I had minimal knowledge about FSU before I stepped onto campus. To make matters worse, I never actually toured FSU, I just chose it out of the several state schools in Florida that I had gotten accepted to. In my mind, the decision was partly because of the programs and culture at the school, but also because it was four hours away from Tampa and was not the University of Florida. I didn’t even have a contingency plan to survive here, just vibes, honestly. So, as I was conjuring possible topic ideas for my final week of writing as a freshman for Her Campus FSU, I thought to myself, “Why not give helpful tips?” Surely, somebody will appreciate my intentions.
Scarily enough, I think it’s gotten to the point that the incoming Class of 2027 might not understand my reference to Ned’s Declassified School Survival Guide, but the article and the show’s titles are pretty self-explanatory. Here’s a list of things I wish I knew before my freshman year, what I’ve discovered throughout, and my final reflection after completing my first year at Florida State all compiled in a beautiful listicle to read at your discretion.
1. Tour the School
I know I just spent some time writing that I never toured the school and picked it based just on vibes but that doesn’t work for everyone. I actually don’t recommend not touring unless it’s a financial or overall burden to you. FSU has great resources for prospective and interested students to learn more about all of the things that this university has to offer. Here is the site that tells you all about campus visits. If you’re able to do it, I implore you to.
2. Apply for housing ASAP
Perhaps the listicle will be in chronological order of the mistakes or things I’ve heard people regret that they neglected to do. So, I’ll tell you my biggest mistake: applying for housing super late. If FSU is one of your top options of schools to attend, you’re already set on going here, or you have to funds to spare for the housing deposit, apply ASAP for a housing contract. At this school, your contract number basically determines your worth. You’re either set for luxury or not-so-luxury depending on how low (good) or high (bad) your contract number is. Apply, apply as fast you can to secure a dormitory hall in a more centralized location on campus (your back will thank you).
3. Pick your people wisely
What kind of people am I talking about? Well, by people, I mean your roommate. I’ve heard horror stories about those whose roomies have the strangest quirks. I knew a girl whose roommate defrosted raw meat in the communal bathroom and another girl whose roommate used Antifreeze as an air freshener in their dorm! However, it only proves the unpredictability of the random roommate allocation at FSU; there are positive and negative testimonies about the process. Some randoms do fine, others don’t and some pre-picked roomies become besties for life, while others separate or grow distant. That’s life though, it happens.
4. Don’t forget to speak
After your acceptance to FSU, you’ll have an array of events to attend and even before your matriculation into your first semester, orientation is a thing. Try to speak to people if you can. You don’t even have to initiate conversation (but do try to), you just have to find your niche. Sometimes the niche won’t be found in your orientation group, but you’ll definitely find one once starting classes (sometimes you don’t though). During Welcome Week, walk around your floor with your roommate and introduce yourself to people!
5. Always say yes
Of course, always saying yes is circumstantial. If you’re uncomfortable or feel unsafe, try to leave the situation if you can, FSU has various resources for safety. However, if saying yes doesn’t jeopardize your personal safety, values, or grades, I’d recommend doing so. Saying “yes” always places me in the craziest situations, but it’s always a good crazy.
6. Beware of Your Grades
Yes, FSU is a party school, but notice how the word school is included in the term “party school.” You can’t be a party-crazy person at FSU if you don’t even go to FSU. Keep your grades up and refer to tutoring resources at the university.
7. Get involved
Whether you’re involved through intramural sports, cultural clubs, athletic clubs, professional clubs, or other registered student organizations (RSOs) at Florida State, try to involve yourself in at least one of them during your first year. They’re opportunities to make friends and thrive. There are also other possibilities that are dependent on your level of involvement/dedication.
8. Make friends
This is not the case for every FSU student, but so many people made friends during Welcome Week. Now, were these friends kept through the entire year — no, usually they were not. Don’t stress about making friends that you’d want at your wedding. What I’ve learned about college, is that there are class friends, RSO friends, clubbing friends, and friends you might do all with.
9. Beware of the Weather
Tallahassee is super hot and humid, especially if you’re starting in the Summer B Semester. Fall semester also starts off hot, so remember to hydrate, and wear sunscreen because athleisure will be your bestie for life. However, when it gets criminally chilly, a slight puffer might do the job because the lack of water surrounding this town makes 30 degrees Fahrenheit a common occurrence.
10. Just Breathe
Unlike Ned, I won’t give further details on everything you should or should not do. I find that people learn better or take more a note if they personally experience the consequences of a mistake. That’s how I know some things, but there’s still more for me to heed the caution of, even as I approach my second year at FSU.
I hope these tips help your transition to school at Florida State a lot more smoother. These 10 steps were still something I wish I knew coming into FSU for the Summer B semester last year. Thanks for reading!
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