Getting back into the swing of things is not easy for some students who enjoy a long break away from classes and academic routine. Many students spent their time traveling, some worked away at internships and jobs, while some did a little of both.
Some Bobcats are arriving on campus for the first time, settling in and mingling with those in their learning community and classes. Many must learn how to find their own routine, study strategies and friends, but one must first get into an academic mindset.
Ella Neighborgall, a senior studying communication studies, spent her summer interning and enjoyed learning every day. Now beginning her final year as a Bobcat, Neighborgall is eager to graduate but is nervous to become a “real adult” after leaving Ohio University.
Neighborgall is on the executive team for Scripps PRSSA and is anticipating her classes, but mentions how summer work is unlike the routine and responsibilities of a college student.
“I almost feel more pressure coming back, because when you work for a corporate company, you leave work and then you're done with work, at least when you're an entry-level person,” Neighborgall said. “But your homework follows you everywhere.”
To prepare before classes began, Neighborgall made sure to complete her pre-readings for the classes in which she’s a teaching assistant. She also made an effort to memorize her class schedule and got used to walking everywhere once again.
Neighborgall motivates freshmen to write down their tasks and assignments in a planner or enter them into an app to keep track, especially if one plans to get involved in student organizations.
“Once you get involved, it's not going to be ‘I have to go to the library and do (my) homework,’” Neighborgall said. “It's going to be like, ‘I have to make five social media posts, or go to this new event, or help prepare for this event and also write five essays during finals.'”
Some returning students are ready to jump into the school year, eager to complete assignments and show up to class. Skyler Dailey, a sophomore studying anthropology, spent most of her summer practicing guitar, most notably “Pour Some Sugar On Me” by Def Leppard. Dailey said she’s ready to get back in the classroom.
“My mindset’s kind of ready to get back to work,” Dailey said. “You know, I'm ready to put in the time and effort to get my GPA up. I'm ready to study, and I'm ready to be back on campus.”
As a member of the trombone section in the Ohio University Marching 110, Dailey is looking forward to performing again at Peden Stadium.
“I'm so excited for the first football game,” Dailey said. “It's gonna be awesome.”
For freshmen feeling stuck in their summer routine, Dailey said it’s important to be ready and willing to learn a school mindset once again.
“Understand that you’ve got to study and work really hard to achieve your goals,” Dailey said. “Once you internalize that, it’s time for me to get to work. I feel like it's a little easier to actually do stuff.”
Many students experience a different transition from summer to school, including Ben Zeiders, a junior studying sport management. Zeiders enjoyed his summer golfing about four times a week and said he now must shift his mindset as fall semester begins.
“Because during summer, I just had to work, lift and golf, that's it,” Zeiders said. “But now I’ve got to worry about my academics.”
Zeiders is eager to hang out with his friends and meet new people, and encourages freshmen to do the same to integrate with college life and get into a Bobcat mindset.
Savannah Pritt, a freshman studying exercise physiology, was recruited to run for OU’s track and field. Pritt said she’s excited to experience her program, as she’s heard good things about it, and spent her time the week before classes organizing her belongings and school supplies.
"Just trying to get everything figured out because I've never lived away from home,” Pritt said. “So I'm trying to get all my stuff, prepare everything that I need to have, especially because I'm a freshman. I don't really know what all I need to have for class.”
Students can find information on their academic journey through OU’s Degree Audit Reporting System and can find classes needed for graduation by their major. With any specific questions regarding classes, degree requirements and scheduling, one can find their academic advisor in their student center. For any inquiries about the layout of campus, culture and general studying tips, incoming freshmen are encouraged to contact their learning community leaders or fellow peers.
