First-Year Experience

Guide to Academic Success in the First Five Weeks

During the first five weeks of classes you start building the foundation for your learning. To help you create a strong foundation, we have compiled this brief Guide.

For each week, we highlight specific information and advice for how to navigate your academic journey with confidence. There are 2-3 recommendations per week, and each one of them will help you become a successful college student.

Whether this is your first time in college or your first time at Boise State,  you are at the beginning of your journey. Here’s what we recommend during your first week. 

Take a deep breath. 

Allow yourself time to discover your passions and interests. You don’t have to figure everything out on day one. Embrace the journey, and remember: you have the ability to be successful and a community ready to support you.

Ask questions. 

You are here to learn, and we expect you to have questions. Raise your hand in class, email your professors, stop people on the sidewalk, reach out to your advisor… Again, we don’t expect you to have it all figured out. We expect that you are here to learn. 

Check your BroncoMail. Every day.

This is the main way instructors and the university communicate important information with you. Come up with a system for when you’ll check your email. Just make sure you’re checking it on a regular basis.

You will feel your academic activities ramp up in week 3. For many people, this is when you start to feel the pressure of juggling assignments and prepping for exams. You are all doing hard work, and everyone can benefit from added support. 

Ask more questions. 

Again, we want to emphasize the importance of asking questions. At this point, it may feel like everyone around you has it all figured out. They don’t. Remember, you are here to learn, and we expect you to have questions–each step of the way.

Seek academic support. 

If you haven’t already, now’s the time to visit one of our learning centers. Take 30 minutes and visit the Bronco Learning Commons. You’ll find tutoring, peer coaching, and a great point of connection on campus.

Reach out to your academic advisor

Your advisor is key in helping you navigate college life and plan for your future. The Find Your Academic Advisor website is a great starting point if you’re wondering how to connect with yours.

You are now three weeks into your Boise State journey. Think about all that you have accomplished in a short amount of time. Just navigating this campus and our many systems is something to be proud of. Week 4 is a great time for reflection and connection. 

Reflect on feedback

Feedback is a great tool for growth. Take your instructors’ feedback on assignments with an open mind and a readiness to learn. And use it as a chance to sharpen your skills.

Connect with peer academic support

Don’t wait until you are overwhelmed— start attending peer learning sessions early to stay on top of your coursework and build confidence. Find peer academic support here.

Now it’s time to celebrate yourself. Too often as we juggle our many commitments, we forget about stopping to celebrate our accomplishments. What are you most proud of? What challenges have you overcome? Reflecting on your successes can boost your confidence and motivation. 

Celebrate what’s gone well

Make time for celebration: 

• Celebrate yourself when you do a hard thing, regardless of the outcome. 
• Celebrate your first week, first month, and first semester as a college student. Celebrate each time you connect with a peer or a faculty member, even if it’s just a quick hello. 

Take steps to fix what hasn’t

But it won’t all go well. Learning is hard. Your academic journey will have twists and turns. That’s completely normal. 

Been missing classes and falling behind? This is the time to get back on track with an email to your professor. Reach out, tell them that you are eager to refocus and catch up, and ask them how you can get back on track.