They can’t teach you everything at orientation.
1. Befriend your RA.
Source: Gettysburg College
S/he has been through it all and then some. The #1 place to go for advice, and for the random questions that may arise.
2. Learn to cohabitate.
Source: Pixabay
You may not be best friends with your roommate or friends at all. You may not even like each other. But, if you can both be reasonable humans with a level of consideration and respect for the other (and responsibility for yourself!), you can peacefully coexist. Sometimes, that’s all you can ask for.
3. Form a routine.
Source: Pixabay
College is a whole new world and a routine can give you some sense of normalcy as you embark on this adventure. Even something as small as reading a book and brushing your teeth before bed can make a world of difference.
4. Keep in touch with your family.
Source: Pixabay
Your parents are going to miss you, and whether you believe it or not, you’re going to miss them too.
5. Go to events.
Source: Pixabay
Even the ones that aren’t required. You never know who you might meet or what opportunities you may encounter..
6. Get involved.
Clubs keep you busy and out of trouble, they look good on a resume, they’re a lot of fun, and you can meet some of your best friends through them. Is there a bad side?
*Sign up for Her Campus while you’re at it!
7. Take classes you’ll love.
Source: Pixabay
Pick classes that you’ll enjoy and it won’t feel like a chore to do your work. You can thank me later.
8. Don’t lose your key/ID.
Source: Pixabay
They are the key [pun entirely intended] to getting around campus. Use your ID for food or getting into buildings, use your key to get into your room (which hold all of your stuff, if you forgot). Whether you use the hair tie on the wrist trick, the lanyard you’re given on the first day [note: you will be labeled a freshman for visibly using and/or spinning said lanyard], or just get a really cool key chain, keep track of these things.
9. Use the gym.
Source: Pixabay
When else in life will you have free (well, included in tuition) access to a full gym?? Take advantage of it!
10. Be nice to the staff.
Source: Gettysburg College
It’s generally good practice to be nice to the people that do things for you; here, that could be Servo/Bullet/Commons/Dive/Ike’s employees, facilities workers, DPS officers, etc.. Even when they aren’t doing things for you, be nice. It’s an awesome feeling when college staff smiles at the sight of you. Be the person they smile at.
11. Don’t live on Pizza House and LD’s.
Source: Pixabay
Repeat after me: THERE IS MORE TO LIFE THAN MOZZARELLA STICKS.
12. Explore.
Photo by Juliette Sebock
Explore campus, explore the town, explore the battlefield! Learn your way around so you aren’t the one trying to find Breidenbaugh on the first day of classes (FYI: it’s in fine print on the “Joseph’s Theatre” sign).
13. Meet your professors.
Source: Pixabay
They’re generally pretty cool, and they can help you navigate the roller coaster that is college. Bonus? You’ll be extra-grateful when you need a letter of recommendation.
14. Do the extra credit.
Source: Pixabay
If you’re lucky enough to be offered some form of extra credit, do it. Even if you don’t think you need the points. Just do it.
15. Always have a pencil/pen.
Source: Pixabay
You never know when you may need to write something down.
16. READ THE SYLLABUS.
Source: Pixabay
It’s as if your professor has handed you a step-by-step guide to passing the class. Seriously.
17. Check your email.
Source: Pixabay
Arguably the number one form of communication on campus.
18. Read the digest.
I know they can get irritating, but they hold countless opportunities. It’s worth it, I swear!
19. Do the homework.
Source: Pixabay
Especially readings for a discussion-based class, or anything that needs to be turned in. Common sense, an easy way to learn the material, and the number one way to control your grade.
20. Go to class.
Source: Pixabay
Your professor will notice if you aren’t there.
21. Make a good impression.
Source: Pixabay
You never know when you may run into JMR.