Recommended for you

Start writing a post

Student Life

25 Things Every USF Student Needs To Know ASAP

Raw, humorous and valuable advice for new or already established students.

BeccaDemski

Aug 16, 2018

University of South Florida

5336

25 Things Every USF Student Needs To Know ASAP

scontent-iad3-1.cdninstagram.com

Whether you are a brand new college student or you have a couple semesters under your belt, it's easy to get stuck going through the motions without allowing yourself to fully absorb everything that your school has to offer. These 25 students at the University of South Florida share some of their most valuable advice, secrets, and hacks when it comes to getting the most out of your college experience.

Going To The Football Games

Giphy

"If I could give a first-time student some advice I'd say to take off of work on Saturday and just go to the football games because they'll regret it if they don't." Ciara G.

Finding Opportunities

Giphy "Read the Note-a-Bulls emails and flyers you see on campus. Sometimes you find a great scholarship, internship, and recreational opportunities." Abigayle R.

Gaining Friends And Losing Friends

Giphy "Remember that some people come into your life for short periods and even though some make your life amazing while others make it awful…they're part of your story!" Ashley J.

Procrastinating

Giphy "Always put school work as a number one priority. I know I sometimes slacked off and waited until the absolute last minute to do assignments my first year. Not only did that stress me out but that work also ended up not being as good as it could've been. Also, take as many pictures as you can because before you know it college is over." Sydney M.

Sidewalk Etiquette

Giphy "If you walk slow, do not walk in the center of the sidewalk." Katie H.

The Squirrels

Giphy "The squirrels get aggressive, just be careful." Alex K.

Doing Laundry On Campus

Giphy "Always check the USF app to see if the laundry machines are in working order, and if you want your money back call, the app for the company doesn't work well…and keep in mind they'll give you a refund, but they will send a physical check even for something as small as a dollar." Megan M.

When In Florida, Do As The Floridians Do

Giphy

"Always carry an umbrella because there is a 100% chance that it will rain. Also, buy a rain jacket that can fit over your backpack in order to protect electronics." Sina W.

Dining Dollars and Beer

Giphy "You can buy stuff that is not food from the pod with dining dollars and you can buy beer from the Beef O Brady's with dining dollars after 5 p.m." Carlin I.

Finding Parking

Giphy "Be prepared to play musical chairs, parking lot version." Negin W.

Taking Alone Time

Giphy "Remember to take time for yourself. Whatever that may be, always remember you deserve time for you!" Mary S.

Checking Your Emails Is Important

Giphy "Check your email regularly. This is the only way advisors/faculty can communicate with you. Also, set your mail.usf email to forward to your personal email account if you don't want to check more than one email." Cherie D.

Letting Go Of The Past

Giphy "Nothing from your past matters, not people or things, so don't dwell on it." Cameron H.

Sitting In Someone Else's Spot

Giphy "Respect peoples non-assigned assigned seat. Also, people at USF are friendly so don't be afraid to talk to people and make new friends." Gaby M.

Talking In Class

Giphy "Don't be afraid to talk in class. The class will go by so much better and will be less boring if you help the professor out and say something. Also, be sure to go to peer leading because it helps me so much." Brandon W.

Being Friendly To Your Professors And Classmates

Giphy

"Get to know professors as humans and mentors. Be the student whose smiling face they look for in class when they come in. Don't always dive for the empty table if you see others sitting alone. Maybe they need a friend too." Amanda F.

Being Involved On Campus

Giphy "Take advantage of the stuff on campus. Like you pay for it. Do it." Leeland B.

Exercise And Finding Free Food On Campus

Giphy "Join a sports team on campus, you'll get your exercise in and make amazing friends! Also, download the Edi-Bull app to find the free food on campus." Megan K.

Being Anti-Social

Giphy

"Go to USF events and just talk to people. That little voice that tells you 'ah people are scary, I shouldn't interact,' almost everyone has that voice in some sort of way so you already have something in common. Also, come to WOW (Week Of Welcome) and so hi to the PALS (Peer Advisor Leaders)." Ishaat Musrur H.

Not Knowing Your Purpose

Giphy "Don't worry about figuring out everything (yourself, your major, your classes, etc) right away. It's okay to be a little unsettled as long as you are working hard along the way." Bonita H.

Sleeping, Eating, And Showing Up To Class

Giphy "Set a structured schedule for yourself. Try to get up and go to sleep around the same time every week day-it makes waking up easier and it's healthier for your body! You don't have to live off of fast food. I know it's easier and all around on campus but try making yourself something- you'd be surprised how easy cooking can be. Also, go to class! Even if attendance isn't mandatory, you're paying for every single hour of that lecture. Better not waste it." Hannah W.

Controlling The Music In The Dining Hall

Giphy

"You can control the music in the dining hall using the Rockbox app." Nicole Y.

Figuring Out Where Your Classes Are

Giphy "At least a day before classes start, walk around on campus to find out where they all are and go to your professor's office hours. Especially if it pertains to your grade, but even just for one little question. Get to know your professors." Demi A.

Picking The Best Classes

Giphy "Prepare for the next semester! Try and figure out what classes you need for the coming semester ahead of time so you're ready to get them as soon as you can sign up!" Elizabeth S.

