1. Stay in touch with your academic advisor
Most students meet their academic advisor and register for classes during orientation, but it’s equally important to stay in touch. Students should meet with their academic advisor every semester. Wayne State’s advising experts want to help you succeed and they do so by answering questions about classes, keeping you on track for a timely graduation and more. You can schedule an advising appointment online at any time.
2. Get involved on campus
There is a student organization for every interest at Wayne State, from Greek life and comic arts to engineering and dance. Getting involved on campus is a great way to make friends, develop leadership skills and enhance your college experience. Learn about Wayne State’s more than 400 student organizations by attending FestiFall on Aug. 29 or visiting the Dean of Students Office in the Student Center Building.
3. Map it out
Getting familiar with campus before the semester starts — including locating your classes and purchasing a parking pass — is a great way to prepare for your first day. The campus map is available online or via the free Wayne State mobile app, and you can buy your parking pass online too.
4. Buy your textbooks early
When possible, buying or renting your textbooks ahead of time allows you to familiarize yourself with the material and get a jump-start before the first day of class. Check online to see if your instructor has posted the course syllabus, then shop for class requirements at the Wayne State Bookstore in person or online. The bookstore also has a wide variety of green-and-gold gear, so you can stock up for each week’s Warrior Wednesday show of spirit on campus.
5. Download WSU apps and get social
Wayne State’s free mobile app provides quick access to many resources, including your class schedule, grades, the campus map, real-time parking availability, daily campus dining menus and more. First-year students are also encouraged to download the free Guide mobile app, which will help you stay on track and connect with campus resources by providing ongoing, responsive guidance via push notifications and alerts. Following WSU and your school or college on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram is another great way to stay informed.
6. Understand your financial aid and be money smart
All of your financial aid information, including award notifications and billing statements, can be reviewed online at any time using Academica. Be sure to bookmark the Office of Student Financial Aid site to keep tabs on scholarship opportunities. Wayne State also offers a free Financial Literacy Program, which can help you set a budget and make informed spending decisions.
7. Meet your professors
Take the time to drop in on your instructors during their office hours. Doing so will allow you to discuss course expectations, ask questions, get feedback, and make connections that could pay off down the line when it’s time for internship referrals and job recommendations.
8. Get the most out of class
It might sound simple, but going to class and actively engaging with your professor and classmates will help you be more successful. In addition, consider joining one of Wayne State’s many Learning Communities, which are linked to specific courses and allow you to study, problem solve, and socialize in small groups of instructors and peers. Visit the Academic Success Center for free counseling, tutoring, workshops and other course performance-boosting programs.
9. Stay healthy
Feeling well and doing well go hand in hand. Exercising is a great way to stay healthy and relieve stress, which is why Wayne State provides all students with free access to the Mort Harris Recreation and Fitness Center. The Rec Center offers cardio and strength-training equipment, an indoor track, a rock climbing wall, basketball courts, team sports and so much more. WSU’s full-service primary care clinic, the Campus Health Center, offers preventative and routine care to students, as well as free flu shots each fall.
10. Familiarize yourself with WSU resources
Wayne State wants to see all students succeed and offers many resources to help. Find details about these and other services in the Green & Gold Guide you received during orientation: Career Services, Counseling and Psychological Services, the Dean of Students Office, the Office of Housing and Residential Life, the Office of International Students and Scholars, the Office of Military and Veterans Academic Excellence, the Office of Multicultural Student Engagement, Student Disability Services, the Student Service Center and the Transfer Student Success Center.