With the new school year off to a running start, campus is swarming with new students who are eager for a fresh start. Entering the college world after being in high school for four years can seem intimidating; especially when trying to navigate an entire campus. My first day of college is somewhat of a blur, but I definitely recall getting lost trying to find my first class. Trust me, it happens, and it’s nothing to be ashamed of. If anything, freshman year should be seen as a learning experience. There are many things I learned as a freshman that I believe are super helpful and can apply to any Oklahoma State student.

First and foremost, make sure you know where your classes are before the first day of school. Grab a friend and drive around campus so you can help each other find your classroom buildings. That way, you won’t feel panicked on the first day of school, and you’ll be able to make it through your first week stress-free. Also, try to get to class early, This may mean you have to wake up a little earlier in the morning, but you’ll be able to get to your classes without feeling rushed.                

Second, don’t be afraid to meet new people. In highschool, we all saw the same people every single day. But in college, you have the opportunity to meet someone new every day on campus. This was one of the aspects of college that I really appreciated coming in as a new student. The friends you make your first year will be the ones you can turn to whenever you need guidance, or whenever you need someone who you can relate to. So keep your eyes open; the next person you meet could turn out to be a lifelong friend.                

Third and quite possibly the most important, don’t sweat the small stuff. The first year away from home can be tough. You have to learn how maintain a balance between classes, friends, and taking care of yourself. There will be times when you won’t feel motivated to go to class or do any homework. Sometimes it seems a lot easier to hang out with friends and put school related priorities on the back burner. However in order to reduce anxiety in the future, it's best to get in the habit of setting aside time every day to buckle down and get the important stuff done. If you can’t get everything done at once, or if you don’t do so well on an assignment or test, just remember that you can improve. 

Yes, college can definitely be overwhelming at times, especially when finals season comes around. But just continue to keep your future goals in mind. We’ve all been freshman before, so don’t fret! You’re not alone. And enjoy your time here at Oklahoma State. Four years may seem like forever, but it will go by faster than you think!