Academic Help

What are office hours? Here's why you should go

Anonymous — Tue, 04 Aug 2026 06:00:00 +0000

What are office hours? Here's why you should go Anonymous (not verified) Tue, 08/04/2026 - 00:00

ASAP Tutoring

Starting college comes with lots of new experiences, and office hours are one of them. If you've never been to office hours before, you're not alone.

Office hours are times your professor sets aside each week to meet with students outside of class. You don't have to be struggling or have a major problem to stop by. They're there to answer questions, explain course material and help you succeed.

Meeting with your professor early in the semester can help you feel more confident, understand class expectations and make it easier to ask questions later. Here's how to make the most of office hours.

Start with a simple introduction

You don't need to wait until you're confused or falling behind to visit office hours.

Early in the semester, stop by to introduce yourself, ask about the course or learn more about your professor's teaching style. Building that connection now can make future conversations feel much easier.

Later in the semester, office hours are also a great place to:

Ask questions about assignments or course material.

Review feedback on quizzes or exams.

Catch up after missing class.

Explore topics you're interested in.

Ask about research, careers or graduate school.

Not sure what to ask?

If you're worried about showing up without the "perfect" question, don't be. Professors expect students to ask questions, and they want to help.

Here are a few conversation starters:

What's the best way to study for this class?

What topics should I focus on first?

Can you explain this concept another way?

How does this week's reading connect to what we covered in class?

Do you have advice for preparing for the first exam or project?

If your scheduled office hours conflict with another class, check your syllabus or email your professor to ask about another meeting time.

Make the most of your visit

A little preparation can help you get the most from office hours.

Before you go:

Bring your notes, assignments or questions.

Write down the topics you want to discuss.

During your visit:

Start with your biggest questions.

Take notes so you remember key ideas.

Ask follow-up questions if something is still unclear.

If you need more support, ask about next steps or schedule another meeting.

You don't have to figure it out alone

Office hours are just one of many ways to get academic support at ��Ҵ�ý�ƽ��.

If you're a first-year student or live on campus, the Academic Success & Achievement Program (ASAP Tutoring) connects you with free peer tutoring, study support and other resources to help you succeed. ASAP Tutoring also offers a Lending Library where you can borrow textbooks for many general education and lower-division courses.

Looking for additional help? ��Ҵ�ý�ƽ�� also offers tutoring and learning resources across campus, including subject-specific tutoring, academic skill development and other support services. Many are free, and others are available at a low cost.

Whether you're asking your professor a quick question, meeting with an ASAP peer tutor or using another campus resource, getting help early can make classes less stressful and help you build confidence throughout the semester.

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Using AI in your classes: What every Buff should know

Anonymous — Fri, 31 Jul 2026 06:00:00 +0000

Using AI in your classes: What every Buff should know Anonymous (not verified) Fri, 07/31/2026 - 00:00

Student Conduct & Conflict Resolution

Listen to this article

AI tools like ChatGPT can be helpful for brainstorming ideas, studying and improving your work. But when it comes to class assignments, every course has different expectations.

Before you use AI for coursework, make sure you understand your instructor’s guidelines. Following your course expectations and the Honor Code will help you use AI responsibly while protecting your academic integrity.

Here are three things every Buff should know.

1. Understand how the Honor Code applies to AI

There isn’t one campus-wide rule for using AI in coursework. Instead, each instructor decides whether and how AI tools can be used in their class.

That means it’s your responsibility to understand the expectations for every course before using ChatGPT or other AI tools.

Keep these reminders in mind:

Your instructor sets the rules. Your syllabus and assignment instructions explain whether AI is allowed and how it can be used.

The Honor Code still applies. Using AI in ways your instructor hasn’t approved, especially if it gives you an unfair academic advantage, may be considered an Honor Code violation.

Plagiarism is still plagiarism. Whether content comes from a website, another person or an AI tool, submitting work that isn’t your own without permission or proper attribution violates the Honor Code.

2. Read the syllabus and ask questions

Every course is different. Some instructors may encourage AI for certain assignments, while others may limit or prohibit its use.

Before using AI, take a few minutes to:

Read your syllabus and assignment instructions carefully.

