1. Do go to football games! Definitely buy a student ticket package for your first year at Ohio State. Buy the Big Ten package if you’re a casual fan, or the full season package if you’re a diehard. Either way, you can’t come to Ohio State (one of the best football schools in the country!) and not get into the sport. Plus, the energy on game days is fantastic! You’ll see this spirit in full swing at block before the games, where pretty much every house around Indianola Ave hosts major tailgates.
2. Don’t go to Big Bar! Ahhh…the infamous 18+ Big Bar: home to freshmen without any way or connections to get into the better campus bars or parties and lots of random high schoolers from the Columbus area. I went to Big Bar once and swore I would never go back. The vibe in this bar is way more creepy than any other bar on campus (although that doesn’t mean other bars can’t get weird too, trust me they do) and the drinks are really overpriced. Disclaimer: the rooftop of Big Bar is often rented out by Greek organizations for private parties and used to project the football games on Saturdays, which are actually fun times!
3. Do get involved! Ohio State is a huge school, with a campus and student boy that just keeps on growing. In order to not get lost in the crowd, definitely attend the involvement fair in the first week of school and find some organizations that you feel passionate towards. Joining in different campus groups, whether it be blogging, intramural supports, community service or literally anything else (we have over 1,000 clubs), can help you meet people and find a place in this huge university.
4. Don’t skip class! It’s definitely tempting because for most classes here your attendance is not taken or measured as a part of your grade. In lecture style classes, your attendance isn’t even noticed. This is a huge jump from high school, where skipping class usually came with consequences. However, it’s important to motivate yourself to get to class. Remind yourself why you’re at this great university: to get an education! Try and actively listen once you’re in class-most of the professors are fascinating people and have a lot of new ideas to share with you. Plus, simply attending freshmen classes and paying attention is half the battle to earn good grades your first year.
5. Do call your parents (or other loved and trusted relatives)! They may or may not have been in your shoes at one point, depending on if they went to college or what type of college they attended, but they definitely have solid advice to offer you no matter what. Call them to vent whenever you feel as if you’re struggling or are overwhelmed by the differences between high school and college. Or call them when you’re happy to tell them all about how much you love Ohio State and the great memories and friends you’ve made already. Either way, they want to hear from you!
6. Don’t stereotype people! Chances are a university as large as Ohio State will offer a lot more diversity than most high schools. Don’t fall into the trap of only staying friends with people from your high school or only making friends with people who look and act exactly like you. This is a great time to talk to people from all different walks of life. It can be fascinating to hear about other students’ experiences with different backgrounds, interests, families, majors, or high schools than your own. Definitely don’t stereotype people based on their interests, looks, or hometowns-you never if sparking up a single conversation could lead to a lifetime friendship.
The Ohio State University is a truly special and amazing place, and has already granted me some of the best friends and experiences of my life and I haven’t even been here for a full semester yet! Take everything this university has to offer with an open mind (well, maybe besides Big Bar….) and make the best of your years here. Also know that if you are struggling, there are plenty of resources available to help you (The Multicultural Center, multiple tutoring centers, Student Wellness Center, Counseling and Consultation Services, your RA, and many more!). Lastly, if anyone screams O-H at you, DO scream back I-O!