Appreciating Your RA's

Giphy "Get to know your RA! They're here to help you get acclimated and enjoy your time on campus." Gia R.

The number one thing to remember is to have fun and appreciate each moment because these few years will fly by faster than you think. Go Bulls!

From Your Site Articles

11 Pieces Of Advice All High School Students Need To Hear ›

How To Adult

You're gonna make it after all.

Muskingum University

148

Twitter

It is the time of our lives that we are beginning to enter the adult world and most of us, if not all of us, have no idea what we are doing. It's like starting a video game, but skipping the tutorial. We're all just running around aimlessly hoping we accidentally do something right that moves us along the right path. Now that graduation has just happened, or is right around the corner for some of us, it's time to start thinking about how we are going to take care of ourselves once we are on our own.

Keep Reading...Show less

adulting

Student Life

6 Ways to Float Through Life

College Edition.

SUNY Binghamton

1128

Photo by redcharlie on Unsplash

College involves a whirlwind of emotions, whether it’s from the stress of an assignment (or twenty), or from fighting with your roommate. It can be overwhelming at times and it’s important to take a step a back and calmly think things over. Maybe gain some perspective. The following aren’t foolproof tips and may not apply to you, but I was able to find success with them (hope you do too!)

Keep Reading...Show less

college tips

Lifestyle

How The Holidays Have Changed

It all started when we learned the truth about Santa.

Florida State University

2714

It is no secret that many American traditions have changed over time. As we grow older we change in so many ways that it only makes sense that we also change the way we celebrate special occasions. Of course when it comes to the holidays there are some family traditions that many of us still excitedly look forward to, whether it is eating your favorite dish or seeing favorite cousin. However, we all know that the holidays have overall changed a little from what they used to be.

Keep Reading...Show less

christmas

Lifestyle

10 Signs You Did Musicals In School

Fellow thespians, you know who you are.

Charleston Southern University

1179

Everyone who has done musicals knows that once you go there you can never go back. It's like a virus. It never leaves and you find yourself attracted to all types of theater things. You're drawn to it like a moth to a flame. There are certain things you know to be true, whether you did a musical once or have done them your entire life.

Keep Reading...Show less

musicals

Lifestyle

9 Holiday Dates You And Your Significant Other Should Go On

Fun things to do in the winter.

The Ohio State University

841

Pexels

When you come home over Christmas break, it's hard to find fun in your hometown. During the winter, it's hard to find the motivation to go out and find things to do. However, there are plenty of fun things to do in almost any town, and there are tons of fun date ideas that aren't taken advantage of. Here are nine fun winter dates to go on.

Keep Reading...Show less

christmas

Recommended for you

25 Things Every USF Student Needs To Know ASAP

Raw, humorous and valuable advice for new or already established students.

Going To The Football Games

Finding Opportunities

Gaining Friends And Losing Friends

Procrastinating

Sidewalk Etiquette

The Squirrels

Doing Laundry On Campus

When In Florida, Do As The Floridians Do

Dining Dollars and Beer

Finding Parking

Taking Alone Time

Checking Your Emails Is Important

Letting Go Of The Past

Sitting In Someone Else's Spot

Talking In Class

Being Friendly To Your Professors And Classmates

Being Involved On Campus

Exercise And Finding Free Food On Campus

Being Anti-Social

Not Knowing Your Purpose

Sleeping, Eating, And Showing Up To Class

Controlling The Music In The Dining Hall

Figuring Out Where Your Classes Are

Picking The Best Classes

Appreciating Your RA's

Subscribe to our Newsletter

You're gonna make it after all.

1. Google is your best friend.

2. Don't be afraid to say no!

3. Justify your actions/purchases.

4. Call mom.

5. Remember to do things that make you happy.

College Edition.

1. Don't Show Off

2. Fit in a Nap

3. Sit and Observe

4. Reward System

5. Procrastinate the Right Way

6. Be Civil with your Roommate

It all started when we learned the truth about Santa.

1. Has anyone actually gone caroling?

2. Christmas cards.

3. Putting up the Christmas Tree.

4. Gifting baked goods.

5. Attending religious services.

Fellow thespians, you know who you are.

1. A single word can make you burst into song.

2. You knew how to contour before it was cool.

3. You own a huge collection of foundations that are way darker than your natural skin tone.

4. Accidentally going too heavy on the blush and bronzer when you're not on stage.

5. You've learned to get comfortable with improvisation.

6. When you watch another performance you always notice the curtains moving.

7. You know that getting comfortable with the script is the most important thing.

8. The little ongoing games that take place both on and off stage.

9. You have no problems going to see a show more than once.

10. Your fellow cast members become your family.

Fun things to do in the winter.

1. Ice skating

2. Walks in the snow

3. Hot chocolate and movie night

4. Decorating a Christmas tree

5. Christmas shopping

6. Sledding or skiing

7. Baking Christmas cookies

8. Try something new

9. Look at Christmas lights

Trending Topics

Top Creators

Trending Stories

Best of Student Life

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments

Subscribe to our
Newsletter