Dear First Year Student: Tips on making the most of your labs

Be prepared

Ensure you read the protocol! You will hear this again and again. All the items you need to succeed are in this holy grail; make sure you are familiar with everything. 

Check your schedule

Make sure you are aware of the time your labs are running. Arrive 10 minutes before so you can put your stuff in your locker and get in line. Showing up late can risk your attendance. If you are late, you may not be allowed to sit in the lab; please plan ahead!

Read, reread, read again

Again, read the protocol inside out, upside down, side to side, particle to particle. Also, please pay attention to the details mentioned in presentations delivered by TAs during lab sessions; they cover essential information.  

Practice

Before your lab, mentally practice doing the acts. Make a plan in your mind to tackle the tasks in the 3 hours allotted; this will ease your nerves because you will have practiced so many times beforehand that you will have to repeat the pattern one more time. 

Ask your TAs

Ask questions if you are confused. The TAs are experts in these labs and one of your greatest assets. Please raise your hand if you're confused. Don't be scared to ask! You are also encouraged to ask for clarification ahead of time so you can go into the lab with mental clarity and the drive to do well! 

Hydrate

Being masked for 3 hours in a small room can be dehydrating. Bring a water bottle you can please in your locker, and go out and drink from it when necessary, which will help with your mental clarity.

Bring a lock 

You will not be allowed to bring anything besides yourself, your lab coat, goggles, protocol and pencils/pens. All the other stuff will need to be. You won't be watching your property, so plan and include a lock to protect your belongings.

Eat a nutritious meal

The last thing you want is to be hungry during the lab with your stomach growling. Eat a nutritious meal-this will help you do well and keep you focused.

Be proactive 

Work ahead. Is there something you can complete before you go into the lab? Please do it. You are saving your future self some time. Remember you only have 3 hours in the lab. I know this sounds like a lot but time flies! Work ahead so you may use your time wisely. 

Help each other out

Your peers may be just as confused as you are. Feel free to educate each other to fill in your voids so you can learn and do better!

Have Fun

Be genuinely interested in how cool what it is your learning is. Get excited and approach these labs with a sense of gratification because how lucky are you?! You're working toward your dreams and learning to make a difference, and let's make it worthwhile!