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10 Things I Learned The Hard Way As A Transfer Student At MSU

Because being the new kid on campus can be challenging, here are a few tips I learned the hard way so you won't have to.

Sep 26, 2018

Michigan State University

101

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Being a transfer student is never easy. Everyone seems to all have their own friend group and know their way around campus. Not only that, but there are so many quirks that come along with each university that you have to adopt to...

1. The CATA Bus and how it operates

Learning the bus system on campus is grueling. And especially being new and still not knowing where anything really is.. well it's terrifying. Squishing yourself onto a bus of a bunch of sweaty students and an angry bus driver isn't my idea of a good time. Oh and also trying to find what route you need to get to the right place ON TIME. Biggest struggle of all.

2. Drivers on campus do NOT yield to pedestrians

Something I've come to learn is that you MUST ALWAYS LOOK BEFORE YOU CROSS! Cars, golf carts, and bicyclists alike do. not. stop. for. you. They don't care about you. They will actually gesture, honk and yell obscenities at you if you aren't paying attention. Rule of thumb: Do not look down at your phone for any reason ever while walking on campus.

3. Bicyclists rule the sidewalks and they know it

Speaking of bicyclists yelling, yes this has actually happened to me. "Watch where you're going!" Like it's only my fault for an almost collision. *le sigh*

4. It's really easy to get lost

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One minute you're on track, taking the world by storm and on time to the building you need to be in. The next minute you're halfway to Ann Arbor. It really happens that fast. Google Maps has saved my life a million times.

5. Getting coffee at Starbucks in Wells Hall (or really anywhere on campus)= NIGHTMARE

Do yourself a favor and double up your intake in the morning so you won't have to make several coffee stops throughout the day or you'll end up like this guy ^

6. Not packing your own lunch

If you have the money to spend, by all means go for it. But if you're truly a struggling broke college student (like me) grab something from home to shove into your bag or you'll be dropping about $25/ day on cafeteria food.

7. Things are super overpriced

Every. Thing. Is. $200+. Not really, but that's how it feels. Just saying.

8. Wear comfortable walking shoes..

If you miss your bus, you have to walk. Or if the bus is overcrowded you'll definitely have an easier time walking than trying to flag down a bus and hope it's going where you need it to. Just.. put on your comfiest shoes, rain or shine!

9. Be over prepared with supplies.

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I'm talking 100 extra pencils, pens, extra clothing. You name it. Have it in your bag for unplanned emergencies.

10. Commuting to campus

If and when you have to commute to campus, always leave early and plan for traffic, parking, weather and most of all time to mentally prepare for your day of chaos that will ensue.

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This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.

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10 Things I Learned The Hard Way As A Transfer Student At MSU

Because being the new kid on campus can be challenging, here are a few tips I learned the hard way so you won't have to.

1. The CATA Bus and how it operates

2. Drivers on campus do NOT yield to pedestrians

3. Bicyclists rule the sidewalks and they know it

4. It's really easy to get lost

5. Getting coffee at Starbucks in Wells Hall (or really anywhere on campus)= NIGHTMARE

6. Not packing your own lunch

7. Things are super overpriced

8. Wear comfortable walking shoes..

9. Be over prepared with supplies.

10. Commuting to campus

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The Best Lines from the Fab Four

And in the end, the love you take is equal to the love you make

The sun is up, the sky is blue, it's beautiful and so are you

Love is old, love is new, love is all, love is you

There's nowhere you can be that isn't where you're meant to be

Life is very short, and there's no time for fussing and fighting, my friend

He say, "I know you, you know me", One thing I can tell you is you got to be free

Oh please, say to me, You'll let me be your man. And please say to me, You'll let me hold your hand

It was twenty years ago today, Sgt. Pepper taught the band to play. They've been going in and out of style, but they're guaranteed to raise a smile

Living is easy with eyes closed, misunderstanding all you see

Can you hear me? When it rains and shine, it's just a state of mind

Little darling, it's been long cold lonely winter. Little darling, it feels like years since it' s been here. Here comes the sun, Here comes the sun, and I say it's alright

We danced through the night and we held each other tight, and before too long I fell in love with her. Now, I'll never dance with another when I saw her standing there

I love you, I love you, I love you, that's all I want to say

You say you want a revolution. Well you know, we all want to change the world

All the lonely people, where do they all come from. All the lonely people, where do they all belong

Oh, I get by with a little help from my friends

Hey Jude, don't make it bad. Take a sad song and make it better

Yesterday, all my troubles seemed so far away. Now it looks as though they're here to stay. Oh, I believe in yesterday

And when the brokenhearted people, living in the world agree, there will be an answer, let it be.

And anytime you feel the pain, Hey Jude, refrain. Don't carry the world upon your shoulders

I'll give you all I got to give if you say you'll love me too. I may not have a lot to give but what I got I'll give to you. I don't care too much for money. Money can't buy me love

All you need is love, love is all you need

Whisper words of wisdom, let it be

Blackbird singing in the dead of night, Take these broken wings and learn to fly. All your life, You were only waiting for this moment to arise

Though I know I'll never lose affection, for people and things that went before. I know I'll often stop and think about them. In my life, I love you more

Obviously the best superpower.

There have been many lessons learned.

1. The importance of traditions.

2. How to be thankful for family and friends.

3. How to give back.

4. What the word "community" really means.

5. That it isn't about the destination, but the journey.

6. The consequences of making bad choices.

7. To trust people, until you have a reason not to.

8. To be welcoming and accepting of everyone.

9. How to be my own, individual person.

10. How to work for what I want.

11. How to be great at giving directions.

12. How to be humble.

13. To be well-rounded.

14. How to be great at conflict resolution.

15. The beauty of getting outside and exploring.

16. To be prepared for anything.

17. That you don't always have to do it alone.

18. How to be creative.

19. To brush off gossip.

I have never been so thankful to know you.

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

Don't freak out

Email the professor

Attend the first class

Keep attending class

Have a backup plan

Remember that everything works out at the end

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