Anxious and excited students were greeted by a sunny day and high temperatures when classes began earlier this week, but many may not know what expect in their new classrooms.

Most new students, like University College freshman Adam Spurgeon, were excited about the new environment, classes and meeting new people, but also noticed college life is much different from high school.

Spurgeon said he was excited to see what the university had to offer.

“I’m really looking forward to meeting new people and learning things I didn’t have the chance to in high school,” he said, “plus my professors are really cool.”

While some students showed eagerness others showed anxiety when talking about managing their new schedule.

“Even though I’m not in as many classes as I was high school, I still seem very busy,” University College freshman Brian Merrion said after his fourth class of the day.

On the other hand, Alia McCrite, University College freshman, liked the freedom college classes offered.

“My classes were really laid back, which I like,” she said. “And I had more than five minutes to get to my class.”

Despite the freedom offered on such a large campus, some setbacks do come with the territory.

University College freshman Caiti Stover had one of those unfortunate setbacks.

“I got lost a couple times,” she said. “My hardest class to find was Geography Discussion in Sarkeys. I barely made it in time!”

No matter how exciting or potentially overwhelming the first days were for students, some had their thoughts on the future classes.

“This will definitely be harder than high school, instead of a teacher being there to watch your every move, you actually have to make the effort to study and get help yourself,” University College freshman Nathan Olivarez said.

For both freshman and upperclassmen looking for help with their studies, it is not difficult to find. Tutoring and other assistance are available throughout the university.

Getting class help

University College features tutoring services in UC Action. The program is divided into two main branches, Action Tutoring and Action Centers. Action Tutoring is held by two Peer Learning Assistants (or PLAs),

Action Tutoring generally targets introductory classes and beyond, and hours range from mid-morning to early afternoon. UC Action services can be found at many points on campus beginning September 2. All tutoring is offered with no appointment needed, and free of charge. For any additional information, visit their Web site at uc.ou.edu/action.

Another useful campus asset is the ConocoPhilips Writing Center. Located on the second lower level of Bizzell Memorial Library. The Writing Center not only helps with writing papers, it also helps build skills needed for long term writing improvement, such as pre-writing skills, better understanding the assignment, and building confidence in writing, writing tutor Callie Yeager said.

“Some students come in with ‘broken papers’ and think we will just fix them. That is not the case,” she said.

Interestingly enough, a large part of the writing centers’ clients are freshmen.

“We have almost 30 percent of students that come here are first year, they come in on their own,” Michele Eodice, another tutor said.

The ConocoPhilips Writing Center’s regular hours of operation begin September 8. They will be open 9am to 8pm Monday and Tuesday, 9am to 5pm Wednesday and Thursday, and 9am to 12pm Friday. They welcome walk-ins and appointments can also be made, and there is no charge. For more information, or to submit a paper online, visit www.ou.edu/writingcenter.