Whether you’re a freshman or a transfer student, entering college life can be scary and exciting! Everything is brand new, from the people to the campus to the city. It may take some time and trial and error, but life at Hofstra becomes easy to adjust to. To get you started on your college journey, here is your survival guide to your first year at Hofstra University!
- Get to Know Campus
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Hofstra’s campus is split into two sides: the residential side and the academic side. Both sides are connected by multiple “unispans” crossing over the highway. The main unispan conveniently connects into the Student Center, where you’ll find multiple dining areas and club rooms.
Before classes start, take a day to walk around campus. Check out the dining halls and find the buildings where your classes are located. This will prevent you from being the stereotypical lost new student wandering around campus!
If you plan to explore off-campus, be sure to be careful and stay with a group. No matter where you are, safety should be your top priority! Be sure to reach out to Hofstra Public Safety for any safety concerns!
- Use Your Meal Plan
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If there is one mistake I made during my freshman year, it was choosing the largest meal plan. As a new student, Hofstra requires you to select one of the larger meal plans to ensure that you are staying fed and healthy. However, you may get stuck in a situation where you have a large amount of money left on your plan towards the end of the school year. To avoid that, use your meal plan as much as you can!
Your meal plan can be used for other things besides food. Next to the HOFUSA dining hall, there is a little convenience store, Dutch Treats. You can use your meal plan to buy basic essentials, such as laundry detergent, paper towels and toiletries.
- Make Your Dorm Feel Like Home (Within Dorm Regulations)
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Transitioning into college can be difficult for many people. One of the best things to help cure your homesickness is by decorating your room. Your dorm is your home base where you can relax after a long day of classes. Make your room as comfy and personalized as you can. A couple of cute wall decorations and fuzzy blankets can brighten anyone’s day!
While it can be fun to decorate your room will all sorts of posters and lights, be sure to follow Hofstra Residence Life’s policies for what decorations and utilities are allowed in the dorms. You don’t want to be fined! Room checks typically happen during the first few weeks of each semester, so double-check the placement of your furniture and decorations follow dorm regulations. Reach out to your RA or RD for any dorm-related questions you may have!
- Get to Know Your Campus Resources
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Whether you need academic advising, tech or medical help, Hofstra has several resources for all of your needs. Browse around Hofstra’s website or ask your RA to learn more information about what help Hofstra has to offer. Don’t feel embarrassed to reach out for any questions or help you may need! If you don’t feel comfortable reaching out, ask your RA or a close friend to help you. Nobody wants you to struggle through college, so find a helping hand you can trust!
- Meet New People
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As much as you’ve probably heard it already, college is a great place to meet new people! Lucky for you, the students at Hofstra are very friendly and supportive. You may become great friends with your roommate(s), or you may not. Regardless of that, you will meet countless people through your classes and the clubs you join. Start conversations and find common interests between you and others. You never know, you could make some of your best friends during your time at Hofstra!
Along with meeting new friends, get-to-know your professors and advisors as well! While it may be awkward to get-to-know them, your professors and advisors are always there to help you. You may find yourself coming to them down the line for career questions and advice!
- Don’t Let Your Studies or Mental Health Slip
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While college can be seen as a time to let loose and have fun, the main reason you are at Hofstra is to earn your degree. If not, then you may need to rethink your priorities! A lot of students must keep up their GPA to maintain scholarships and memberships in academic clubs and organizations. Be sure to go to always class (unless there is an emergency) and study hard. College can be academically difficult, so make sure you are always striving to do your best.
That being said, be sure to pace yourself and find out what studying methods help you the most. Don’t push yourself farther than you can go. Everyone wants you to succeed, so be sure to maintain a healthy state of mind. Hofstra has multiple mental health and academic resources, so don’t be afraid to reach out if you are struggling!
- Enjoy Everything Hofstra Has to Offer
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The easiest way to survive life at Hofstra is to enjoy it! You are starting a new chapter in your life, and while it can be frightening, it can also be fantastic. Hofstra has plenty to offer academically and socially. Check out the latest events happening on campus! Join plenty of clubs and organizations that interest you! Take a trip to New York City! The more you put into your college experience, the more you’ll get out of it!
Hofstra University is a great place for you to learn and grow, and your time here is sure to be memorable. College life may be hard at first, but with some time and effort, it can become one of the best times of your life. If you ever feel overwhelmed, be sure to reach out to a trusted friend or resource. Remember to study hard, put yourself out there and have a great time!