Dear Freshman,
You have just graduated high school and are headed off to the next big adventure in your life. You are probably getting ready for orientation and scheduling classes if you haven't yet. Everything is new and can seem overwhelming at times. I am writing this to help give you some advice.
First of all, campus can be quite confusing the first several days. Get familiar with it and soon you will learn the shortest way to cross campus for classes. Do not be afraid to get out there and make more friends. Friends will help you get through this.
Secondly, when packing, your closet is going to be fairly small so you don't need your whole closet full of clothes. I packed like two weeks worth of shirts, and sometimes did not use all of them. This may seem like a small amount, but trust me you will buy more clothes and there will be free t-shirts at various times. Do not forget to bring professional clothes. There will be things you will attend, such as banquets or job fairs that require you to dress professionally.
Third, campus can seem really big and you will not know your way around. Learn the bus systems, if you have a chance look at the routes and see which bus you will be riding most of the time and ride that bus for the entirety of its loop. Yes, all busses will make a loop so if you get lost stay on the bus and get off at the stop you are familiar with.
Fourth, figure out where your classes are before the first day of class. It will be easier to navigate your way through campus when you know exactly where the building is and how to get there. It is fine if you get lost on your first day, leave in plenty of time in case you do.
Fifth, it may take a couple of classes, but you will figure out the best place for you to sit. Learn this because it can help your education by sitting where you learn or pay attention the most. It may be next semester before you realize where this is at.
Sixth, the curve is your friend. You may not be doing the best in some of the larger classes, but do not freak out. There is a curve in most of the classes and they will help your grade.
Seventh, unassigned assigned seats are a thing. Do not mess with that. After the first few classes, people will find their favorite spot to sit, and that is where they will sit for the rest of the semester. It gets annoying when someone who has skipped a bunch of classes shows up for the exam and ends up sitting in your seat.
I hope these things helped. It also helps if you join a club and meet people who are your age and older with the same interests. It's always easier if you know an upperclassman. Don't worry too much about your first several days, there are a bunch of freshman that feel the same way you do.
Sincerely,
A Fourth Year.
