Freshman year is a year of “new.” Between a new school, a new home, and new friends it can all become overwhelming. From finding your classes to navigating through a mental breakdown on a Tuesday night, it may be hard to know what resources are out there and who to call (other than your mom, but make sure you call her too) it can be hard to make the adjustment from being a seasoned high school senior to a lost and confused college freshman. Our gift to you, Class of 2022, is a list of the things we wish we knew when we were in your shoes.
1. Join clubs and organizations. Meeting new people can be a bit scary, but joining clubs and organizations helps you adjust to a schedule that keeps you involved; even if it’s just one club.
2. It’s okay to be homesick. When that happens (and it will), call your family. They’re one of your biggest support systems and they will always root for you. Sometimes who you need is a friend, though. Your college friends are forever and are probably more comfortable to share little details with (your mom doesn’t need or want to know who you slept with last night) The friends you make here will encourage and push you to do your best and help you when you need it. These people are your forever friends.
3. Introduce yourself to your professors: These magical wizards have the power to give you all of the information about the classes you’re taking in office hours. You don’t have to be best friends with them, but it’s good for them to know your face and name.
4. Procrastination is a REAL THING: Study at least a week in advance for exams. Keep a planner (online or a hard copy –just have something to reference)
5. Don’t be afraid to exclude negative people from your life. During your time here, you will run into some not so great people. If they don’t lift you up, you don’t need them in your life.
6. Keep track of your bank account. Textbooks and food aren’t cheap unless you have a meal plan or LionCash. We recommend checking Chegg and Amazon to rent your textbooks before you drag yourself to the bookstore to buy them. If you can’t find the book you need, ask an upperclassman that has taken the class if you can borrow or buy theirs (also another perk of getting involved – knowing upperclassmen with textbooks.)
7. Get your 7-8 hours of sleep at night. Trust me, you’ll thank yourself in the morning.
8. There are a number of services provided on campus that are designed to help you… and you’re already paying for them so you should really go get your money’s worth. If you need to talk to someone, go to the counselors provided or call/text the emergency PSU numbers. We also have a Health and Wellness Center located on campus to help with any illnesses and they also provide the flu shot AND they take insurance.
9. ACTUALLY GO TO CLASS: Even if the professor doesn’t count attendance points, it will help you. Speak up in class and make your presence known. You will be noticed by your professor and that could potentially help your grade in the end
10. Start your resume: Start a resume on Google Docs and keep updating the same document. Stay on top of your LinkedIn (keep it updated with relevant papers and projects you have as well as any positions you hold/what you do)
11. Take at least an hour out of your day to do something you enjoy. You will appreciate the break
12. Schedule according to your degree audit – you can still take fun classes, but make sure you’re getting the necessary courses out of the way
13. Dobbins Dash. Nuff’ said.
14. Health and Wellness is honestly one of the most important places you can utilize. They offer a variety of free latex condoms (both male and female) and you can also get birth control from them. Sometimes accidents happen, though, and that’s okay. Health and Wellness also sells Plan B for $25 and they will bill your student account (don’t worry, it won’t say it was for Plan B) so that you can enjoy your college years baby free.
15. And remember, Collegiettes, when things get to be too much, take a deep breath and know that everything will work out in the end.
Best of Luck in this new School Year!