Check for any AI or academic integrity guidelines.

Ask your instructor if you’re unsure what’s allowed.

It’s always better to ask before you submit an assignment than to make assumptions.

Remember, AI should support your learning, not replace it. Depending on your instructor’s expectations, AI may be appropriate for brainstorming ideas, organizing your thoughts or reviewing your work. Having AI complete assignments or writing that you submit as your own is generally not allowed unless your instructor has specifically approved it.

3. Know what can happen if you misuse AI

Using AI in a way that doesn’t follow your instructor’s expectations could result in an Honor Code violation.

If that happens:

Each situation is reviewed individually. Student Conduct & Conflict Resolution considers the specific circumstances of each case.

Your instructor determines the academic outcome. Faculty decide how Honor Code violations affect grades or coursework in their class.

The best way to avoid problems is simple: know your course expectations, ask questions when you’re unsure and use AI responsibly.

Need help with an assignment?

If you’re stuck on an assignment, there are plenty of resources that can help you learn, build your skills and succeed in your classes.

Academic Success and Achievement Program (ASAP Tutoring)
First-year students and students living on campus can access free peer tutoring, study resources and the Textbook Lending Library.

The Writing Center
Get one-on-one support from trained writing consultants at any stage of the writing process—from brainstorming and organizing ideas to revising your final draft.

Disability Services
If you use testing or classroom accommodations, connect with your access coordinator to discuss how your accommodations will be implemented and ask any questions you may have.

Curious about using AI tools like ChatGPT in your classes? Here are three important things to know about using AI tools in your coursework.

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Finals prep: Tips to finish strong

Anonymous — Thu, 12 Mar 2026 06:00:00 +0000

Finals prep: Tips to finish strong Anonymous (not verified) Thu, 03/12/2026 - 00:00

ASAP Tutoring

Finals will be here before you know it! It's never too early to get organized and ensure you’re on track to finish the semester strong.

Review your materials

Now is a great time to revisit your syllabus for each class and take note of remaining tests, final projects and key concepts that might be important. You can attend faculty office hours to ask questions, clarify expectations and make sure you are set up to succeed.

Know that it's ok to ask for help

Many Buffs are balancing work, activities, relationships and other commitments alongside academics this time of year. There are many academic and non-academic resources available to help you feel your best both in and out of the classroom.

Academic Success and Achievement Program (ASAP Tutoring): ASAP Tutoring offers free peer to peer tutoring to all first-year students, new transfer students and students living on campus.

Tutoring and learning resources: ��Ҵ�ý�ƽ�� offers a wide variety of other tutoring and learning resources to support you and your academic success.

Counseling and Psychiatric Services (CAPS): Meet with a CAPS provider, attend interactive workshops or therapy groups, get community referrals and more.

Student Outreach, Advocacy & Support: Provides support for mental health concerns, family emergencies, food or housing insecurity and more.

Make a schedule to stay on top of your assignments

At this point in the semester, it can help to make a daily schedule of what you will study, or what projects you will work on, and when. Breaking up your work into smaller increments can make the workload feel more manageable. Schedule breaks and allow time for non-academic related activities that you enjoy, as well. Learning how to manage your time can help you now and in the long run.

Prioritize self-care

Your body needs adequate sleep, proper nutrition and more to perform at its best. Aim to get seven to nine hours of sleep each night and eat nutritious meals to get the most out of your study efforts. Take care of yourself by making wellness a priority, including your relationships and connecting with friends, family and others.

Take breaks and have fun!

Make sure to build in breaks and fun time into your schedule as you finish the semester. It’s ok to still spend time with friends, go to events and still be focused on academics. Decide how much time each week you can devote to non-academic activities and stick to that plan.

Check out more resources and tips to finish the semester strong.

Finals will be here before you know it! It's never too early to get organized and ensure you’re on track to finish the semester strong.

