Freshman Declassified School Survival Guide
Start writing a post
Student Life

Freshman Declassified School Survival Guide

Survival Guide To: Be a successful first year.

5
Freshman Declassified School Survival Guide
Lillian van Wyngaarden

So recently I've been getting in the back to school spirit by covering things from how to organize your life before you get to school to healthy eating tips in college. To wrap up this mini back-to-school series, here are a few of my biggest tips for first years that I learned my first year at school. I may still have plenty to learn, but maybe what I know so far can help you!

1. Talk to your professors

Talk to your professors. Advisors. Faculty. Staff. Everyone. Literally get to know as many people who work at your university as possible. Firstly, you never know who you're going to meet and what connections they may have that can benefit you. Secondly, the more you actually engage yourself with the people that are the life of the university, the easier it is to seek and find help when you need it. Lastly, they are just nice people in general. The connections and academic help are nice of course, but you build some great relationships when you put yourself out there.

2. Get to know campus and where your classes are

Before classes actually start, walk around and find exactly where each of your classes will be. Walking into the wrong classroom is something you don't want to experience. Trust me.

3. Don't wear your lanyard around your neck

I honestly couldn't tell you why it is taboo to wear your lanyard around your neck, but it is. When you do, you're basically announcing to anyone near you that you are a freshman. Even though it may be easier to carry that way sometimes, just be weary.

4. Meet people anywhere

Everyone is in the same boat you are of trying to desperately meet and connect with people. If you just let the casual conversation flow, you can meet some pretty good friends almost anywhere. Your floor, in line for lunch, in class, at the gym or literally anywhere. Just start chatting and see where the conversation leads you.

5. The boy's floor smells weird and there is nothing you can do about it

You can tell it's the boy's floor because of the way that it is.

6. People aren't kidding when they say not to bring your whole closet

Storage space is incredibly limited in college. Whether that information fully sinks in with you or not when you're packing, it will hit you harder if you ignore it. Switch out your wardrobe as the seasons change and you will save yourself a lot of heartache.

7. You won't make food in your room as much as you think you will

I was someone who bought a cute little college cookbook and brought all sorts of dishes to school with me. I literally ate a piece of half cold pizza on one of my plates once the entire year. Unless you are living off campus or in an apartment, where you will not have a meal plan, leave the kitchen set at home.

8. Randomized roommates can be amazing

Checking the little box to be set up with a random roommate worried me far more than it ever need to. Seeing everyone find roommates on Facebook made me incredibly nervous about who my random roommate would end up being. Well let me tell you, she ended up being one of my best friends. I don't think I could have gotten luckier! I'm not saying you're going to be automatic best friends with your randomized roommate, but if you give them a shot, they very well could be.

When it comes down to it, your first year is going to be a whole rollercoaster of events. No amount of tips are going to stop every mistake or awkward situation, but you're also going to have an insane amount of amazing memories. Just remember to breathe and fully embrace your first year.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
the beatles
Wikipedia Commons

For as long as I can remember, I have been listening to The Beatles. Every year, my mom would appropriately blast “Birthday” on anyone’s birthday. I knew all of the words to “Back In The U.S.S.R” by the time I was 5 (Even though I had no idea what or where the U.S.S.R was). I grew up with John, Paul, George, and Ringo instead Justin, JC, Joey, Chris and Lance (I had to google N*SYNC to remember their names). The highlight of my short life was Paul McCartney in concert twice. I’m not someone to “fangirl” but those days I fangirled hard. The music of The Beatles has gotten me through everything. Their songs have brought me more joy, peace, and comfort. I can listen to them in any situation and find what I need. Here are the best lyrics from The Beatles for every and any occasion.

Keep Reading...Show less
Being Invisible The Best Super Power

The best superpower ever? Being invisible of course. Imagine just being able to go from seen to unseen on a dime. Who wouldn't want to have the opportunity to be invisible? Superman and Batman have nothing on being invisible with their superhero abilities. Here are some things that you could do while being invisible, because being invisible can benefit your social life too.

Keep Reading...Show less
houses under green sky
Photo by Alev Takil on Unsplash

Small towns certainly have their pros and cons. Many people who grow up in small towns find themselves counting the days until they get to escape their roots and plant new ones in bigger, "better" places. And that's fine. I'd be lying if I said I hadn't thought those same thoughts before too. We all have, but they say it's important to remember where you came from. When I think about where I come from, I can't help having an overwhelming feeling of gratitude for my roots. Being from a small town has taught me so many important lessons that I will carry with me for the rest of my life.

Keep Reading...Show less
​a woman sitting at a table having a coffee
nappy.co

I can't say "thank you" enough to express how grateful I am for you coming into my life. You have made such a huge impact on my life. I would not be the person I am today without you and I know that you will keep inspiring me to become an even better version of myself.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

94288
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments