Two years ago, I packed up a 2005 white Nissan Altima that I owned and drove to Stony Brook. A five hour ride with my dad turned into one filled with endless laughter and life lessons that I was supposed to apply. It was the first day of June. I was nineteen. I was transferring to a school five hours away from home.
My first day at Stony Brook was okay, depending on who you ask. I’d say it went well. My best friend would probably say the opposite considering the fact that I forced her to stay on the phone with me on my lunch break and tirelessly complained about having no friends. It wasn’t even a full day! But now it’s been two years. So let’s start over.
Hi, I’m Mickda. Are you a transfer student?
If you answered yes to my question, this is for you.
If your answer was no, this is still for you. From one student to another…it is NOT hard to make friends. Yes, you can be involved in more than one club at school, but make sure to focus on one. Go the extra mile, participate in team bonding exercises, and allow other students to get to know you.
Form Healthy Study Groups
But when you go back to your dorm and realize you didn’t get through any real material, it’s time to cut it.
Befriend a Professor
Ask your professor a lot of questions after class, even if you think they’re “stupid questions.”
Your TAs Should Really be Your Best Friends
Like super BFF level.
A “C” Can Really Do Some Damage
All jokes aside. Seriously.
Time is Not on Your Side
No, I’m not trying to contradict the Rolling Stones. If you’re like most students I know, two years will go by so fast, and you will want the opportunity to do so much more. So don’t take any of it for granted. You can’t make up for lost time.