Incoming Ball State Freshman: here are 11 tips
Start writing a post
Student Life

Incoming Ball State Freshman: Here Are 11 Tips They Forget To Tell You At Orientation

408
Incoming Ball State Freshman: Here Are 11 Tips They Forget To Tell You At Orientation

Orientation can be a whirlwind of information that doesn't seem useful at all in the moment. Been there, done that, and there is no really going back once that student ID is placed into your hands at the end of the 2 days. Here are some tips they leave out of orientation.

1. Take the Cow Path

The cow path is a stretch of sidewalk that runs behind Robert Bell, Ball Communication, David Letterman, and AJ all the way to the Student Center. This is so helpful because the main roads get wayyy to crowded especially with people trying to ride bikes down the sidewalks.

2. DO NOT go to the Atrium anywhere from 11 AM to 1 PM

This is the busiest time, aka lunchtime, so if you feel comfortable waiting for 30 minutes for a Papa John's pizza go right ahead, just don't think I didn't warn you.

3. Don't go into college looking for love

If you go into college looking for love and trying your hardest to find a significant other, 9/10 times it won't work out... Sorry.

4. Find the shortest routes between your classes and stick to that for the whole semester

Once you find shortcuts and ways around the crazy traffic of Ball State, stick to that route and don't try to make up anything different. Odds are, you found what works best for you and why change it up?

5. If you are on the 3rd floor of Bracken, whisper.  4th floor? Don't even think about opening your mouth.  

I have been on the 3rd floor of Bracken Library numerous times where people are talking at their normal voices. I get so annoyed because if you wanted to talk, go to the 2nd floor. If you are on the 4th floor, don't even think about talking cause I will come up to you and ask you to leave.

6. Jamba Juice is always crowded, so if you have 15 minutes to get to class, estimate it will take just about that time to get your drink.  

Since Jamba Juice is in the Atrium, it is another hotspot for students to grab something "quick". These lines can take forever, so plan accordingly.

7. If you have a writing assignment, don't hesitate to go to the Writing Center. 

The people there aren't going to judge your writing. They are there to help make your writing better and more developed.

8.  Don't get a job unless you think you can handle it

I did not have a job during my first year of college because it would've overwhelmed me to a point of another breakdown. Do what you feel comfortable with.

9. No one is going to judge you for calling your mom every night

I called my mom almost every night just to debrief on my day, there is nothing wrong with wanting your mom to know what is going on in your life.

10. Mental health is a very real thing, take it seriously

Take what your mind is saying seriously, just like you have to keep your body healthy, you have to keep your mind healthy too.

11. Find where you study best and stick with it

For some people Bracken Library is a Godsend, others like a more coffee shop feel or go study outside. Just don't lock yourself away in your room 24/7. You and your roommate will thank you.

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

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

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

57619
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
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

37127
loaves of challah and easter bread stacked up aside each other, an abundance of food in baskets
StableDiffusion

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

Keep Reading...Show less
Adulting

Unlocking Lake People's Secrets: 15 Must-Knows!

There's no other place you'd rather be in the summer.

958849
Group of joyful friends sitting in a boat
Haley Harvey

The people that spend their summers at the lake are a unique group of people.

Whether you grew up going to the lake, have only recently started going, or have only been once or twice, you know it takes a certain kind of person to be a lake person. To the long-time lake people, the lake holds a special place in your heart, no matter how dirty the water may look.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Top 10 Reasons My School Rocks!

Why I Chose a Small School Over a Big University.

191535
man in black long sleeve shirt and black pants walking on white concrete pathway

I was asked so many times why I wanted to go to a small school when a big university is so much better. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure a big university is great but I absolutely love going to a small school. I know that I miss out on big sporting events and having people actually know where it is. I can't even count how many times I've been asked where it is and I know they won't know so I just say "somewhere in the middle of Wisconsin." But, I get to know most people at my school and I know my professors very well. Not to mention, being able to walk to the other side of campus in 5 minutes at a casual walking pace. I am so happy I made the decision to go to school where I did. I love my school and these are just a few reasons why.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments