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Ten Important Points For Every Back-To-School Agenda

It's just about that time again. Schools across the country are gearing up for the first day of classes -- that is, if they aren't in session already. The first few days of a new semester are always a little overwhelming, whether you're a freshman or a seasoned veteran. That said, they're important days indeed, and shouldn't be taken (too) lightly. This week, Lifehacker posted a handy blog for managing the first days of your new semester and getting things done that can heavily affect the rest of the school year.

Some of the pointers are self-explanatory and, one would assume, common sense -- peruse your syllabus to fully understand what you're getting yourself into with your classes and clear up any questions right off the bat, brush up on your note-taking skills and find a quiet and calm place to study, and don't forget to buy your required reading. Some, on the other hand, are somewhat less obvious. Tip #8 says to program your schedule: "Get out your calendar (paper or electronic) and mark all the important dates: the dates and times of all your exams, your professors' office hours, paper due dates, and university holidays and vacations. Be on the lookout for possible conflicts, which should be resolved right away." This is vital when you're going to a traditional school, but more important than you'd think for an online school -- your classes may be fluid, but without organization, you never know when other life engagements may creep up and throw a wrench in your schedule.

Tip #1 is the most important of all: take charge. "At college," the piece reminds you, "there's no one looking over your shoulder or holding your hand to make sure you get off on the right foot. It's all up to you-and your feet. So do it." A vital piece of information, whether you're relying on yourself in a distance learning program, or trying out dorm life away from your parents' mindful eyes for the first time.

Interested in reading the rest of the list? Check it out. It might make that first week of college a little more complex, but the rest of the year will be a breeze.

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