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4 ways to avoid cheating, plagiarism and other forms of academic dishonesty

Emily Sampl — Thu, 29 Jan 2026 07:00:00 +0000

4 ways to avoid cheating, plagiarism and other forms of academic dishonesty Emily Sampl Thu, 01/29/2026 - 00:00

Student Conduct & Conflict Resolution

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Rushing to finish assignments or study for tests can sometimes lead to academic dishonesty—where students engage in plagiarism, cheating or helping another student gain an unfair advantage. Whatever the intention, these actions violate the Honor Code and have consequences.

Here are four strategies to help avoid these issues.

Review your syllabus

Faculty include expectations for their course that you must follow in their syllabus. This information will likely be different for each class.

Check each of your class syllabi for specific course expectations. For example, some professors don't allow collaboration or use of AI for assignments. Ask your instructor for clarification if you have any questions about the expectations stated in the syllabus.

There are also campus-wide Honor Code expectations that apply to every class. For instance, resubmitting your own work without faculty permission is a violation of the Honor Code. You also cannot self-plagiarize your work⁠—meaning you must cite any previously written work you use while completing a new assignment. You cannot reuse your own work without that citation. Review the Student Honor Code & Procedures and ask your instructor questions.

Start coursework early

Avoid procrastination by starting assignments and studying early. Use a calendar or planner to track important dates and deadlines. This gives you time to ask for help if needed.

Complete work on your own

Academic dishonesty is any act in which a student gains or attempts to gain an unfair academic advantage over other students regardless of intention. Helping another student gain an unfair academic advantage is also considered academic dishonesty.

With every test, paper, project, lab and assignment, be sure to complete your own work unless the written directions specifically allow you to work with others.

You may be able to talk through your work with another student or a study group but don’t share your work. Once you send it to another person, you don’t have control over how it’s shared or used.

Don’t search for answers on the internet unless expressly permitted. Especially with online learning, be careful to use resources authorized by your instructors for help. If specific online resources are allowed, write your researched answers in your own words instead of copying and pasting what you found online.

Don’t use AI to write papers or answer questions on assignments unless you have permission from your professor. Talk with your professor if you have questions about if and how you can use AI. Learn more about AI and the Honor Code.

Nearly any assignment you submit online could be analyzed for similarity to other sources, so cite your sources when appropriate.

Exams, including online and take-home exams, should be completed independently unless your instructor states otherwise in the syllabus or exam instructions.

Find support

Whether you’re looking for help citing sources or struggling with a concept discussed in class, asking for help is okay. Attend your instructor’s office hours listed on their syllabus, or use academic and tutoring resources.

Learn more about the Honor Code.

Quiz: Is it cheating? Test your knowledge of the Honor Code

Did you know using someone else’s clicker in class is a violation? Or do you know what to do if you want to use a project from another course? Test your Honor Code knowledge with this quiz.

Take the quiz

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How to make your mark and discover your path

Kyra Raye Loch — Thu, 08 Jan 2026 17:34:40 +0000

How to make your mark and discover your path Kyra Raye Loch Thu, 01/08/2026 - 10:34

Career Services

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After your first year of college, you’re in an exciting position to shape what comes next. This is your moment to explore what truly sparks your interest, whether that’s through campus involvement, service, research or stepping up as a leader. Every hobby, club or class you dive into can be a steppingstone to discovering your purpose and connecting your passions to meaningful plans after graduation.

Whether you’re considering joining a new student organization, delving into a research project or taking on a leadership role, there are plenty of ways to start charting a course that feels right for you. Here are some tips to help you make the most of your time on campus and guide you as you turn your interests and experiences into a fulfilling post-graduation path.

Reflect on your experiences

Take a moment to appreciate your progress so far—you’ve already gained valuable experiences in your journey. Grab a notebook and reflect on the classes you’ve enjoyed most and the moments that energized you in your academic program. Perhaps collaborating on group projects or tackling challenges stood out as especially rewarding.

Now, think about your involvement beyond the classroom. Joining student organizations, participating in athletics, attending events or working a part-time job or internship all help shape your story. Which activities sparked your excitement? Which roles made you feel confident or inspired? Did you try something new or step into a leadership role that surprised you with what you could accomplish?

Remember, your values and strengths can also help guide your next steps. If you want support, Career Services offers appointments to help turn your interests into future adventures.

