It is not uncommon for some students to struggle as they make the transition from secondary school to university. International students have the added pressure of adjusting to a new culture. It is important to establish good study habits early and maintain a routine. We hope the following tips will prove useful as you begin your academic career at Yale.
Be realistic
It will take some time to adjust when you first arrive, and your first semester may prove particularly challenging. As time goes on, you will adapt to your surroundings, your English language skills will improve, and this will be reflected in your grades.
Choose your classes carefully
Don’t be overly ambitious – too many courses or too many challenging courses could cause you to become discouraged. Talk with your freshman or academic adviser as well as fellow students, and take advantage of the “shopping” period to select a balance of demanding and less demanding courses. In some cases, it may be in your best interest to withdraw from a course, however ALWAYS consult with an OISS adviser before dropping any courses.
Understand the U.S. classroom
Don’t be overly ambitious – too many courses or too many challenging courses could cause you to become discouraged. Talk with your freshman or academic adviser as well as fellow students, and take advantage of the “shopping” period to select a balance of demanding and less demanding courses. In some cases, it may be in your best interest to withdraw from a course, however ALWAYS consult with an OISS adviser before dropping any courses.
Investigate
Inform yourself and remain open-minded in order to understand different points of view. Question your own viewpoint, research a variety of sources, and experiment with new ideas.
Manage your time wisely
Use a calendar to create a study schedule and keep track of due dates for homework assignments, papers, projects, and exams. Work hard beginning on the first day of classes so that you don’t fall behind. Prioritize and maintain a balance between school work, regular meals, sleep and recreation.
Ask questions
Teachers value participation and are available during office hours to answer questions or to help you understand a difficult concept.
Be consistent
Maintain a high GPA (grade point average) by treating each class as important, not only the classes you like most.
