New city, new school, new people, new experiences, new everything basically. We have all been where you're at right now, about to start a new chapter in your book –– college. Here are a couple of helpful tips to ease you into the swing of things here at Tech.
1. Admire Tech’s beautiful campus.
Tech has one of the most beautiful campuses (in my opinion) in the U.S. so why not take a walk through campus and see where everything is while taking in its incredible Spanish architecture. (P.S. The sunsets here are gorgeous.)
2. Attend Welcome Week events and score some freebies!
Welcome Week is one of the best weeks during the school year because there is always something happening on campus. Free food, free T-shirts, free coupons for local food places and stores, etc. These events are also a great way to meet new people before classes start.
3. Get to know your CA.
Your CA will be there to offer advice, answer any questions you may have about school or life in general. CA’s are actually pretty cool people and are there to help you keep safe and enjoy your time here.
4. Make friends with the people on your floor.
Take some time to get to know the people on your floor other than your roommate. They can become some of your best friends in a short matter of time and will always be just a door away if you ever need anything.
5. Make friends with your roommate.
You’re going to be living with this person for the next 9-10 months so why not get to know each other? If you’re rooming with a complete stranger, this is your chance to meet someone new and learn what he or she likes and dislikes. More likely than not, your roommate is going to become one of your closest friends and will know everything about you and vice-versa.
6. Take advantage of all the resources on campus.
Tech has an abundance of resources available to students. There are workshops, study sessions, centers for tutoring in Math and English. Apart from academic resources, Tech also has resources to help students with their health (check out the Wellness Center), money problems, and social well-being.
7. Consider rushing a sorority or fraternity.
Joining a sorority and fraternity is a great way to meet loads of new people and get involved in organizations that pride themselves on sisterhood/brotherhood, service and friendships that last a lifetime. Go to their info sessions and learn more about they have to offer.
8. Get to know your professors.
In the first couple days of class, make sure you go up and introduce yourself to your professors. You’ll make an impression, give your professor a face to the name and they are more likely to remember you if you do this. This is extremely helpful down the road when you need tutoring for the class or if you need a recommendation letter for an internship or job.
9. Find a club or organization that fits your interests and become involved.
Tech has something for everyone. Whether your interests are sports, fashion, comics, travel, etc. Tech will most likely have an organization or group of individuals that meet and discuss about that particular interest. Seek information and get involved in these organizations.
10. Learn how to manage your time and money wisely.
As a freshman, it’s easy to get carried away with all the free time you have. You take naps in between classes, spend hours at your friends’ dorm rooms, etc. There isn’t anything wrong with that but make sure you have your priorities in order too. Manage your time and money wisely so that you’ll have time to study, go out and relax all while making sure you have enough money to do such things.
11. Make sure to do your laundry!
There is nothing worse than getting to the laundry room and finding that there are no available washing machines because everyone decided to do laundry at the same time. Set a specific time and day to do your laundry and stick with it. It’ll help your routine and you’ll have clean clothes by the end of it. If your mom did your laundry back home, don’t be afraid of giving her a call to ask for help if you have some doubts about how to wash a piece of clothing. Tech also has their own laundry service that you can pay for and get your laundry done.
12. Think about maybe getting a job on campus.
Hospitality Services and Dining Services are always looking to hire people. These jobs can be very beneficial because they work around your schedule, the pay is good and there are opportunities for raises and it adds to your resume.
13. Be careful of where and when you can park/drive your car on/through campus.
Tech has several options for students wishing to park on campus. Do your research and see where your permit allows you to park and where it doesn’t. You are also not allowed to drive through campus before 5pm on weekdays, therefore look for an alternative or a permit that allows you to do this. Parking services do an excellent job in keeping this controlled, so follow the regulations and avoid citations!
14. Check out the SUB for events, food, career fairs, etc.
The Student Union Building is the place to go if you’re looking for food, the bookstore, free movies and shows, career and organization fairs, etc. Plus, it’s also a cool place to hang out and study.
15. Go to the rec!
Tech’s recreation center is known nation wide for having the largest lazy river on a college campus. In addition to this, it also has numerous indoor and outdoor basketball, soccer and volleyball courts. The rec also has a weight room, three areas with cardio machines, an inside track, rock climbing wall, and studios for classes. It’s a great place to workout, play and let off some steam after a long day of classes.
16. Attend sports events and sing our Alma Mater loud and proud.
If you really want to know what Tech is all about, make sure you attend at least one football game and participate in all the cheers and chants the student section does. All Tech sporting events are great places to really feel the Tech community come together and support one another. Guns up!
17. Get your AlcoholEDU done ASAP!
One of your requirements as an incoming freshman is to take an online course on alcohol and sex education. The faster you get this done, the better. If you forget, no worries because your CA along with numerous posters around your residence hall and campus and emails will certainly remind you to get it done.
18. The Market at Stangel/Murdough gives out discounts.
Everyone is trying to make their meal plan last the entire semester so why not look for places that give you discounts on their food? The Market has a wide variety of foods so you’re bound to find something you like. Plus, it’s also home to Fazzoli’s, which has delicious pizza and pasta dishes. Yum!
19. It’s OK not to go out every weekend.
We’re all college students and we are all looking for something to do on the weekends. Whether that be parties, going out to eat or to the movies, weekend trips, going to tailgates, etc. there is always something we want to do on the weekends. However, it is also perfectly okay to stay in, get some food and watch Netflix all night with your roommate.
20. Go to class!
This may seem like a no-brainer but you’d be amazed at how easy it is to hit snooze on your alarm, roll over and go back to sleep and just not go to class. You are at Tech for a reason, and that is to get an education first and foremost. You are paying to live here and go to class here so don’t let that money go to waste just because you don’t go to class. Go to class, learn and apply it later on in the future.
Hopefully you'll take some of these tips and put them to use in order to help you make your transition easier. Plus, you'll have a lot of fun doing it and meet lots of new people too! Don't forget to pass these tips along to other Red Raiders as well!
