Students arrive on the first day with practical questions: what they need to buy, how to access the course online, when and where things happen, and what to do if they add the class late. Answering these clearly removes the low-grade anxiety that distracts from learning, and it cuts down on the email you would otherwise field all week.

Walk through how to get into your learning management system, where to find materials, and what to do first. Leave time for questions, and treat them as welcome rather than interruptions. A student who leaves the first day knowing exactly how to get started is far more likely to start well.