Explore different paths

Once you’ve reflected on your experiences and interests, explore your options for the new academic year:

Research possible careers using tools like “What Can I Do With This Major?” Read through the skills and tasks to get a sense of different roles and if you could see yourself in them.

Visit your professor’s office hours to ask about research opportunities.

Consider volunteering or learning about leadership this semester.

Conduct informational interviews with people who are working in the same jobs or industries that you’re considering. This can help you get a better idea of what it's like to actually work in the field.

Look for internships or part-time jobs that are relevant to a career you’re considering in order to experience it yourself.

Participate in career fairs, events and workshops to network, learn about industry trends and get more tips for making decisions about your future.

Talk it out

As you consider different paths, it can help to talk about your next steps with someone. This could be an advisor, faculty member, supervisor, family member, mentor or friend. They may be able to share a different perspective or insight that can help you figure out what you’d like to do after college.

Career advisors and coaches in Career Services can also help you explore options and share additional resources during an appointment. Learn more about getting started with Career Services.

After your first year of college, you’re in an exciting position to shape what comes next. Here are some tips to help you make the most of your time on campus and guide you as you turn your interests and experiences into a fulfilling post-graduation path.

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Tips to manage your time

Emily Sampl — Wed, 10 Dec 2025 21:50:59 +0000

Tips to manage your time Emily Sampl Wed, 12/10/2025 - 14:50

ASAP Tutoring

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Between hanging out with friends, working and keeping up with classes, your schedule can get packed fast. But don’t worry! Here are some time management tips to help you stay on track this semester and still have time for fun.

Get organized

First, get yourself organized. Whether you prefer a calendar, a planner or an app, use something to keep track of your schedule and responsibilities. Mark down things like exam dates, project deadlines, work shifts, club meetings, study sessions and events you want to attend. Regularly check your calendar to see what’s coming up and prioritize what needs to be done.

Block out study times

Set aside specific times each week just for studying or reviewing class materials. Having a routine can help balance schoolwork with social activities and keep you prepared for midterms and finals.

Plan your study sessions

Break down big assignments like papers, projects or exams into smaller tasks with deadlines. This way, you can make steady progress and avoid last-minute stress. For group projects, discuss with your team how to divide tasks and who’s responsible for what. Having a plan helps prevent procrastination and keeps you on top of your work.

Fight distractions

While you're studying, try turning off your phone or leaving it out of reach to help you focus. Set a timer for a focused study session—maybe 15 or 20 minutes—then take a 5-minute break when the timer goes off. Stretch, check your phone or grab a snack. Repeat the process to stay focused and get your work done faster.

Ask for help

If you’re stuck on a problem or don’t understand something from class, don’t struggle alone. Text a classmate, visit your professor during office hours or join a study group.

You can also find support through the Academic Success and Achievement Program (ASAP Tutoring), which is available to all first-year students, new transfers and students living on campus, and other campus academic resources. The sooner you ask for help, the less likely you are to fall behind.

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Academic advising tips for second-year Buffs

Kyra Raye Loch — Tue, 30 Sep 2025 18:52:27 +0000

Academic advising tips for second-year Buffs Kyra Raye Loch Tue, 09/30/2025 - 12:52

As a second-year student, this is a great time to make the most of your college experience and grow toward your long-term interests and goals.

Your primary academic advisor is a key resource. Meeting with your advisor can help you find new opportunities and get personalized advice and support.

Connect early and often

Your primary academic advisor is your go-to expert for making the most of your time at ��Ҵ�ý�ƽ��. Don’t hesitate to reach out—schedule an appointment any time to discuss your interests, challenges and aspirations. A dedicated conversation can help you chart your path, whether you're interested in research, internships or mentorship programs.

Explore academic opportunities

This is a great time to maximize those electives! Your academic advisor can help you identify minors, certificates and additional certifications that complement your major and support your long-term goals. These enriching conversations can guide you toward programs and experiences that match your passions and career plans.

Plan for international experiences

Thinking about studying abroad? Your advisor can introduce you to Education Abroad opportunities and help you select programs that fit seamlessly with your academic schedule. International experiences can enhance your learning and offer a new perspective on your field of study.

