Go to class. The class sizes tend to be smaller in SMF so it’s easier to get to know both professors and classmates.
 

Do well in your second-year statistics and research methods class; grad schools require certain grades from those courses.
 

Take advantage of professor office hours, they’re very approachable and are willing to help clarify assignments.
 

You only need to take 2-3 SMF courses per term - use your electives to explore different areas of interest.
 

You can combine SMF with another major: English, Gender and Social Justice, History, Peace and Conflict Studies, Psychology, Social Development Studies, and Sociology and Legal Studies are popular choices.
 

Talk to your academic advisor frequently to ensure you have the courses you need to take; some courses are only offered in certain semesters.
 

Get to know the professors, or offer to assist them in their research. The more time you spend with professors, the better the reference letters they can write if you want to get into graduate school.
 

When life becomes hard, find time to explain your situation to the professor in advance of the test/paper/assignment being due. The professors understand that life gets in the way of school sometimes.
 

Learn to practice self-care - If you do not know what this is, look it up! Find ways of relaxing that work for you. The better mental state you are in, the better you can do.
 

Get some sleep when projects become difficult -  it can be the refresher you need to be more productive.
 

Pay attention to deadlines -  your syllabus is your scheduling friend. Finding a way to keep track of your schedule is essential.
 

Introduce yourself to professors when you have a class with them - In this small department it is very likely they will learn your name, which can make the experience more personal. Also, it is likely you might have another class with the same professor.
 

 Remember you are paying to gain knowledge and experience not just to earn a grade - What you learn and gain is what counts more than a number.
 

Use campus resources to assist you: there are fellow classmates, great peer assistance resources, the Writing Center, librarians per subject area, Student Services, Health Services, Mental Health Services and Accessibility Services. All full of friendly people who are eager to assist however they can. If you don't know, ask!
 

Plan for your future along the way so it is less overwhelming near the end of classes when you are busy. There are many on-campus resources to assist.
 

Learn how to navigate the Desire2Learn (D2L or LEARN) program and the Library website well.
 

Join the Facebook groups and social media outlets for your department and student groups and find out about events and good deals that are happening around campus. 
 

Don't give into procrastination, it can be easy to do but then everything will end up due at once.
 

Be on top of scheduling conflicts and discuss them with professors as well.
 

Learn stress management techniques that work for you. There may be periods of stress and having a plan for how to deal with it can be very helpful.
 

Know you're not alone. Your classmates and fellow students are often experiencing the same things you are. Try to seek out and find people to talk to, make friends, and be aware of the university resources that are available as well.
 

Work hard to take good notes, they can assist come exam time.
 

Plan a realistic budget and keep track of your finances closely.
 

Try to stay on top of your physical health! You might be surprised at how compromised your ability to function as a student can be when you are not meeting your nutritional needs. If you don't know where to start, there are workshops and a nutritionist through Health Services that can help you!
 

Taking notes by hand helps with remembering the content and also helps if you're easily distracted.
 

Have fun and enjoy! These years will pass quickly!