What is the first step to take when starting an online course to ensure access to college resources?

The first step to take when starting an online course to ensure access to college resources involves searching for information about advising, degree requirements, and financial aid. This is crucial because understanding the available resources and requirements sets the foundation for a successful academic journey. By familiarizing oneself with the advising services, students can receive guidance tailored to their specific academic goals, identify which courses they need in order to complete their degree, and learn about financial aid options that may help alleviate the costs of their education. This proactive approach ensures that students are informed and prepared to navigate their college experience effectively.

Engaging with classmates is certainly beneficial for collaboration and support, but it is not the initial priority for ensuring access to essential resources. Visiting the college library in person can be helpful, but for online students, resources are often available digitally, making physical visits less relevant. Immediately diving into studying course material without understanding the broader context of available resources may lead to confusion and misplaced efforts, particularly if there are important requirements or guidelines that need to be addressed first.