The first year of college is a big year. There’s so much going on and so much to do, so lot of us get FOMO and try to do everything all at once. Here are some tips for making the most of your first year!
1. Get involved in student organizations! Getting involved on campus is one of the best ways to start you’re freshman year off right. UNH has so many different orgs that you can join… there’s something for everyone and it’s a great way to find your place on campus. Getting involved can also help establish a friend group right off the bat; friends in your dorm are great, but it’s good to have people all over campus. If you don’t know where to start, go check out Wildcat Link and find the org that’s right for you! You just have to remember not to get too involved, signing up for every org that appeals to you might seem appealing, but it’s going to get overwhelming really fast so pace yourself.
2. Go to floor socials in your dorm. Your RA’s work really hard to plan fun activities for your floor, go to them! It’s a great way to meet more people on your floor or in your building. You can even go to socials on other floors if you want to branch out which you totally should! You should go even if the social isn’t really your thing because you don’t have to do whatever your RA has planned (though it is encouraged), you can just hang out and socialize with the other people there.
3. Stay on top of your school work. It’s really easy to forget that you’re at college to learn. Living away from home and being a few minutes walking distance away from your friends is awesome, but you can’t let that get in the way of doing your work. Always go to class and do your work. Don’t let your grades suffer because you wanted to go out with your friends instead of doing homework or studying for an exam.
4. Find your ‘spot’. Your ‘spot’ is a specific place on campus where you go to study or just relax. I think most people have one and it’s really good to have. It gives you a place where you can go if you need to get out of your room but still want to focus. Personally, my ‘spot’ is on the third floor of the MUB. I like to go there to do homework when I need a change of scenery from my dorm.
5. Appreciate every moment! There are so many firsts and special moments that happen during your first year of college. Cherish those while you can, because they’ll be over before you know it. Hold on to the friends and the memories that you make during your first year because they are some of the best people you’ll meet. You’ll meet other cool people throughout your college career too, but those first people are some of the most special. Don’t hold on to the drama, just roll with the punches and go where life takes you.
Have fun and study hard, Wildcats!