Build your professional profile

Strengthening your resume and gaining practical experience are important steps for second-year students. Connect with Career Services to discover internships and professional opportunities. Your advisor can also guide you in preparing for applications and interviews, ensuring you stand out to future employers.

Find mentorship and support

If you haven’t already, begin connecting with faculty and peers through mentoring programs. Academic advisors can introduce you to faculty mentoring or peer mentoring opportunities, helping you build a support system and gain valuable insights from experienced students and professors.

Get involved beyond the classroom

College is about more than academics. It’s about you, growing and learning about the world. And now is a great time to explore community involvement—volunteer with Service Learning & Impact in Community Engagement (SLICE), join a student organization or work part-time on campus. Your advisor can also point you toward organizations and activities that align with your interests and help you make meaningful connections on campus and beyond.

Find support

As you move forward in your college journey, remember that your academic advisor is a powerful ally. Schedule regular check-ins, ask questions and be open to exploring new paths. By working together, you can customize your experience at ��Ҵ�ý�ƽ�� and set yourself up for success both now and after graduation.

As a second-year student, this is a great time to make the most of your college experience and grow toward your long-term interests and goals. Meeting with your academic advisor can help you find new opportunities and get personalized advice and support.

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Study hacks to help you ace your midterms

Anonymous — Mon, 22 Sep 2025 14:13:09 +0000

Study hacks to help you ace your midterms Anonymous (not verified) Mon, 09/22/2025 - 08:13

ASAP Tutoring

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For many students, midterms are just around the corner. Here are some underrated study hacks to help you ace your midterms.

Practice the study cycle

The “study cycle” is an effective strategy that can help you be more efficient with your time. There are four steps to the cycle:

Before class, preview the material you’ll cover. Skim the chapter, note headings and bold words, review chapter summaries and have questions prepared for the lecture.
Attend class—take notes and ask questions.
Review your notes as soon as possible after class.
Schedule time in your week to study the material again. Review your notes, handouts or other readings.

Know your learning style

Are you a visual learner? Do you remember things more when you hear them? This learning style quiz lets you find the methods that work best for you to learn and study. Here are some strategies that may work for your learning style.

Visual: Underline or highlight your notes. Look for videos, graphs or charts to review information further. Create graphs or charts to organize information.
Aural: Read your notes out loud and record them on your phone to listen to later. Talk over concepts with a classmate or study group.
Read/write: Rewrite your notes. Look for other books or resources on the same subject to read.
Kinesthetic: Think of real-world examples when reviewing your notes. Try to use as many senses as possible when studying. For example, try taking a walk while reviewing your notecards.

Take breaks

Taking short breaks during study sessions can help you stay focused and retain information better. Try the Pomodoro Technique to build short breaks into your study sessions:

Choose a task to work on—maybe reading a chapter, writing the intro for a paper or solving math problems.
Set a timer for 25 minutes. Put your phone away and eliminate as many distractions as possible.
Focus on the task until the timer goes off.
Set your timer for five minutes and do whatever you’d like during this time. Check your phone, get a snack, stretch—whatever gives your brain a break!
Reset your timer for 25 minutes and repeat.

Get creative and try a new approach

Here are some other study hacks to try:

Pretend you're preparing to teach a class on the subject. Think of how you could explain the material to fellow students.
Think about concepts more critically and try to create examples or practice problems from the material to test your knowledge.
Rather than studying one subject for a long time, try switching between subjects to allow your brain to form connections and understand the content more deeply.
Study in testing conditions. Learning the content in a similar setting and with similar conditions to your testing environment can help you form associations between those conditions and the course content.

Ask for help

If you’re stuck on a problem or a concept discussed in class, ask for help and use your resources.

Talk to a classmate.
Visit office hours or a help lab.
Consider joining or starting a study group.
If you live on campus or are a first-year student, check out the Academic Success and Achievement Program (ASAP Tutoring) for free tutoring support.
If you need help writing a paper, visit The Writing Center.
If you have a large research project, University Libraries offers consultations to help you get started.
Review more academic resources for students.

