Early Start

Off To A Great Start—Early

The Early Start program introduces you to campus and helps you prepare for a successful academic experience at IU Columbus. Previous Early Start participants were more likely than their peers to get good grades their first year at IU Columbus, remain in school full-time, and serve as student leaders by participating in student groups and work-study employment! Join other new students at Early Start 2024 for this immersive orientation experience.

Early Start 2024 will be held August 19-23. When you register, you'll have the choice of attending a daily morning session from 9AM-12PM, or a daily afternoon session from 1PM-4PM.

Ready to register for Early Start?

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Just some of what you'll learn at Early Start

As a rule of thumb: for every hour you spend in class you should spend 2-3 hours studying. That means if you are a full-time student taking 12-18 credit hours, you will study outside of class 24-54 hours a week. Maximize the results of that time by leveling up your study skills!

Once you’re in college, it’s up to you to manage your time efficiently. As a full-time student, you’ll only spend 12-18 hours a week in class. It will be your responsibility to make sure you are spending your time outside of class in a way that supports your physical and emotional health as well as your academic success.

Transitioning from high school to college can present challenges, but IU Columbus has resources to support you. Learn what to expect from college, what you can do to stay mentally, emotionally, and physically healthy, and who you can ask for help.

As a college student, you’ll frequently communicate with your professors, academic advisor, and other IU Columbus faculty and staff. To make good impressions and build relationships in an academic setting, you’ll need to communicate professionally. Learn what that means and how your professors will expect you to communicate from our Communication Studies faculty!

Do you know how you’re paying for college? Our financial expert can teach you how to sort out of the details of scholarships, grants, loans, and budgeting to pay out of pocket (or afford living on your own for the first time). Learning to be proactive about your financial well-being can help you prevent financial stress in the future.

You'll also learn about campus resources, like:

  • Canvas and IU technology
  • Student Affairs and opportunities for student engagement
  • The Schoellkopf Center and mental health support
  • Career Services
  • Title IX and policies that protect you and other students