Whether you are living on campus or commuting, are in the school of business or engineering –– or black or white –– these tips are things I wish I would have done my freshman year or would/wouldn’t do if I had to do it over. Enjoy.

First off, congratulations! Oakland is an awesome school (aside from the parking and math). Looking back as a junior, I am glad I went to Oakland instead of MSU or a community college. Although I have a 20-25 minute commute, I still find myself driving to OU five to six times a week, even though I only have to be on campus three days a week. Here’s a few tips to make your freshman year a memorable one:

1. Don’t- make your own parking spot.

My first day of class freshman year I arrived on campus only to find out that the parking is as frustrating as watching the Detroit Lions or listening to Nickelback on repeat.

Anyways, I arrived on campus ten minutes before my class started and did not want to be late. There wasn’t a single spot to be found and I wasn’t familiar enough with the campus to know if I could make it from the other side by the parking structures. I saw a black jeep parked on the outside of a parking spot. The yellow line ended on the one side of the jeep signaling the end of the spots. The jeep had made an additional spot at the end of the line. I parked across from the jeep, creating my own spot on the other half of the parking line. I thought to myself, it’s the first day of classes so people will be understanding.

Wrong. I came back from my first day of college only to find a parking ticket slapped in the middle of the windshield, tacking on an extra $20 to my already ridiculous tuition bill. Moral of the story: for the first week or two (before people start skipping class) leave enough time to find a spot, instead of making one.

2. Don’t- schedule 8 a.m. classes.

You might tell yourself that since you could do it in high school, you can do it again. I am here to tell you, you can’t. Especially if you have classes four or five days a week. You’re going to be staying out later and doing things you didn’t do in high school. If you’re commuting, it’s not worth it to fight the morning traffic. If you live on campus, you will likely be staying up later than you think. If you sign up for an 8 a.m. class, this is all I have to say to you.

3. Do- go Greek.

Coming into college I had no intentions of joining a fraternity. Honestly, I probably couldn’t have even named a single fraternity. My freshman year, I did not try to get involved on campus at all. I joined one club and that was it. My freshman year sucked. At the time, I didn’t think it was that bad. After completing my sophomore year, the best year of my life, I now know just how much I missed out on.

Joining a fraternity or a sorority at OU is something that will build your character and confidence. It will ensure you always have awesome things to go to. Whether it’s a philanthropy event, a brotherhood/sisterhood, a social, a fundraiser, or a party, your calendar will be full. Best of all, you will become friends and best friends with people you would have never met otherwise. Going Greek provides you with a whole new network of contacts, and countless opportunities to better the community, as well as yourself. Joining Tau Kappa Epsilon at Oakland University has brought the opportunity to help raise thousands of dollars for St. Jude, a $300 scholarship for my academics, front row seats at a NHL hockey game, a 20 mile bike ride down an island in Miami, my first (and probably last) time writing and performing a rap song, my first paintball game, and a new-found confidence. All of that is not even half of what was my first year in this fraternity. Give it a try, you won't regret it.

4. Do- Sign up for Intramural Sports.

OU offers a wide variety of IM sports, and they’re all a blast. Inner tube water polo is the most fun I’ve had in an IM and I had never even played before. Grab a few friends from each class and make a team. It will give you something to do once or twice a week in the evenings, and it’s a great way to meet new people.

5. Don’t- Buy Books From the OU Bookstore.

Unless it is an OU edition book that is only sold at that store, do not get your books here. They will be cheaper literally anywhere else. Rent used books if you can, it will also be a heck of a lot cheaper.

6. Do- Buy/rent books from Chegg.com, Amazon, or the Neebo textbook outlet across the street from OU.

It will be cheaper.

7. Do- Join Clubs.

I have been a part of DECA, as well as AMA (both relevant to my major), and have learned a lot from them. These clubs also offer great networking experience and the opportunity to meet cool people studying the same thing as myself.

8. Do- utilize Kresge Library.

OU has one of the best libraries with Kresge. Whether you are meeting a group, need to check out a laptop or book, or plan on pulling an all-nighter, Kresge has you covered.

9. Do- utilize the Rec Center.

The rec center has basketball courts, racquetball courts, ping pong tables, an indoor track, an indoor pool, and a pretty solid gym. If you have a few hours to kill in between classes the rec center is a perfect way to relieve some stress and have a good time.

10. Don’t- buy food from the Oakland Center every day.

Once or twice a week is fine, but anything more than that, unless it’s the salad place, and you won’t be doing your body any favors. Pack a lunch if you commute. If you live on campus, try not to eat Chick-Filet every day. This should be self-explanatory but I have seen an astronomical amount of greasy, fatty, unhealthy food being scarfed down in my two years at OU.