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Life Hacks for College

A guide for MSU freshmen that helps with campus survival, life skills, health & wellness, community participation, finances, and academics.

Intro to Academic & Career Support

College is more than just going to class!

It’s about developing the study habits, skills, and professional tools that will carry you into your future. This section brings together resources to help you succeed in your courses, stay organized with advising and registration, and prepare for life after graduation. From note-taking strategies and research support to résumé reviews and job search tips, you’ll find guidance here for building confidence both in the classroom and in your career journey.

Academic & Career Support

Note-Taking Methods

Try different methods until you find what works best:

Exam Prep

  • Create a study schedule at least one week ahead.

  • Use active recall (quizzing yourself, flashcards) instead of just rereading notes.

  • Quizlet - Offers learning games, study guides, flashcards, and practice tests

  • Alternatives to Quizlet:

    • Anki

    • Chegg

    • Brainscape

    • Kahoot

    • StudyStack

    • Quizalize

  • Join a review session or make practice exams.

  • Get rest — memory consolidates during sleep.

Solo VS Group Studying

  • Groups are great for sharing ideas and accountability.

  • Solo study works best for memorization or concentration-heavy tasks.

  • Mix both: study alone first, then meet with peers for review.

  • Places to study:

    • The Library

    • ADUC

    • The Fuzzy Duck / CoffeeTree Books

    • Starbucks

    • and more!

Tutoring Center

Tutoring & Learning Center | Morehead State University | Kentucky

  • MSU does have a tutoring and learning center for writing, math, science, and study skills.

  • Tutors can help explain difficult concepts, provide practice problems, or review assignments.

 

Library Research Assistance

  • Subject librarians can guide you through research databases, citation tools, and evaluating sources.

  • Many libraries offer one-on-one consultations, online chat help, and workshops.

  • Resource:  Home - Research Services

Academic Advising

  • Advisors help you plan your course schedule, choose majors/minors, and stay on track for graduation.

  • Advising suggests 3 appointments per semester -- you want them to know who you are and what your academic goals are

Registration Resources

  • Meet with your advisor prior to registration opening to plan classes.

  • Keep your eye out for the registration schedule.

  • Register as early as possible for the best course selection.

  • Use the MyProgress tool and curriculum maps to see required courses.

  • Always have backup course options in case of full classes.

Understanding Prerequisites, Holds, and Waitlists

  • Prerequisites - These are courses you must have completed before enrolling in the other.
  • Holds - Blocks on your account; may have be cleared to register
  • Waitlists - Sign up if a class is full; if you get into the class, you will have 48 hours to register before it gets passed to the next person on the waitlist

Adding, Dropping, and Withdrawing from Classes

  • Drop/add is usually the first week of classes --

  • Withdrawal and drop deadlines are later in the semester but may come with a fee.

  • Always check the Calendars | Morehead State University | Kentucky to see important dates for classes, drop/add/withdrawal deadlines and to find the registration schedule

Career Services Office

Career Services Page

Career Guide

  • Résumé and cover letter feedback.

  • Mock interviews and practice with common questions.

  • Access to job boards, networking events, and career fairs.

  • Career assessments to explore interests and strengths.

  • Suit Bank - allows you to borrow professional attire

Resume & Cover Letter Help

  • Tailor your résumé to each job/internship.

  • Highlight measurable achievements, not just duties.

  • Keep cover letters focused on how your skills match the role.

Job & Internship Searching

  • Start searching early — applications often open months in advance.

  • Network with professors, alumni, and peers for opportunities.

  • Use multiple job boards: Handshake, LinkedIn, Indeed.

  • Track applications to stay organized.

Networking Basics

  • Start with who you know: Classmates, professors, advisors, and student organizations.
  • Use campus resources: Career services often host career fairs, networking nights, or alumni panels.
  • Get involved: Clubs, volunteer work, and part-time jobs all expand your circle.
  • Ask for informational interviews: Reach out to someone in a career you’re interested in and ask about their path.
  • Stay in touch: Follow up with a thank-you email, share updates, or check in occasionally.

Online Networking Tools

LinkedIn

Eagle CareerNet– Morehead State’s official career management system. Use it to search jobs, internships, and connect with employers who recruit MSU students.

Professional associations are great ways to network! Professional associations are organizations that represent individuals within a specific profession.

  • ALA - American Library Association
  • KEA - Kentucky Education Association
  • AAA- American Accounting Association
  • CAA- College Art Association

Networking Etiquette

  • Be respectful of time: Keep emails and conversations focused and polite.
  • Show genuine interest: Ask thoughtful questions, don’t just focus on what you need.
  • Give back: Share resources, articles, or introductions when you can—networking is two-way.
  • Be authentic: Don’t try to force relationships. Be yourself and focus on common ground.

Academic Integrity

Student Handbook

Eagle Student Handbook

Final Exams

  • During finals week, you will not attend classes like normal.
  • Follow the final exam schedule that is posted on the Registrar's Calendar page.
  • Some professors do not let students come in late, so be sure to be there on time.

Example: 

If you normally have a 10am class on MWF, your final for that class is on Monday 12/8/25 at 10:15am-12:15pm instead of at 10am.