A USM Student’s Guide to Going Back to School
August 11, 2026
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by Charlotte Cullivan
Every August, I find myself trying to squeeze every last drop out of summer — especially once school supplies and back-to-school displays start popping up in stores. Even as a college student, I really try not to think about classes until the calendar reminds me that the first day is right around the corner.
That said, I’ve learned over the years that spending just a little time getting ready before the semester makes those first few weeks feel a lot less stressful. Whether you’re a first-year student or heading into your final semester, these are the things I always do before classes start.
1.
Know your schedule before day one
Before the semester begins, take some time to put all of your fall classes into your calendar — I like Google calendar. Include information about professors, textbooks, and location. Your future self will thank you when that first week gets busy!
2.
Take a practice walk around USM’s campuses
This is my best advice for newer students: locate your classrooms ahead of time. Maybe you skipped orientation and admitted student day, or maybe you just weren’t paying attention during those events. Either way, I recommend walking the route for all your classes ahead of time. It doesn’t hurt to figure out how many stairs you have to walk up, or even how long the elevator takes. Scope out lunch spots while you’re at it. You’ll feel just a little more relaxed knowing all of those details ahead of time.
And if you’re a commuter student like me, it’s also worth testing your drive so you know how long parking and getting to class will actually take. That way, you can spend as much time in bed as possible every morning.
3.
Buy/Rent your textbooks early
You can see your required textbooks through the student center or by checking your course syllabus. Some professors will email students before classes begin, too. If buying books feels expensive, look into rental options through the USM bookstore or browse the USM libraries collections.
4.
Explore USM clubs and campus events
Take a moment to look at the clubs and activities USM has to offer (spoiler alert: there are a lot of them!). Campus Groups is a great resource for signing up for events and for seeing start times for clubs and organizations at USM. Even if you’re busy, joining one club or attending one event is an easy way to meet people outside of class.
5.
Take a deep breath, you’ve got this
It’s normal to feel a little nervous before a new semester, especially if it’s your first! The good news is that most professors spend that first week going over the syllabus and explaining what to expect, so you don’t have to have it all together on day one. College moves quickly, and it’s easy to get caught up in assignments and deadlines. Before life gets too busy, take a moment to appreciate the start of a new semester. You’ll meet new people, learn new things, and make memories that you’ll look back on long after graduation.
Regardless of how many times you’ve done it, starting a new semester can feel intimidating — but USM is truly an exciting place to be, and I know we’re going to have a great year!
