classes (get a new one each semester).

Learn time management skills

Plan ahead to prepare for tests and papers.
Be realistic about taking on outside commitments.

Find a community

Take part in residence hall functions.
Join in co-curricular activities.