This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at KU chapter.
Congratulations!
You’ve officially made the decision to come to one of the greatest universities in the country (in our opinion, anyway). But before you bleed crimson and blue, you have to know a few things about what it means to be a Jayhawk. At KU, it’s a lot more than just donning a mascot. Becoming a Jayhawk means becoming part of a family, and we take that very seriously. As a current Jayhawk, I asked the KU community to dish out their deepest and wisest wells of wisdom for the upcoming class of Jayhawks.
1. “Get involved. Get involved deeply and widely. It turns a big campus into home.” -Chance Maginness
2. “Be self-motivated! There is a lot of red tape and you will have to research and get things done for yourself, people typically aren’t there to guide you step by step. Get involved!!!” –Kassandra Valles
3. “Please. Please. Please. Under no circumstance should you ever “Woo”.” -Zachary McCarter
4. “Students of color: Find spaces where you feel safe. Where you are celebrated, not just tolerated or accepted.” –Jameelah Jones
5. “It’s okay to not be decided on a major. There’s people and things that can help you discover your potential.” -Ann Bales
6. “Look for organizations that can get you closer to your goals/dreams/career. By networking and meeting important people through organizations, you’ll be better able to play the system to your advantage.” -Nellie Kassebaum
7. “First Gen Students, PLEEEEEEASE don’t feel like this space isn’t for you because you don’t know how to get access to things- the tutors, the centers, the OMA- ALL these things are for you to use- they literally wouldn’t be here if folks didn’t want you to use them. College is for you, too.” -Jameelah Jones
8. “Don’t decide on a major until you’re absolutely sure it’s something you’re passionate about.
Join a club. Any club.
Yell at the crazy protestors at least once. It’s so much fun.
The top of the fire escape of Bailey is the best view of Lawrence.
Walking through the camponile prematurely WILL prolong graduation. Just look at me.” -Elena Cleaves
9. “Get used to the idea of doing ya business while other people are in the bathroom.” -Emily Stott
10. “Put your mental health first!” -Shannon Sides
11. “Forgive yourself if you make mistakes. (Also applies to life after graduation).” -Bill Silk
12. “Don’t think you will be homesick? You will be.” -Megan Abel
13. “If you don’t know what you want to major in, just take classes in the core and about what you’re interested in. Don’t assign yourself to something if you’re unsure. Give yourself plenty of time to get to class. Start off your first semester with a light load academically and activity wise, then increase it as you know what you can handle. Pay close attention to your mental health and don’t be afraid to take action when needed. Smile at people and make friends. We’re all in this together and if I hadn’t talked to people my first year I would have been really lonely!” -Lisa Cox
14. “To stop by every info table you could meet your new best friends or at minimum get a new koozie.” -Becca Levine
15. “Your friends at the beginning might not be your friends at the end. That’s okay.” -Jake Dutton
16. “Stand up for what you believe in, even it seems like no one’s with you.” -Amber Rayl
17. “RESOURCES!!!!!!!” -Trinity Carpenter
18. “Take advantage of everything ku offers freshmen!! (Grocery bingo helps!)” -Haley McNally
19. “If you are not a morning person in high school don’t sign up for an 8 am!! Also be involved and don’t be afraid to ask questions about things you do not know a lot about or have a different view on. The best way to learn is through deconstruction of thought and critical conversations.” –Constanza Castro
20. “When you blink, it’ll all be over. But it’s all good, because KU is the greatest. Play hard, Study harder, get involved early and love it all too much.” -Hailey Lapin
21. “Volunteer as much as you are able with multiple organizations in the community, don’t be afraid to try something and find out that you completely suck at it, be gentle/kind/patient with yourself, prioritize nutrition/exercise/sleep, and just don’t bother purchasing a parking pass.” -Marion Boyd
22. “Explore Lawrence! There’s lots of good food and cool places and cool people. And food. And cute dogs (volunteer at the animal shelter? <3) Did I mention food? Also! Very important. Make yourself known in class. You want your professors to know your name.” -Francesca Haynes
23. “An exam doesn’t not determine your fate. Striving for a 4.0 is great but don’t jeopardize your health both physically and mentally. Find balance. Building a good relationship with a professor or advisor…try to maintain this connection throughout your undergrad career. For first generation students… look into services with TRIO Supportive education services.” -Bria Williams
24. “Find something to give a shit about! Anything! Don’t go through college apathetic!” -James Hoyt
25. “You’re not trying to (or should be worried about) impress(ing) anyone. It’s totally okay to go to class in sweats. Or basketball shorts. Or socks and sandals. Also, if it gets too difficult or boring meeting people at the dorms, head to the rec center, play some pickup hoops. Best way to make new, lifelong friends.” –Zhareef Shariffudin
26. “Try to focus! You’re spending a lot of money on your education (even if you’re on scholarships–even more so then). Yes, everyone goes out to the Barmuda Triangle (Wheel, Hawk, Bullwinkle’s), but if ya know you have assignments or stuff to do, do it first! It really isn’t worth going out and having to retake over half of your classes for failing.” -Priscila Ruiz
27. “I would suggest actually going to office hours. Even though it may be intimidating or may feel weird, the professors are there to help you; not only with academics, but personally. If there are things that you think may hold you back, tell them! I would also suggest spending time outside of class with your classmates, mainly those who are within your major. For some of the bigger majors it may be difficult, but I’d recommend at least a few people who you can spend time with outside of class. Rock Chalk!” -Cory Draves
28. “The dorms are super expensive in the long run, so try not to live there too long.” -Haley Roberts
29. “It’s okay to cry and sleep anywhere and everywhere. No judgement.” -Mimi Levine
30. “Join HCKU.” -Erin Sullivan
31. “Campus housing is not a magical safe zone.” -Danica Christine
32. “Join a choir.” -Alexander Lawson
33. “Lawrence is NOT FLAT.” -Claire Meczkowski
34. “Students from Wichita or urban areas: I want to warn you that we were not prepared for college like other students were. It’s not our fault, and we can still excel despite our backgrounds.” -McKenzie Ortiz
35. “We do not shut out speech we do not agree with, we create a better argument.” -Inoru Wade
But just remember, Jayhawks: ENJOY IT WHILE IT LASTS, and don’t ever forget to hail to ole KU. <3