How to Be a Successful Student

Connect with Faculty 

Your instructors are experts in their subject and how to study for it. They want students to come in to get help because they want you to do well in their class. Visit office hours early in the semester to introduce yourself and get to know them before your classes become more challenging, so you feel comfortable asking for help.

If you feel uncertain about visiting office hours, check out A Guide to Talking with Your Instructor. 

Need to organize and manage your time better? Check out this Weekly Time Management Worksheet.

Connect with Peers

Students that study together get better grades! Send a message to your classmates in Canvas and start a study group. It only takes one person to put a message out there and get a group going. Your classmates will be glad you got the ball rolling!  

Connect with Cuesta 

There are people all over campus literally waiting for you to come in so they can help you! These are some helpful tips for finding what you need on campus: 

Check out this printable Campus Resource and Solutions Quick Reference (coming soon)

• We are trying to reach you!

  • My.cuesta email is used for ALL Official College Communication
    • Check your email often
    • Financial Aid will only respond to emails from your My.cuesta email account
    • Week at a Glance sent biweekly: events, workshops, activities, and important reminders
  • Authorize Text Message Appointment Reminders
    • Get reminders for Academic Counseling, DSPS, CaFE, and Health Center appointments

• Student Success Centers

  • Free Tutoring on BOTH campuses! 

• Academic Counseling

  • Support to guide you from start to finish at Cuesta College
  • Explore Careers and Universities in the Transfer Center. Visit the University Transfer & Career Services Center webpage!
  • Appointments In-person, eAdvising, Live Chat, and more options available

• Student Health Center: Free Physical and Mental Health Services 

• Financial Aid: Almost everyone qualifies for some kind of financial aid. Apply today! 

• DSPS (Disability Support Programs & Services)

  • Accommodations for verified disabilities: includes, but is not limited to learning disabilities, psychological (anxiety, depression, ADHD, etc), and physical/medical disabilities
  • Assessment for learning disabilities

• CalWORKS and EOPS/CARE

  • Textbook vouchers, grants and scholarships, printing, study space, embedded tutors, computer lab with free printing, and much more…

• Student LIfe 

  • Student Social Club, Student Clubs, Student IDs, Food Pantry and Monthly Food Bank, and much more...

• Career Connections

  • Find jobs on and off campus that work with your class schedule!
  • Internship and Volunteer Opportunities
  • Help with resumes, cover letters, interview skills, and more…