There are many things that I wish I had been told before entering my freshman year at Louisiana Tech. Though it seems like it was so long ago, I can still recall everything that I wish I would've known. Luckily, I'm here to grace you with my wisdom and offer my advice. Here's 9 things you should do your freshman year at Louisiana Tech University.
1. Get involved
Freshman year is the time to find where you fit in. It's also a time to build your résumé. Whether you decide to go Greek, join SGA, a club on campus specific to your major, or the Louisiana Tech Odyssey team, getting involved is an important part of utilizing your full potential. If there's something you'd like to join but it doesn't exist, consider starting your own organization.
2. Go to sporting events
One of the best ways to develop school pride is to attend the sporting events. Being surrounded by a sea of red and blue and screaming your head off for your team will surely make you a devout Bulldog. Learn the words to the Alma Mater before attending the games so you can sing along.
3. Attend events sponsored by Union Board
Union Board is one of the most well known organizations on campus. They are responsible for putting together awesome events year round to make Ruston, and the school year, a little less sucky. Students can look forward to the annual rock, paper, scissors tournament, concerts, movie nights, pageants, Tech the Halls, and many more! You might even be able to win a cool prize at one of the events! There's no admission fee for students, so make sure you don't pass them up.
4. Establish your major
Many students go into their freshman year without a plan and deciding what you want to do for the rest of your life isn't easy. Freshman year is the year when you get most of your basic classes out of the way, such as math, English, and electives. So if you're not sure education is the path you want to take, now is the time to decide. The sooner you figure out what you want to major in, the sooner you can get your diploma!
5. Go to a party
Take a break from studying and go to a party. The fraternities are always jumping on Fridays and Saturdays. Frat party sound too intense? Many of the local youth churches host parties and dances too! Remember to drink responsibly and always have a designated driver.
6. Visit the Lambright
The Lambright Sports and Wellness Center has many amenities it can offer full-time students. Some of my favorites include the bowling alley, paintball field (available only by reservation), and workout classes, such as yoga, hip hop dance, and Zumba. Because it is operated by mostly student workers, it is unfortunately not a 24 hour gym.
7. Live on campus
It's so much better to wake up at 7:40 for your 8 A.M. rather than wake up at 6:30, get dressed, drive to campus, and struggle to find a parking spot for 5-30 minutes. Don't take living on campus for granted.
8. Take a photo for the yearbook
Seriously. Just make yourself look decent one day and take the damn picture. Your yearbook fee is included in your tuition. You want something worth looking back at in it.
9. Spend your remaining declining balance ASAP
Okay, if you don't take anything else away from this article, TAKE THIS AWAY. Declining balance (aka DB) is God's gift. If you have a lot of DB left over at the end of the year, SPEND IT, but make sure you spend it at least a week before finals. If you wait any longer, all the good stuff will be gone from Bytes, the convenience store in Tolliver, and the sandwich shop at Lambright. Feel free to take your friends out to lunch on campus if you do miss out on all of the good stuff. If you don't use your DB, it will be wasted money!
Here's to an awesome freshman year!
