Welcome back! The summer has come and gone (almost) which means its back to school for another exciting year at CCMS. Whether you will be returning to school or are a new student starting out at CCMS, it’s important to make sure you’re prepared for what lies ahead. There are a lot of exciting things happening at school and before you know it, it will be Thanksgiving.

With the new semester around the corner, we thought it would be helpful to share eight back to school tips for mortuary science students. These will help you prepare for the upcoming semester and set you up for success in your studies and new career as a funeral professional.

Spend some time getting to know your professors.

If you are a new student, this tip is especially important for you. It’s always a good idea to spend some time at the beginning of a semester getting to know your professors. Take some time and make sure you know where their office is and when their office hours are. Even if you don’t have a specific question to ask, just stopping by to briefly chat for a few minutes can help you build relationships with your faculty. Little gestures like this can go a long way later on if you need a letter of recommendation or an extension on an assignment.

Time management is crucial.

As the old adage goes, when you fail to plan, you plan to fail. As a student, you’ll likely need to find a balance between your school work, social life, and any extracurricular activities. If you have a part-time job, time management becomes even more important. We want our students to enjoy their time here but more importantly succeed. This means planning accordingly and making sure that whatever your commitments are, you leave enough time for studying and assignments.

Take advantage of academic support, we’re here to help.

Everyone learns in their own way. What works for one student may not necessarily resonate with another. CCMS is committed to ensuring our students achieve success in their studies. If you are having any issues, please do not hesitate to reach out to us and ask for assistance. We also offer several helpful resources and links on our website. We strongly suggest you review these Student Resources to understand the different help and support available to you.

Study, Study, Study

A typical day at CCMS is filled with many learning opportunities and important information to process. If you want to be successful, the best way is to make sure to understand and retain the information discussed in class. The most effective way to make sure you retain information is by reviewing it within 24 hours after learning it. Whether it’s rewriting your notes from class, creating flashcards or just simply reading it over, make sure to spend some time going over your notes. When it comes time for an exam or assignment, you will be more confident in your understanding of the material being tested.

If you want a career, network.

One of the best pieces of advice we can offer students is to make sure you network. As you begin your search for a career after graduation, networking will be your secret weapon. We suggest getting a head start on that by making connections now. Whether it’s a guest lecturer, your professors or your peers, establishing connections now can go a long way in your job hunt later on. CCMS has thousands of alumni and a vast network of contacts. A quick introduction and a handshake could be the difference maker that lands you your dream job down the road.

Get involved

CCMS offers several opportunities for students to get involved and participate in extracurricular activities. Whether it’s joining a club on campus, participating in student events or simply spending time with others in the student lounge, make sure to have some fun while you’re here. The CCMS community is a tightknit group which is comparable to a family. Don’t be afraid to try something new while you’re here, you’ll likely form some long lasting friendships along the way.

Take care of yourself

Staying healthy and happy is your biggest key to being successful at CCMS. This means eating right, getting enough sleep and exercising to ensure your body stays at peak performance. Sure, there will be times to eat junk food or lose some sleep but remember, the key to success starts with a healthy mind and body. We want you to do your best and that all starts with taking care of yourself.

Enjoy your time here.

Last but not least, make sure you enjoy your time at the college. Before you know it, graduation will be here and you’ll be entering the workforce (also known as the real world). Students often tell us how quickly the school year passes by. It’s important to spend time studying and learning, but make sure to spend some time making memories as well. It goes by faster than you think so enjoy your time and create the memories and relationships that will last a lifetime.

Whether you’re returning to CCMS or joining us for the first time, we want to wish everyone good luck this year. We hope you enjoy your time here and have a successful school year. As always, if there’s anything you need, please do not hesitate to ask us for assistance. We’re here to help you succeed.