Navigating College Success
Your Success
Academic success is your own journey -- you set the pace, the path, and the pressure. But we're here to help you figure it all out! Use this webpage to learn about all the resources available to you that can make your academic experience here successful, enjoyable, and meaningful to you.
Doing Well in the Classroom
We know college classrooms aren't like high school. No one's checking if you brought a pencil, and professors won't loan you supplies. Here's what you actually need to show up prepared.
The Basics
Choose what works for your learning style. A spiral notebook for each class keeps things organized, or go with a multi-subject notebook if you prefer everything in one place. If you're digital-first, a tablet with a stylus works, but have paper backup for tech-free exams. Check out what's available at the GVSU Laker Store: https://lakerstore.gvsu.edu/home
Pack multiple pens (blue or black) and pencils. Mechanical pencils save you from sharpening mid-lecture. Highlighters in 3-4 colors help when reviewing notes later. Check out what's available at the GVSU Laker Store: https://lakerstore.gvsu.edu/home
One per class keeps handouts, syllabi, and graded work from becoming a chaotic mess in your backpack. Check out what's available at the GVSU Laker Store: https://lakerstore.gvsu.edu/home
Juggling multiple classes, assignments, and deadlines requires tracking. Digital calendars work if you check them religiously. Physical planners work if you actually write things down. Check out what's available at the GVSU Laker Store: https://lakerstore.gvsu.edu/home
Tech Essentials
You'll need this for papers, research, and online assignments. Make sure it's charged before class. Check out the Laker Tech desk for support in purchasing a device: https://lakerstore.gvsu.edu/saveontech.
Grand Valley has TONS of resources and advice on devices needed for college. Check out Laptops for Lakers here!
Dead devices are useless. Keep your laptop charger in your bag and consider a portable battery for your phone.
Back up your work. Losing a paper the night before it's due because your laptop crashed is preventable.
Cloud storage includes:
- Google Drive
- Microsoft OneDrive
- Dropbox
- iCloud
- Box
For library study sessions or blocking out your roommate.
Study Supplies
Perfect for flashcards and memorization.
Flag important textbook pages or leave reminders for yourself.
Make important information stand out.
If you're taking math or science, check what your professor allows on exams and get that specific model.
Blackboard:
Blackboard is a learning management system (LMS) that GVSU uses to run online classes and manage course materials. Think of it as the central hub where everything for your classes lives digitally. Learn how to use Blackboard through our teaching module. Step by step guide for finding the tool here.
Student Gmail:
Professors may communicate with you often -- sometimes even before the semester begins! This will happen through your GVSU Gmail account (your last name @mail.gvsu.edu). Contact IT if you need help setting this up.
Experiential Learning
Studying abroad gives students the chance to learn beyond the classroom while gaining a global perspective. Immersion in another culture deepens academic understanding, builds adaptability and confidence, and strengthens cross-cultural communication skills. Learn more about study abroad by visiting the Padnos International Center.
Internships in your major allow students to apply what they learn in the classroom to real-world settings. Through hands-on experience, students build practical skills, professional confidence, and a clearer understanding of their field. Internships also help students explore career paths, develop workplace communication skills, and graduate better prepared for employment or further study.CECI offers many internships. Check them out for your major by finding yours in the main menu!
Seven Secrets to Success
As academic advisors, we've seen countless students struggle in their first semester - not because they aren't smart enough, but because they don't understand how different college is from high school. These six tips aren't just suggestions; they can make the difference between passing and failing.
No one's tracking you down if you skip. No robocalls to your parents. You can just... not show up. But here's the thing - professors notice, and you'll miss the context that doesn't make it into the slides. Then exam day hits and you're lost. Some professors drop your grade after too many absences, others don't take attendance but good luck teaching yourself three weeks of material from someone's notes.
Everything you need to know is in there - due dates, how you're graded, what happens if you're late, attendance rules. Professors assume you read it and won't remind you about stuff that's already written down. "I didn't see that" won't save you when it's right there on page two.
Professors set aside time specifically to help you. Go early in the semester to introduce yourself, ask about assignments before they're due, or clear up concepts you're confused about. Showing up only when you're struggling makes it look like you don't actually care about the class.
You think you have time. You don't. Research takes forever. Your first draft is going to be rough. Printers break at midnight. WiFi dies during uploads. Blackboard crashes at 11:58 PM. Build in a buffer or spend the whole semester stressed and submitting subpar work at the last second.
Professors post updates to Blackboard and send emails about important changes - cancelled classes, moved exams, assignment clarifications. They expect you to know because they posted it. Make it part of your morning routine or you'll miss something that matters.
Life gets messy - you get sick, emergencies happen, things go sideways. Professors get it. The difference is how you handle it. Reach out as soon as you know there's a problem with a plan, not just an excuse. "I have a family emergency and can't make Thursday's exam - can we figure out options?" lands way better than disappearing and emailing three days later asking what you missed. Take responsibility and most professors will work with you.
Meet with your Academic Advisor: Your academic advisor helps you pick the right classes, stay on track to graduate, explore majors, fix academic problems, and connect you with opportunities like internships or study abroad. They know the policies and deadlines that can trip you up. Meet with them regularly - it's literally their job to help you succeed.
Being Well at GVSU
College isn't just about passing classes; it's about managing your life independently for the first time - friendships, your finances, your sleep, and your well-being. And here's the thing: how you handle these areas directly affects your academic success. We have resources and advice on how to take care of yourself while you're here.
Social Wellness
A club, intramural sport, study group, or campus organization. It gives you a built-in community and people who share your interests. College is easier when you're not isolated.
You don't need to be friends with everyone on your floor. Find a few people you actually connect with and invest in those relationships.
It's okay to say no to plans when you need to study, sleep, or recharge. Real friends will understand.
Attend events alone, talk to people in your classes, sit with someone new in the dining hall. The first few weeks are when everyone's looking to make friends - take advantage of that openness.
Financial Wellness
Track what you're actually spending on food, gas, entertainment, and necessities. Apps make this easy. Knowing where your money goes prevents panic at the end of the month. Check out MoneySmart Lakers for direct support.
If you have a credit card, treat it like a debit card - only spend what you can pay off immediately. Interest adds up fast and debt follows you after graduation.
Campus events with free food, student discounts, library resources, gym access - use what you're already paying for through tuition and fees.
If you need a job, find one that fits your schedule and doesn't destroy your grades. On-campus jobs often understand student priorities better than off-campus ones. Find campus jobs on our student jobs board.
Health Wellness
GVSU offers free or low-cost mental health support and medical care. You don't have to be in crisis to use counseling, and minor health issues become major ones when ignored. Check out the University Counseling Center and/or the Campus Health Center.
All-nighters wreck your memory, focus, and immune system. Consistent sleep (7-8 hours) helps you perform better academically and feel better overall. It's not lazy - it's essential.
You don't need to be perfect, but regular meals with actual nutrition make a difference in your energy and mood. Balance the ramen and energy drinks with real food and water. Check out GVSU's food and nutrition information.
Use the campus gym, walk to class, play sports - exercise reduces stress and improves sleep. Also connect with something beyond academics, whether that's faith communities, volunteering, creative pursuits, or time in nature. Check in with yourself regularly and ask for help when you're struggling.
CECI Student Events and Organizations
As majors that are gearing toward helping professions, the CECI advising office wants to instill self-care and helpful coping strategies through these events for our students. Check out the CECI W.A.V.E series (CECI Wellness And Vibrancy Events).
Students in the College of Education and Community Innovation have developed excellent student organizations that fulfill a variety of interests. If you're interested in joining a group, check them out here!
