It’s hard to believe how quickly the first half of my college experience flew by at WVU. Looking back, there are so many things I’m proud of myself for accomplishing. There are also quite a few things I wish I had done differently. It’s easy to take your time as an undergraduate student for granted and tell yourself, “I have plenty of time.” But here I am struggling to cope with the fact that in two years, my academic years will be over. Here’s what I wish I knew when I moved into my dorm room two years ago. Â
Get InvolvedÂ
One of the most common pieces of advice you hear as a freshman is to get involved. I remember being so focused on moving in (former Seneca resident here), learning my way around campus, going out and adjusting to being away from home, that I let a lot of time slip by. I didn’t even really get involved in anything outside of my classes until Sophomore year. Now that I’m a part of more organizations/activities, I feel more included in the WVU student body.Â
Dining HallÂ
Call me crazy, but I miss having access to the dining hall. Even just having the smallest dining plan was enough for me because I took food in to-go containers all the time. Why buy bagels when you can stop by Summit and take a few for the dorm? At least that’s what I would do. Â
Sporting EventsÂ
I know very little about most sports. The extent of my knowledge is mainly in gymnastics and soccer because those are the sports my brother and I did. The fan-favorite sports at WVU are football, basketball and baseball. I’m two years deep into college and I have never been to a basketball or baseball game. I can count the number of times I’ve been to a football game on one hand. I would say I didn’t feel like it or blamed it on the fact that I don’t know enough about the sport. Whether you know anything about sports or not, you will regret not going to more and being involved within the WVU community. Football games are exciting because you get to plan your outfits weeks in advance, put on cute pins or bows, hang out with your friends at tailgates and learn the cheers that are used to support the team inside the stadium. These next couple of years I plan on going to as many games as I can!Â
Go to ClassÂ
Once you start skipping class, it’s really hard to stop. You might tell yourself it’s a one-time thing, but trust me, it’s not. Not only do many classes count attendance as part of your grade, but you’re also just wasting the money that you or your parents/guardians are providing for you to be here. Teachers often share additional information and context in class that isn’t always included in the textbook or slides. Being present in classes can make the difference between earning a good or bad grade.Â
Make FriendsÂ
For those of you who don’t struggle to make friends on campus, you’re incredibly blessed. Sitting down in a lecture hall and attempting to speak to those around you as an awkward or introverted person is intimidating. I’ve taken classes that I’ve hardly said one word in. Then at the end of the day, I’m left feeling unaccomplished and empty. Thankfully, most of my friends from high school attend WVU; otherwise, I don’t know what my social life would look like. Even though it can be hard, I’ve never regretted speaking to someone in my classes or anywhere on campus. I’ve been able to make friends here that I love and can talk to about anything. I met a girl in my bio lab during the first semester of freshman year and we’re still close! It is possible to find your people at college. Don’t shut down after a failed attempt or after realizing someone is maybe not who you thought they were… which can happen. Finding people you connect with will make your days here more fulfilling.