Dear Future Seminole,
First I’d like to start out by saying CONGRATULATIONS on being accepted to the most amazing university ever! Seriously, joining the Nole Nation is truly one of the best decisions of your life. There is no other place I’d rather call a second-home, and soon you are going to feel the same way. I’m so glad you and I will get to bleed garnet and gold together.
With that being said, I want to help you feel prepared for when you make your Florida State debut. The first few weeks of school can be a bit overwhelming, given that it’s a new environment with tons of new people. It naturally takes some time to adjust and that’s totally normal. I remember feeling a little out of my element throughout my first few weeks at FSU, but eventually I learned the ropes and now I’ve never felt more comfortable. So in hopes of helping you avoid the jitters and nerves that might come about during the first few weeks of school, here are 10 tips to take into consideration.
1) Find reviews or ask previous students about a certain professor before signing up for their class.
There are plenty of great professors at FSU, but you have to think about what type of student you are before registering for a random professor's class. Let’s say you learn best through PowerPoints. You’re not going to want a professor who doesn’t believe in using PowerPoints to teach (I've had one before). Do some research and get to know what the professor is like before you sign up.
2) Locate your classrooms before the first day of classes.
Trust me from experience. You don’t want to feel like a lost puppy on the first day of classes. If you miss the first day you’ll automatically get dropped and not being able to find the room won’t be an acceptable excuse. Spending all morning looking for the right room can make you late, and showing up tardy means for awkward entrances.
3) Make at least one friend/study buddy in each class.
Things happen and sometimes you have to miss class, but make sure there’s someone to cover you on the material that you missed. You don’t want to just rely on the online class notes (if your professor even decides to do that).
4) Don't skip class.
It’s so tempting, but don’t. You’ll definitely regret it.
5) Get Flex Bucks on your FSU card.
This is a really convenient thing to do if you’re like me and constantly go to the on campus Starbucks and Einsteins before class. Rather than shelling out actual cash, this requires a simple swipe. I also put a certain amount of Flex Bucks on my card so that I don’t overspend.
6) Go to Stroz.
Stroz is a social and academic scene all in one. Go with a group or go alone; but either way, GO.
7) Go to the Sweet Shop.
If Stroz gets too crowded, I’ve found the Sweet Shop to be a great alternative place for studying. They also have the best bagel melts ever.
8) Rent your books.
This option isn’t always available for certain books, but you should definitely ask the bookstore if you can rent a book rather than buy it for your class. Renting will save you a ton of money.
9) Go to a football game and stay the whole time.
Game days are the best days. We all know how fun tailgating can be, but don’t let it take all the energy out of you. I remember going to games and leaving early because I felt so tired. However, crazy things can happen at the end of a game. Plus, if we win you get to see some pretty fireworks and an extremely enthusiastic crowd.
10) Go out when you need to/deserve it.
Of course the most important thing is to be a good student, but sometimes you need to relieve some stress by going out and being social. Strive to make good grades and then reward yourself to a night out. Hard work pays off.
I wish you all the best! Go you. Go Noles.