Sometimes, the hardest part is just getting started. Schedule time in your week to study and do your best to stay on track. Find a favorite place to study, like a coffee shop, library or community room in your residence hall. Establishing study routines and finding the right study spot can help you feel prepared for midterms.

Resources

Academic Success and Achievement Program (ASAP Tutoring)
ASAP links all first-year students and students living on campus to study resources and free peer tutoring. ASAP also offers the Lending Library, allowing students to check out books for many general education and lower division classes.

Peer Wellness Coaching
Need help managing stress? Meet one-on-one with a trained peer wellness coach to learn effective strategies and connect with campus resources.

Let's Talk
Counseling & Psychiatric Services (CAPS) provides free drop-in services around campus during Let's Talk hours. Stop by to talk with a counselor about stress, anxiety, self-care, academics or other topics you need support with.

Disability Services
If you’re planning to use testing accommodations through Disability Services, make sure you’re on the same page as your instructors about how they’ll be administered. Your dedicated access coordinator can help answer any additional questions or concerns.

Free Friday Power Hour
Take a break from studying and stay active at the Rec Center. They offer free fitness classes every Friday during Free Friday Power Hour.

For many students, midterms are just around the corner. Here are some underrated study hacks to help you ace your midterms.

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Your major, your journey: Explore what’s possible

Kyra Raye Loch — Tue, 02 Sep 2025 17:54:38 +0000

Your major, your journey: Explore what’s possible Kyra Raye Loch Tue, 09/02/2025 - 11:54

Career Services

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Deciding on a major is a big step, and it’s totally normal to feel unsure or change your mind along the way. College is all about discovering what excites you and what fits your strengths, interests and goals. That might mean changing your major, adding a minor or customizing your academic journey after your first semester.

The good news: you don’t have to figure it out alone. Career Services and other campus departments offer free tools, tips and support to help you explore your options and find a path that feels right for you.

Get to know yourself better

First, exploring majors starts with understanding you. Think about the classes you’ve enjoyed, either at ��Ҵ�ý�ƽ�� or in high school, and the ones that didn’t quite click.

Ask yourself:

What subjects do I genuinely enjoy?

What academic skills come naturally to me?

What causes or ideas get me fired up?

What topics do I love talking about with friends?

What feels boring or just too tough?

Reflecting on these questions can help you narrow down your options and focus on majors that match your interests and strengths. You can also try using the Career Values Card Sort, a free tool to help you discover what matters most to you in a career.

Explore different career paths

Your major won’t lock you into one career. Some majors lead directly to specific jobs, while others build versatile skills that open doors across many industries.

If you’re wondering how your interests and strengths connect to possible careers, you’re in luck—there are great tools to help you explore:

Check out What Can I Do with This Major? to see if there are any careers that interest you associated with majors you might be thinking about. The website will guide you through 96 of the most common majors and typical career areas for each.

Try the Majors Card Sort, a free online tool that can help you identify the top ��Ҵ�ý�ƽ�� majors that align with your goals.

Browse the Programs from a Different Lens webpage to explore degrees that have the same key features as the majors that interest you. Find information on course topics, learning outcomes and how classes are taught.

Use the I want to ... website from the Program in Exploratory Studies to learn more about degree paths that will help you achieve your specified career goals.

Schedule informational interviews with professionals in your fields of interest. You can ask about their academic journey to learn how it influenced them professionally.

Research and dive in

Once you’ve narrowed down a few areas of interest, take the next step to dig deeper. Research majors to see how they align with your goals, strengths and curiosity.

Use these free tools to help you decide if a major is the right fit:

Degree audits: Find out the required courses and credit hours needed to graduate. Department websites and the university catalog can provide additional information.

Academic advisors: If you’re not in a rush to declare or change your degree, take a class or two in a major you’re interested in and consult with an advisor from that area of study for course recommendations. You can also ask questions about the major to determine if it matches your interests and goals. Use advising drop-in hours or make an appointment.

Ralphie’s Advising Help Lab: While this doesn’t replace appointments, Ralphie’s Advising Help Lab is a supplemental resource that allows you to access general advising or enrollment help quickly. Get assistance with dropping courses, switching majors and other advising questions.

Keep a positive mindset

Choosing a major is a journey, not a race. Whether you’re ready to decide or still exploring, you’re right where you need to be. Stay curious, try out the tips and tools available and enjoy the process of discovering what fits you best.

Need support? Career Services is here to help. Meet with a career advisor to talk through your reflections and plan your next steps, and learn more about finding a major.

Deciding on a major is a big step, and it’s totally normal to feel unsure or change your mind along the way. The good news: you don’t have to figure it out alone. Career Services and other campus departments offer free tools, tips and support to help you explore your options and find a path that feels right for you.

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Level up your study game this fall

Emily Sampl — Thu, 28 Aug 2025 06:00:00 +0000

Level up your study game this fall Emily Sampl Thu, 08/28/2025 - 00:00

ASAP Tutoring

Listen to this article

This semester brings new opportunities to learn, connect and grow. By embracing a few simple strategies, you can lay a foundation for academic success and personal well-being right from the start.

Get organized

At the start of the semester, take some time to go through each syllabus for your classes. Look for details like readings, expectations, deadlines and exam dates. This will help you know what's ahead and keep you on track from day one.

Add important dates to your calendar, such as exams, project deadlines and assignments.

Break down big projects into smaller tasks to avoid procrastination.

Schedule regular study sessions—aim for 2-3 hours of study per hour of class.

Attend office hours

Meet one-on-one with professors during office hours to ask questions or seek support. Introduce yourself early on to build rapport for future help. Get more tips for attending office hours.

Discover what works for you

Take time to explore which study strategies and learning environments help you feel focused and motivated:

Try studying alone or with a group

Study in the early mornings and evenings to see what you prefer

Test out total silence or background noise

Try flashcards, rewriting notes or color-coding concepts, and explore different study spots on campus.

Find support

If you ever feel stuck or overwhelmed, remember you don’t have to go it alone. Drop by your professors’ office hours for advice and support, and take advantage of the campus resources available to you:

Academic Success and Achievement Program (ASAP Tutoring): Free peer tutoring for first-year students and those living on campus.

Tutoring resources: Various free and fee-based tutoring options.

Writing Center: One-on-one sessions with writing consultants.

University Libraries: Offers academic resources and "Ask a Librarian" service.

Peer Wellness Coaching: Free coaching for study plans, self-care and goal setting.

Honor Code: Follow guidelines to avoid academic dishonesty.

This semester brings new opportunities to learn, connect and grow. By embracing a few simple strategies, you can lay a foundation for academic success and personal well-being right from the start.

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Academic Help

What are office hours? Here's why you should go

Start with a simple introduction

Not sure what to ask?

Make the most of your visit

You don't have to figure it out alone

Related Articles

Using AI in your classes: What every Buff should know

1. Understand how the Honor Code applies to AI

2. Read the syllabus and ask questions

3. Know what can happen if you misuse AI

Need help with an assignment?

Related Articles

Finals prep: Tips to finish strong

Review your materials

Know that it's ok to ask for help

Make a schedule to stay on top of your assignments

Prioritize self-care

Take breaks and have fun!

Related Articles

4 ways to avoid cheating, plagiarism and other forms of academic dishonesty

Review your syllabus

Start coursework early

Complete work on your own

Find support

Quiz: Is it cheating? Test your knowledge of the Honor Code

Related Articles

How to make your mark and discover your path

Reflect on your experiences

Explore different paths

Talk it out

Related Articles

Tips to manage your time

Get organized

Block out study times

Plan your study sessions

Fight distractions

Ask for help

Related Articles

Academic advising tips for second-year Buffs

Connect early and often

Explore academic opportunities

Plan for international experiences

Build your professional profile

Find mentorship and support

Get involved beyond the classroom

Find support

Related Articles

Study hacks to help you ace your midterms

Practice the study cycle

Know your learning style

Take breaks

Get creative and try a new approach

Ask for help

Resources

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Get to know yourself better

Explore different career paths

Research and dive in

Keep a positive mindset

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Level up your study game this fall

Get organized

Attend office hours

Discover what works for you

Find support

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