I’m a professor. I tell all my college freshmen these 6 tips so they have a successful first year.

I have my own ideas about what would help incoming students have a successful first year in school, but I also spoke to several friends in academia to get their take on the issue, too.

Here are some of my best tips for freshmen in their first semester.

Do not skip class

It’s amazing how many students frequently skip class. It’s not enough to get the notes from someone else.

You miss important discussions and the chance to ask questions when you ditch class. You miss the opportunity to interact with your professor and classmates.

I know a student may miss a class for many reasons, including illness. But if you’re too tired from late-night jam sessions or video production clubs, you may want to rethink your extracurriculars. I struggled with this in school. I was overscheduled and juggling too many activities. It’s tempting, but you can’t do everything all at once. Pace yourself.

Read the class syllabus

Taking a moment to read the syllabus will help you get ahead as a student.

It’s always a good idea to keep track of assignments in a paper planner with due dates labeled. Many professors don’t accept late work. If you don’t understand an assignment, ask for clarification in class. Don’t wait until the night before the assignment is due.

Learn how to communicate with your professor, especially via email

Think carefully before emailing your professor. We’re people, too. Our inboxes are full. So when you email us, please use the subject line.

Even a simple “Subject: Looking for clarification on class reading” would be helpful.

Once you’ve mastered the subject line, I’d ask you to look closely at your professor’s name and title. Have you spelled it correctly? I can’t tell you how many times students have butchered my name — first and last — on a graded assignment.

When crafting your email, please remember that it may not get read immediately. Don’t expect answers to come as quickly as a friend on a text. Give us time to respond.

Spend time in the library

Despite having lots of reading to do for class, I recommend students read for fun, too. Reading is good for the soul. It’s soothing, entertaining, and free. Head to your on-campus library and check out a book that interests you to further your education.

Plus, you should always ask a librarian for help. Librarians can save students time, help them get unstuck, and generally make their lives easier. Librarians are also great when it comes to research.

Don’t forget to say, ‘Thank you’

Thank the people who keep your school up and running. That could be a food service worker, bus driver, or cleaning staff. It might be the groundskeeper who waters the flowers by your dorm or the cashier at the campus bookstore. Or maybe you finally turned a corner in your advanced Spanish class and want to thank the TA for spending extra time with you.

Let them know you’re grateful for their time. One of my writing teachers says she’s kept all the letters of gratitude she’s received from students. I do this, too. I know how it feels when a student takes the time to craft a thank you note, especially a handwritten one.

Get comfortable with being uncomfortable

It’s a privilege to attend college; you don’t have to be here. Many people would gladly trade places with you. So take advantage of the amazing opportunities presented to you — even if they make you uncomfortable (within reason).

For example, sign up for classes and clubs that might challenge you. Plus, if you’re used to hanging in the back row, find a seat up front and learn to raise your hand. We don’t bite.

College is a time to experiment in all aspects of life; don’t waste it by staying in your comfort zone.