How many credits do you plan on taking this semester? A one-credit class has approximately one hour of class time per week and requires two hours of study time per week. If you register as a full time student, you will be taking at least 12 credits, which means 12 hours of class time and 24 hours of homework each week! Be sure you have enough time set aside to study! Students who try to work a full time job and go to school full time usually do not succeed at either one!

Creating a “study schedule” for yourself (and sticking to it!) is a sure way to a successful semester. When scheduling your classes it is a good idea to give yourself some time between classes to review material. This counts towards your study time. In fact, it is much more productive for you to study in two hour blocks of time than it is to plan to spend all day Sunday hitting the books! Then you will never need to cram for an exam!

Sign up for a new, two credit course: STDV 100 - The College Experience! This course examines ways in which students can build the academic and social skills necessary for a successful college experience. This course utilizes individual and group exercises to enhance study skill techniques, critical thinking processes, research and evaluation of career pathways, exploration of values and effective use of college resources. Students will apply the course material directly to their other courses and various aspects of college life. The course will help students become engaged in the college experience as intentional learners who are empowered, informed and responsible.

Attend Get Connected, RVCC's New Student Orientation. New students learn essential information about the college, receive a campus tour and have the opportunity to meet with faculty, staff and students of the college.

The road to success begins before classes start. Get your text books prior to the first day of classes so you can look them over.

Always bring a pen and a separate notebook to each class. Bring a pencil when you have an exam.

Get to class on time or, even better, early! This will allow you to keep the same seat for each lecture. Did you know that keeping the same seat in class can actually improve your grade?

Each of your instructors will be giving you a syllabus. Read it. The syllabus gives you dates when assignments are due, and when tests are scheduled. It will also have your instructor’s name and how to contact her and the attendance policy – very important information!

Get the name of at least one student in each of your classes. That way you will have someone to get notes from if you are out sick. You will also have someone to contact if you need clarification on something that you may not understand.

If you begin to struggle academically, seek out tutoring from The Academic Support Center

Participate in campus wide events, attend educational workshops and get involved with Student Activities, including clubs, organizations and sports!

Learn how to perform a degree evaluation under the Student Services tab in the Lion's Den This is the easiest way to see what degree requirements you have to complete for graduation.