Being a new student at SJC Long Island is the start of a new adventure. It’s a chance to meet new friends, gain new experiences and, of course, immerse yourself in a learning environment. Here are some tips to make the most out of your first year at St. Joseph’s College
1. Get Connected
It’s important to ensure that you are able to access course materials, check your email and understand requirements of your major. Students at SJC have student portal access to MySJC, which links to your Gmail account, Canvas (our learning management system), Student Planning (where you will register for courses and can find your unofficial transcript) and many other helpful SJC resources. Our SJC mobile app is another way to easily reference information quickly and on the go.
2. Get Involved
Students who attend events and join organizations on campus immediately make a new group of friends. Make sure to check weekly emails from the Center for Student Involvement, Leadership and Multicultural Programming to stay involved in what’s happening around campus. Also, be sure to attend Club Fair during Common Hour on Thursday, Sept. 20, to speak with representatives from student organizations; they will be seeking new members, so you can decide which clubs you hope to participate in at SJC.
3. Manage Your Time
One of the most surprising things about transitioning to college is the ability to make your own schedule for work, school and your social life. While this is a great benefit, it’s also challenging when you need to set aside time for class assignments, research projects and weekly club meetings. For some people, traditional paper planners are best, while others embrace technology and find an app to help them make time for what’s important. Check out this list of calendar apps to help you become an expert at time management.
4. Know Where to Eat
While on campus, you can head to the Eagle’s Nest Cafe for lunch between classes. Make sure to try the brand new, self-serve milkshake machine while you’re there. Looking for something small? Grab a snack in The Perch, a lounge-style coffee bar featuring beverages from Starbucks and ready-to-eat meals. Additionally, SJC Long Island will now have Food Truck Friday, with local food trucks stopping near the quad from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Looking to explore Patchogue with your friends during Common Hour? lots of local spots also offer student discounts.
5. Gather Your Support System
There are lots of new experiences that come with entering college, and knowing how to access resources helps you to succeed. Your family and friends can motivate and encourage you as you begin your college career, and there are many departments on campus to help you, too. Our Counseling and Wellness Center offers meditation sessions, counseling, outreach and support services. If you need assistance in your courses, our Office for Tutoring and Academic Development and our Office for Math, Business and Technology Tutoring provide students with complimentary tutoring. Students are also encouraged to head to the Office of Career Preparation and Professional Development to get a jump start on their four-year career plan. By setting goals with one of our career counselors, you’ll be ready for whatever your future holds.
