留學指南:註冊與新生訓練
The first week at a new college is busy and exciting. Here is what to expect, and how to make the most of it.
Orientation
Most colleges hold an orientation programme a few days before classes begin. It is usually compulsory for new students, so don't miss it. You will:
- Take a tour of the campus and find the library, computer labs, classrooms and student lounge
- Meet your programme leader, lecturers and student support staff
- Learn about the college's rules, such as the attendance policy and what counts as plagiarism
- Find out how to use the online learning system, where you will find lecture notes, readings and assignments
- Have a chance to meet other new students and make your first friends
Enrolment
Enrolment is when you officially register for your papers. You will need to show your passport and visa, and check that your personal details are correct. If you haven't already chosen your papers, an academic adviser will help you. After that, you will receive your student ID card and your timetable.
Your student ID card
Keep your student ID card with you. You will need it to use the library, print documents, sit exams and get student discounts on buses and in some shops and cinemas.
Your timetable
Your timetable shows when and where each class takes place. You may have lectures, where a lecturer speaks to a large group, and tutorials or workshops, where a smaller group discusses the topic and practises skills. Missing classes is a bad idea – international students usually need to meet a minimum attendance rate.
Getting help
Starting study in a new country can be hard, and it's normal to feel homesick or confused at first. Colleges have staff whose job is to help you. Student support officers can help with accommodation, health, money and personal problems. Learning advisers can help you plan essays, prepare for exams and reference your sources correctly. Don't wait until you are in serious trouble – ask for help early.
Have your say
Many colleges have a student council made up of students from different countries and programmes. Its members share students' ideas and concerns with the college and help organise social events. Joining is a great way to practise your English and develop leadership skills.
在新學院的第一週,既忙碌又興奮。以下告訴你會經歷什麼,以及怎樣好好把握這段時間。
新生訓練
大多數學院會在開課前幾天舉辦新生訓練。新生通常一定要參加,千萬別錯過。在新生訓練期間,你會:
- 參觀校園,搞清楚圖書館、電腦教室、教室和學生交誼廳在哪裡
- 認識你的學程主任、講師和學生輔導人員
- 了解學院的規定,例如出席規定,以及什麼行為算抄襲
- 學會使用線上學習系統,講義、閱讀資料和作業都在上面
- 認識其他新同學,交到第一批朋友
註冊
註冊就是正式登記你要修的課。你需要出示護照和簽證,並確認個人資料正確。如果還沒選好課,學業顧問會幫你。之後,你會拿到學生證和課表。
學生證
學生證要隨身帶著。用圖書館、列印文件、參加考試,還有在公車、一些商店和電影院享有學生優惠,都需要它。
課表
課表上寫著每堂課的上課時間和地點。課程可能有大堂課,也就是講師對一大群學生上課;也有小組討論課或工作坊,也就是一小組同學一起討論主題、練習技能。蹺課可不是好主意——國際學生通常必須達到最低出席率。
尋求協助
在新的國家開始念書可能不容易,一開始想家或覺得迷惘都很正常。學院裡有專門幫助你的人。學生輔導人員可以在住宿、健康、經濟和個人問題上幫你;學習顧問可以幫你規劃報告、準備考試,以及正確地引用資料。別等到出了大問題才去找人——有困難就早點開口。
說出你的想法
很多學院都有學生會,成員來自不同國家和學程。他們會把同學的想法和擔憂反映給學院,也會幫忙辦社交活動。加入學生會,是練英文、培養領導能力的好方法。