As the fall semester approaches, the new up and coming freshman start to worry about the future. Well more like having a mixture of excitement and nerves as they come into UCF for the first time. Coming into my junior year at UCF I have learned a ton and have come to know some tips that I would have loved to know as a newbie in the collegiate scene.
You are probably super nervous to move in and to get to know your roommates especially if you are staying in a conjoined room with another person. Some people may even be too nervous to message their potential roommate to get to know them beforehand. An idea to try is just sending a formal email or text message with your name and what you are looking to major in. It could be a good icebreaker and then from there try finding out what they are bringing so there aren't doubles when you move in because that can be a waste of money in the long run. Another way to find a common connection with the new roomie is by baking cookies if you have a kitchen or invite them to go out to get ice cream at the creamery on campus. Food brings people together!
Aside from roomie struggles, choosing courses and getting the grades is key to success. At this point your first semester should have been decided out for you and now it is just getting to the building. UCF is a massive campus and it can be more than confusing getting to Classroom building one on the first day. One thing I realized is the campus is set up in a circle and as long as you walk to the center you will get to the student union. Once at the student union you should have no problem getting help or finding your way. A lot of the major buildings surround the union such as the two engineering buildings, classroom building one and two just to name a few.
Now you get to class and you meet someone next to you to be a study partner. Getting a study partner or group together is key to success in a lot of the gen-ed classes. If you work better alone just know that it can help to have one other person to work with at least on homework. Scantrons are free on campus and stocking up on them is not a bad idea especially with the green booklets. You can receive the free scantrons on the second floor of the student union in the student government room as long as you have your student id. On the third floor of the student union is a study area with beanbags and large tables to do some group studying as well as try to use All-Knight study areas to your advantage.
After studying there is always the social aspect of college. Partying can be dangerous so always go to a party with someone you trust and never drink and drive. UCF is awesome for its incredible number of clubs on campus! There is even a nap club. I am not even joking about it. Of course there is Greek Life and if you can afford to do it then more power to you. In Greek Life you will make friends for life and have a time of your life while in it. Just get out there and meet friends! UCF has a wonderful student body!
Coming UCF or college in general can be a daunting task, but if you have positive attitude about it and give it your all you will be fine! Enjoy your time at the University of Central Florida! Go Knights!
