If there's one thing I feel pretty confident in my knowledge of, it's college. I'm going into my fifth year this fall at Bridgewater State University, and from my time here, I've learned the do's and don't's of freshman year. It's an exciting time, filled with new beginnings, classes, roommates, friends, and crappy dining hall food. I figured I'd use the knowledge I've gotten from the past few years to help the upcoming Class of 2020 at BSU.
1. After the first week, you probably shouldn't wear your lanyard around your neck anymore.
Most people will tell you not to wear it at all, but I really do believe it's a freshman rite of passage to wear your lanyard around your neck for at least a short time. So enjoy your first week and don't worry about wearing your lanyard; you'll probably lock yourself out of your room if you don't.
2. Don't lose your connect card.
I remember being told at freshman orientation that your connect card is your key to everything on campus. As a commuter, I definitely use my card a lot less, but as a resident, I needed it with me every time I left my room. If you lose your connect card as a resident, you can enjoy the fun experience of paying for a new one at parking/connect card services or waiting for someone to return your lost card. In the time your card is lost, you'll have a tough time getting into your building, your room, your bathroom, and paying at the dining halls. You're bound to misplace it at least once, but definitely try not to.
3. Don't buy your books from the bookstore.
And don't buy them a month before classes start; professors sometimes change the book list all the way up to syllabus week. Slugbooks.com will compare prices for textbooks using the ISBN number and you'll thank me for this when you don't pay $200 for that science textbook you only use once.
4. If you're a commuter, the earlier the class, the better.
You can't get a parking spot in Spring Street lot after 9:30 a.m., and unless you want to be late to class after following someone around the parking lot, sign up for the early classes.
5. Find out which dining hall you like best and plan accordingly.
Personally, my list is in order as follows from best to worst: Bear's Den, Crimson, Tilly, ECC. If we're talking breakfast, ECC definitely moves up to the number two spot. You need to figure out a favorite early on in the semester so that you don't run out of dining dollars or meal swipes. You will probably run out of dining dollars the first semester, but that's normal. Just get the silver meal plan next time. And if you're a commuter, Bear's Den will be your best friend so learn to love it.
6. It takes at least 15 minutes to get from Boyden to Burnell at a fast paced walk.
Trust me, you can get to your next class on time. You'll just have to run. Don't bother waiting for the buses, especially in bad weather.
7. Get the popcorn chicken at Bogart's on acoustic Thursdays.
Trust me.
8. Get involved somewhere; you'll only regret it if you don't.
I waited until my senior year to get involved in Greek life, and I really wish I had joined sooner. BSU has so many different clubs and organizations to join that you're bound to find something you love. If you want to get involved on campus, I'd recommend Program Council because at least you'll always know what's going on.
9. Don't put off the essential things when it comes to getting your degree.
BSU is notorious for having a lot of super seniors, I'm one of them and it's my fault for deciding to have three majors. Get your core requirements out of the way as fast as possible. Complete prerequisites for your major courses within the first or second year. If you're an education major, take all of your MTELs by the end of your sophomore year so that they're out of the way. Don't procrastinate. This is your future after all.
10. Never take a class in Hunt Hall if you can avoid it.
It's either hot as hell or freezing, and nobody likes that.
11. Try to avoid eating your weight in junk.
It's so easy when you get to college to subsist on ramen noodles and mac and cheese alone, but it's not healthy. Your body needs nutrients, as in actual food, so try to eat as well-rounded as possible. If you live in Shea/Durgin, don't eat the pizza at ECC for every single meal. If you live in Woodward or Scott, avoid Tilly's tempting ice cream bar. Indulge a little, but take care of your health above everything.
12. Go to your professor's office hours.
Alright, now say it with me: go to your professor's office hours, go to your professor's office hours, go to your professor's office hours. Asking for help when you need it is important, as is establishing a relationship with the dedicated professionals at BSU. If anything, get to know at least one or two of your major professors well enough that when you need that letter of recommendation for grad school, you know where to go.
13. You might not like your roommate, but that's okay.
I had an awful roommate first semester freshman year, and I even picked to room with her. The person you meet online won't always be your soul-roommate. Get out of your room and make friends elsewhere, and if all else fails, you can move rooms for the sake of your mental health.
14. Speaking of mental health, the biggest piece of advice I can give to incoming freshmen is this: don't sweat the small stuff.
You have years ahead of you to be a stressed out, neurotic adult. Be concerned about your academic performance, but don't let it take a toll on you that you can't come back from. Skip a class every once in a while if you really truly need it. Take a break from your friends and allow yourself to be alone for a bit. Go talk to someone in the health services department if you need to. There's no shame in needing to vent, especially in college. If you live on campus, turn to your RA's when you're down. They'll be there for you.
Above all else, always remember your shower shoes and please brush your teeth every day. Good luck class of 2020!
