Frequently Asked Questions
You can purchase your textbooks at your campus bookstore(s) or online. Be sure to check the prices as some textbook sellers may have different prices. Websites like Amazon.com usually have many of the textbooks you need for your classes. Keep in mind how long shipping may take if you are ordering them from Amazon or elsewhere. When purchasing your textbooks, make sure you have the correct edition. A previous edition may be fine, but check with your professor first before purchasing.
Whether to buy or rent your textbooks is up to your own personal preference. While buying your textbooks may cost more upfront, many bookstores will buy back your textbooks at the end of the semester at a reduced rate. This is often the case for newer edition textbooks. Renting textbooks costs a fraction of buying. If you rent, be sure to return your textbook on-time, otherwise you may have to pay some steep late fees.
Many times courses will list the textbooks that are required and those that are recommended when you enroll. Typically, your professor will review the course syllabus on your first day of class and inform you of what textbook(s) and course materials are required for the course. Whether you buy textbooks ASAP or wait until your first day of class is completely up to you.
In many cases, having a computer as a college student is essential. Some of the biggest reasons to have a computer are to check email, access your student portal, in addition to many professors posting course content and lessons online. Many of the assignments you will have will be essays or papers, where a word processor will come in very handy. If you are in a pinch and cannot get a computer, you can also utilize campus computer labs and printers.
The question of whether to go with a laptop or desktop will largely depend on your personal preference as well as how you will be using the computer. If you need your computer to run specific programs that require a lot of space and memory, a desktop might be a good choice. If you need to use your computer on the run or in class, a laptop might be better suited for you. Don’t be afraid to ask other students in your major or your advisor what they recommend using.
If you plan on commuting to college, you will need to make arrangements for getting to campus. Be sure to also purchase a student parking pass for your school if you are driving yourself to campus. If you need assistance setting up transportation arrangements, check with your college’s Admission or Student Life offices, as they can direct you to more resources.
Check out this off-to-college checklist for items to bring to campus. Be sure to talk to your future roommates and coordinate who will bring what items.
When being assigned your dorm and roommates, many schools will have you complete a Roommate Agreement outlining expectations and rules you and your roommate agree to. If issues arise that you and your roommate(s) cannot work through, you should speak with your Resident Advisor (RA) or Residence Hall Director.
Check with your school’s Student or Campus Life offices as they may have a listing of active student organizations, clubs, or intramural sports. Some colleges will have an involvement fair at the beginning of each semester for you to learn more about the opportunities at your school and how to get involved.
Yes. Orientation is very important in order for you to become familiar with your campus, the college’s policies and procedures, and not to mention meet your fellow classmates. You will also likely meet with your academic adviser to go over your major requirements and schedule your classes.
If you need to miss class, it is important to catch up on anything you miss. Email your professor to let him/her know you will be absent and try to connect with a classmate to get any notes or materials you missed. It will be your responsibility as a college student to cover anything you missed.
If you are feeling overwhelmed or stressed, there are many resources you can take advantage of on your campus. Many colleges have a counseling center or office where you can meet with licensed counselors. If it is classes that are overwhelming you, try talking to your professor, and academic advisor, or even a classmate… any of those individuals could help you find ways to better manage your classes and coursework. Make sure you also find time for yourself, whether that’s being involved with a student organization, pursuing a hobby, or simple leisure time.
If you have a disability or need any kind of accommodations, you should speak with a college staff member in your school’s Disability Services Office. Services and accommodations can range from note-taking services and exam accommodations to sign language interpreting and assistive technologies.
You will want to meet with your academic advisor at least once each semester before scheduling your courses for the next semester to make sure you are taking the correct classes and that you are staying on track to graduate on time. Your academic advisor can also help you select elective courses that fit within your interests and goals.
If you experience a financial hardship while in college, contact your school’s financial aid office to see what options you have. You can also contact FFLV and we may be able to connect you with helpful resources.
Contact your school’s financial aid office to meet with a financial aid advisor or contact your FFLV College Counselor or College Success Advisor to review your award letter and/or term bill with you. Don’t wait to review this information until the semester if about to start or tuition is due. If you need to correct something, that may take some time to complete.
If you took any Advanced Placement (AP) tests and would like to have those scores applied for possible course credit at your college, contact your school’s admissions office to see how and where to send scores. Most schools will require that your AP scores are sent directly from the CollegeBoard to a specific office on campus.