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The Second Semester of College: Older and Wiser?

Dr. R. Fred Zuker is a featured monthly columnist in the Education section of The Jackson Sun

The Second Semester of College: Older and Wiser?

It is axiomatic that the first semester of college is a challenge for the new student. The issues of transition from high school to college and dealing with the new environment are all quite real. But often the second semester is not given the careful attention it deserves because, after all, the returning college student is a seasoned veteran. They have managed to survive the challenges of roommates, homesickness, mid terms, research papers and final exams. Second semester will be downhill compared to the traumatic changes that took place in August and September.

Second semester can be just as challenging if not more for the new college student. If the student did not achieve grades consistent with their expectations there may be even greater pressure to compensate for the disappointing results of the first term. Issues with roommates or other social situations that may not have been resolved in the fall will return with the arrival of the new term.

The first thing the returning college student should do is carefully evaluate the courses they are planning to take. If they are continuation of fall courses the new student will have a pretty good idea of what is required to do well. New courses may be more difficult than in the first term when much of the material was introductory or general studies in nature.

An objective review of the success (or lack of it) in time management is essential. Most new college students find that they wasted a good deal of time in the first term just finding their way around campus. They are almost all surprised at how much time it takes to do the assignments required on the course syllabi. First term students often report feeling of being overwhelmed by the college workload.

In the second semester the demands of college courses should not be unexpected. Calibrating the study requirements and balancing one's schedule should be easier. Second semester students should know exactly how much time they have to drop and add a course and the last day to drop a course without penalty. Many first term students are too uncertain to try these devices that are designed to allow the student to adjust schedules as needed.

New students who experienced periods of homesickness or anxiety during the fall term may have the same reaction in the spring. However the severity of the homesickness should be considerably less as the student adjusts to the new term and gets back into the campus routine.

Here are a few suggestions for the new college student returning to campus:

  • Set realistic goals based on your actual performance in the fall. Those grades will give you a good benchmark and indicators of what you need to do to reach your goals.
  • Review your schedule to ensure that you are taking what you need and that it fits with your plans for your major. If you're still undecided don't worry but consult with your faculty adviser or the career counseling office for some advice.
  • Make changes in your schedule if necessary but be sure you aren't creating a problem with required courses. It is almost always a good idea to get the required courses out of the way early.
  • If you are having continuing problems with a roommate consult with your residence adviser and resolve the issues or find a better housing situation. You may have friends that will be more compatible.
  • Check your time management and make the adjustments necessary to give you the best chance to succeed in your studies and extracurricular activities.
  • If homesickness and/or anxiety are a problem consult with the counselor. Other professional intervention may be needed for persistent issues.

New college students should benefit from the experience of their first semester. It would be a mistake to think that the second semester will be free of any problems. But if you are able to incorporate your growing familiarity with your campus and your capabilities the second semester will be a breeze.

R. Fred Zuker
Lambuth University

Lambuth University • 705 Lambuth Boulevard • Jackson, TN 38301 • 1-800-LAMBUTH • Dr. R. Fred Zuker, President
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