Walking into your first day can feel like high school all over again, but with a career-changing twist. If you’re enrolled at a New Jersey real estate school, you might be excited, nervous, or a mix of both. It’s normal to feel unsure about what to bring, how the schedule works, and what the instructors expect. The good news is that your first day doesn’t have to be stressful. With the right preparation and a clear idea of what to expect, you’ll feel ready to focus on your future career.
In this guide, we’ll break down exactly what happens on day one, share preparation tips, and explain how Garden State Real Estate Academy (GSREA) supports you from start to finish.
Why the First Day Matters
Your first day sets the tone for the entire course. It’s when you meet your instructor, classmates, and learn about the requirements that will shape your experience. Many students worry about making mistakes, missing something important, or not knowing what to expect. By getting clarity before you walk through the door, you’ll feel more confident and less overwhelmed.
At GSREA, we see students arrive with questions like:
- Do I need to bring anything besides myself?
- Will the first day be all lectures or introductions?
- How strict is attendance, especially for evening Zoom classes?
- What if I feel lost right away?
This article will answer those questions and help you prepare so you can step into class feeling ready.
What to Expect on Day One
1. Introductions and Orientation
Most New Jersey real estate classes start with introductions. You’ll meet your instructor, who is often a licensed broker with years of industry experience. You’ll also meet your classmates, many of whom are in the same position as you, excited but slightly nervous. The instructor will explain the overall course structure, schedules, and expectations. This part helps ease the tension and lets you see you’re not alone.
2. Reviewing Requirements
On the first day, your instructor will explain the requirements for passing. In New Jersey, you must complete a 75-hour course, attend at least 80% of class sessions, and score at least 70% on the school’s final exam. You’ll also learn about the 12-month rule, which means you must pass the state exam, complete your background check, and affiliate with a broker within one year of completing the course. The NJ licensing exam allows up to 4 hours, giving you plenty of time to pace yourself. Knowing these rules up front helps you plan ahead.
3. Learning the Tools You’ll Use
If you’re attending online real estate classes in NJ, your instructor will remind you to keep your camera on with a clear full facial view during class, since this counts toward attendance. For in-person students, you’ll get familiar with the classroom setting. Either way, you’ll receive clear guidance about textbooks, study materials, and assignments.
How to Prepare Before Walking In
Bring the Right Mindset
Approach your first day as if you’re investing in your future. You don’t need to know everything yet. Instead, focus on being open, ready to learn, and willing to engage.
Know the Rules
Read your school policies in advance so nothing surprises you. At GSREA, refunds are available by written request no later than the day before the first class ($50 admin fee). No refunds once the course begins. Attendance is strict, but it’s designed to make sure you’re ready for the state exam. You cannot schedule the NJ state exam until GSREA certifies your course completion.
Organize Your Schedule
If you’re attending part-time evening classes, expect the course to take about six weeks. There are no weekend classes currently, so plan accordingly. Building study time into your weekly routine early will keep you from feeling overwhelmed later.
What to Bring on Your First Day
You don’t need much to succeed on day one, but being prepared makes a difference.
- Notebook and pens: Even though textbooks are included, writing notes helps you remember.
- Real estate textbooks: At GSREA, your tuition includes these materials, so you won’t have to buy extra. They’re your foundation and will be referenced often.
- Positive attitude: The first day is about setting the right tone for the weeks ahead.
- Basic calculator: You’ll use it for math topics like commissions, prorations, and mortgage formulas. A simple four-function calculator is all you need.
Common First-Day Questions
Will I feel behind if I don’t know anything about real estate yet?
Not at all. The course is designed for beginners, so you’ll start with the basics.
Do Zoom classes feel less personal?
Not if you engage. With your camera on and participation encouraged, the online format feels interactive and supportive.
What if I fail the school exam?
If you don’t pass the state exam, GSREA allows you to retake the comprehensive pre-licensing course for $50.
How long do I have to take the state exam?
Within one year of completing the 75-hour course, you must pass the state exam, complete fingerprint/background check, and affiliate with a broker.
Preparing Beyond Day One
Study Habits That Work
Start reviewing your notes after each class, even if it’s only 15 minutes a day. Real estate involves concepts such as contracts, financing, and mathematics that build upon each other. Consistent study prevents information overload later.
Use the Right Resources
Rely on your real estate textbooks and classroom instruction first. At GSREA, students also benefit from three proprietary GSREA Exam-Prep Books plus 18 one-hour ‘Top Memory Tips’ videos ($39.95) covering every PSI-outlined category (financing, math, contracts, etc.). Investing in the right tools early makes passing the state exam easier.
Set Realistic Expectations
Your instructor will give you an overview of what’s ahead. Remember, this is not a crash-course program; it’s structured to make you genuinely competent in real estate. If you’re in evening sessions, the timeline will take about six weeks. That pace ensures you have time to absorb the material.
Where GSREA Fits In
The school you choose can make or break your experience. At Garden State Real Estate Academy, we focus on making the process less intimidating and more supportive. When you enroll in our NJ real estate pre-licensing course, you get access to small classes, experienced instructors, and a curriculum built to match New Jersey’s requirements. We don’t just throw you into a lecture, we give you a clear path from day one through your licensing exam.
After the First Day: Looking Ahead
By the end of your first day, you’ll already have a sense of what’s ahead. You’ll know your instructor, understand the attendance and testing requirements, and see how the textbooks and materials support your journey. You’ll also realize that you’re not alone, your classmates are facing the same questions, and your instructor is there to guide you.
Your next steps are simple: keep showing up, keep studying, and keep your eyes on the prize, a career in real estate. The first day is just the beginning of an exciting path.
Your First Day Is Just the Beginning
Starting at a New Jersey real estate school is a big step, and it’s normal to feel nervous. The key is preparation. Bring your notebooks, review your textbooks, and most importantly, bring an open mind. Remember, you’re not expected to know it all; you’re here to learn.
At GSREA, we believe your first day should be less about stress and more about possibilities. Once you walk into the classroom or log into Zoom, you’ll realize you’re already on the path to your license. With the right preparation and support, your first day can be the start of something life-changing.
