Freshman year at FSU has been a wild mix of excitement, nerves, and more giveaways on Landis Green than you’ll ever expect. As someone who just survived my first year (and loved it), I’m here to spill what I wish I had known back in August. Here are some of the dos and don’ts every FSU freshman needs to hear!
Do:
Get involved in things you truly enjoy
Everyone talks about joining clubs and getting involved on campus — and they’re right. Still, don’t limit yourself to organizations tied to your major. Find stuff that makes you excited to show up. Love photography? There’s a club for that. Looking to find more people within your culture? There’s an organization for that. Love writing like I do? Join HCFSU! There’s always going to be a group you belong in.
When I joined this journalism organization just for fun, I fell in love with writing again. Trust me, college is way more fun when you take the time to do things you care about.
Be open to getting to know everyone
Whether it’s your roommate, the guy next to you in class, or the girl holding the door at the union, FSU is full of people who could become your next best friend. You don’t need to try and “click” instantly with everyone, but be open!
During your first few weeks, everyone will be in the same position and trying to make friends. So go for it — remember that you’re not being weird; you’re being social.
Go to every event and social you can
I’m talking about those random events with free pizza, the welcome week events, club fairs, Market Wednesday, and even workout classes at Leach. If it’s on the calendar, go. Events like these are how you meet people, explore campus, and figure out what you like.
A few friends and I went to a social just for free pizza and found a club we all enjoyed. The more you say “yes,” the more FSU begins to feel like home!
Don’t:
Skip lectures (even just once)
It’s tempting; I get it. But skipping one class turns into skipping five, and suddenly you have no idea what’s going on, and you have a cumulative exam coming up. Trust me, as someone who skipped their 8 a.m. class for an entire semester, that “just this once I will sleep in” mindset is a trap. Unless you’re sick, go to class. Go even when it’s early, even when you’re tired, or even when the lecture is extremely boring.
You’ll thank yourself later when midterms and finals roll around, and you understand the material on the exam.
Ignore your health
College is a massive lifestyle shift, and it’s way too easy to begin putting your mental and physical health on the back burner, especially when your parents aren’t here to help. If you’re feeling off, stressed, or sick, do something about it. The FSU Health and Wellness Center is right on campus for a reason.
Take your daily vitamins, go on a walk, drink water (not just Strawberry Açaí Lemonade Refreshers), and never be afraid to ask the people around you for help. You can’t enjoy college if you’re constantly sick or burnt out.
Spend all your time studying
We are at FSU to get a great education. While academics matter, so does your social life. Don’t lock yourself in Strozier or your dorm for 12 hours daily and forget to live. Meet friends for lunch, go to the tailgates during football season, and explore the beautiful nature in Tallahassee. Some of my favorite memories from this year have occurred outside the classroom and my dorm.
Balance in college is everything. You’ll do better in school when you’re not completely burnt out. Freshman year flies by much faster than you think, and you only get one first year at FSU — make it special!
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