College is an experience that has many different interpretations. Some think it’s a waste of time, and some think it’s a once in a lifetime opportunity. As a freshman, I was eager to start my journey and receive the education I desired. However, like many others, I felt unprepared and clueless about what to expect. I remembered feeling lost and out of place when I first arrived on campus. Now, I love Sacramento State so much and feel like a part of it.
Throughout my years here at Sacramento State, I’ve come to learn and discover many things about the campus and myself, things that I wish I knew a lot sooner.
Here are 5 things about Sacramento State, and college in general, that I wish I knew as a freshman.
- The 4th Floor of the Library is not as Scary as Everyone Says it is
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I remember being told by many people as a freshman how scary the 4th floor of the library was because of how dead silent it is. Personally, dead silence makes me anxious and uncomfortable so I have never gone up there. I was even told that people shush you if you say anything. Who wants to deal with that? Well, after 3 years of not going up there, I finally did and it’s literally the perfect study spot. There are isolated desks so you can work in peace and without distractions, and there’s definitely no one shushing other people because they’re breathing. There’s always somewhere to sit too! If you have heard this rumor as well, just know it’s false!
- There’s Great, Cheap Food Available
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This is something that I recently discovered this semester, that I really do wish I knew sooner. If you’re not familiar with Good Eats, you should definitely check it out. This eaterie is located on the first floor of the University Union right across from the microwaves. Good Eats has really delicious sides including Macaroni and Cheese, Yukon Gold garlic mashed potatoes, Roasted vegetables and coleslaw. I kid you not, the mashed potatoes are the best I have ever tasted. EVER. An 8 oz. size is offered at $3.25 and the 12 oz. size is offered at $4.25. Plus, they offer a side of 3 chicken strips for $3.25 as well. You can get any one of these and it’ll fill you right up! It’s perfect comfort food for really cheap!
- If Your Professor Offers to Read Your Paper, Take Advantage
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This might be the most important thing I wish I knew back then. Sometimes, professors will offer to look at your paper before the due date to give you feedback and comments to make it better. I know it’s hard not to procrastinate, believe me I do it all the time. However, if you have a chance to make your paper better using comments from the person grading it. TAKE IT. Take advantage of an opportunity like that. You might as well learn from your mistakes ahead of time and not have to sacrifice your grade for it.
- You Don’t Need to Have Everything Figured Out
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I feel like when you make the decision to go to college, it sparks motivation to have everything figured out. It sparks pressure to decide things as soon as possible, but this pressure is unnecessary and unneeded. Your first two years of college, the ones where you take a bulk of general education classes, are meant to aid in your search for a possible career path. There’s a reason why you’re not required to declare a major until the end of your sophomore year; You’re not expected to have it figured out yet! Don’t stress, because something as important as that shouldn’t be forced.
- You Belong Here Too
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When I first entered college, I felt like I didn’t belong. I imagined that I looked like I was a lost 15-year-old who didn’t deserve to be here. That was such a toxic way of thinking, and I wish I didn’t make myself feel that badly for as long as I did. But then it hit me; I pay way too much money to be here to feel like I don’t belong. There’s no way another minute is going to pass by where I belittle myself. I made the decision to go to school for my degree, and that’s what I’m going to get. Always remember that you are part of your campus community and you absolutely have every right to be there just as much as anyone else.
I’ve learned plenty more within my few years being here at Sacramento State, but these were the highlights. If you are a freshman or new here to Sacramento State, I hope these lessons helped you! If you’re a little late on your game like me, then that’s cool too because better late than never!