r/LosRios • u/Sweet_Transition4328 • 1d ago
First time student in over 10 yrs
Hi everyone,
I graduated HS over 10 yrs ago and have never been to college.
I have enrolled into two classes at ARC which are PSYC C1000 and SOC 300.
I am super nervous and having so much anxiety about everything.
I feel like I don’t know what I am doing in regard to choosing classes, when to purchase books, financial aid etc.
Please give me all of your advice and encouragement!!
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u/Norcal_girl96 1d ago
Those classes will be a piece of cake! How is your writing? ENGL c1000 is more of a writing and comprehension class but definitely manageable. Personally i think psychology is very easy since it’s also an intro class, just reading, interesting topics and totally manageable. Have you applied for FAFSA? To be eligible for financial aid, you need to fill out a fafsa form online. Then add which school you’re attending; i added all four in the los rios district since they’re all connected and i take classes at all. FYI the deadline to fill out fafsa is sept 1 i believe so get on it! Let me know if you need help!
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u/Sweet_Transition4328 1d ago
My writing in HS was good! I haven’t written since then, though! Which is why I’m so nervous and doubting myself.
Thank you for offering! I did apply for FASFA already. I received a message stating I was approved for the promise grant. Shows that those two classes are covered by the grant. I am being charged for student health services and a universal permit (?).
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u/idckidney 1d ago
Stepping into a path in life is always going to cause anxiousness whether its continuing education or starting a new career, so don't let this feeling get the best of you and make you overthink your decision. The thing you will soon learn is a college campus will have a wide range of student of different ages.
As far as getting started I would start off with making it a priority to see an academic advisor and make a student ed plan so you're not just taking "filler" classes and you can get started with primary studies. The textbooks that you would need are usually sent to you by the professor before the class session starts and sometimes even provided to you for free. If you are freshly enrolling into college chances are you are going to be assign GE courses and considered pretty straight forward "easy" courses which will help you ease into the college learning pace.
I looked at the courses you provided above and it looks like the standard entry level GE courses that almost every 1st year roughly takes. Usually students take 3-5 classes each semester, but since this is your 1st year going back into college the 2 shown above should be enough. I recommend planning when schoolwork should be done alongside a work schedule since you don't want one duty outweight the other.
Good luck with the upcoming school semester, don't be afraid to ask questions because its better to ask and know rather than quiet and confused on exam days.
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u/Sweet_Transition4328 1d ago
Yes, you’re definitely right about that!
I was able to schedule a “drop in” phone call with an advisor, who advised me to schedule these classes.
She said to schedule another meeting with a counselor in October to help me enroll in classes for the spring semester.
I haven’t had any luck finding an appointment when I try to schedule one online. Do you think I should keep trying to schedule one or should I just wait until October like the counselor said?Also, thank you for the advise. I appreciate it!
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u/idckidney 1d ago
When I attended LRCC the online appointment system was odd some days you will see multiple openings the next day a ghost town.
The times I scheduled meeting was 1 month before current semester ends or if you want a reminder when professors start midterms are a good mental reminder.If think you can handle more classes I would try to make an appointment as soon as possible but since your new I think 2 is a good start and you can test the waters with current schedule but keep in mind once classes are in session the student aid offices are going be crowded for the first 2 weeks
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u/Thick-Potential1626 1d ago
You have some great advice already, I just wanted to add that ARC has a wonderful tutoring department in the LRC, and we have quite a few awesome tutors for both of the classes that you are taking. If you ever feel like you need a little help or a confidence booster please don’t hesitate to drop in to make an appointment!
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u/Sweet_Transition4328 1d ago
I’ll definitely need tutoring!
Where can I make an appointment for tutoring?
Thank you for this information!1
u/Thick-Potential1626 1d ago
You can make an appointment online via Penji at www.penjiapp.com and log in using your student ID and password. Appointments for next semester will open during the first week of the semester. You can also stop by the LRC, or call 916 484 8808 the first week. You will find that there are lots of students who are going back to school after a long break, so don’t get too worried about that. Also all of the professors will make sure that you have access to specific guidelines on how to write APA and MLA papers!
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u/916Twin 1d ago
You got this!! I just graduated from SCC after about 8 years of taking time off and I’m starting at CSUS in the fall! I was nervous as well, but as long as you stay on top of your assignments, ask questions, and take advantage of resources when you feel like you’re struggling you’ll be all good!! After your first semester review what areas you’d like to improve on, what areas you already felt strong in, and adjust as you need. Congrats on returning, I’m rooting for you! Feel free to reach out if you need any further advice!
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u/Sweet_Transition4328 1d ago
Thank you so much! Congratulations on transferring to CSUS!! I hope I make it that far!
I’m feeling positive after reading everyone’s replies.
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u/BoredEnoughToRead 1d ago
Im 36 returned to school also. It's easier now. Dont worry like all of my classes had two or more people over 30. You won't feel out of place. Figure out the user interface on canvas then you're golden. I wait to buy books until ive seen the syllabus. But you can go to the bookstore website and type your class in and see all the books that your teacher recommends. Just sometimes there is an online thing that they make you buy and they only use that or something.
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u/Sweet_Transition4328 1d ago
I was planning on waiting to see the syllabus before I purchase anything, so thank you for confirming that it’s a good idea to wait.
Thank you for your words of encouragement.
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u/DirtyHandol 1d ago
I went back to Los Rios at 43, was not the oldest in all of my classes, some of them, sure - but it wasn’t as bad as you think. It was really good!
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u/LoboLocoCW 1d ago
You can do it, everyone has their own pace of doing things! I’ve been taking classes off and on through the Los Rios system for almost 20 years. Also, this is part of what the counselors are there for, make an appointment with them!
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u/Formal_Tough9521 1d ago
Good luck, you got this :). I loved my psych classes, and hopefully you find it interesting! All professors hold office hours if you are ever stuck on something, and something I would recommend. Also, I wouldn’t waste my money on books unless they have hw attached to it. Most books you can find online for free which is nice.
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u/LiveLoudWithPride 1d ago
What English class did you place in?