ISU has always been my dream school since I was a sophomore in high school. The first time I ran across the turf of Hancock Stadium with my little brother, I knew it would be my home at one point. I transferred to ISU in the spring semester of 2016 as a sophomore, so please continue reading this article if you want some ideas on how to have the greatest time of your life at my favorite place!
1. Put yourself out there
I know it is probably easier said than done but if you plan on making the most out of your college experience, you can't wait for the opportunities or the people to approach you. I transferred as a sophomore in the spring semester of 2016 at ISU and I knew that if I just sat in my dorm room waiting for friends to come along or for new experiences to arise I would be waiting an eternity. Within the first couple of weeks of the spring and fall semesters ISU puts on an event on the quad or in the bone where students can take a look at all of the organizations and clubs that they have to offer for students looking to get more involved on campus and with other people. Not only is it great to be able to see all of the different RSOs but there's also tons of freebies the tables hand out! What's not to love about that?!?
2. Attend sporting events
I have always been a big sports fanatic since I can remember but after attending my first ISU football game I was hooked on all things ISU. Take full advantage of being a current ISU student before graduating because you can sign up for a program through the school called Red Alert which gives you access to all of the men's basketball and football games for that school year, along with a free T-shirt for the cost of $50!!! Since this is my last semester at ISU before commencement in December I plan on attending all of the football games so get ready to ride Reggie's roller coaster, slap on some spirit paint and put on your best gear!
3. Go Greek
Within the first three weeks of being a student at ISU, I joined Sigma Sigma Sigma National Sorority and met some of the greatest women who have helped shape me into the person I am today. Going Greek was always something I wanted to do after seeing the cliche movies about living in a sorority house and I knew that I wanted a way of being able to meet new people. When I first started out as a college student, I was afraid to express my opinion especially if it wasn't similar to the opinion of others that were around me. I never really tried to strike up a conversation and would usually wait until someone approached me but after just four months of being a sorority girl, I had the confidence to express any of my thoughts and opinions no matter what the differences might be.
4. Load up on Spirit Wear
If you ask any of my family members, friends or even past roommates, they can all confirm that you don't need to ask me twice to go to the Alamo or Barnes and Noble with you! I swear every single week you go into either store they have so many new options to choose from so that your wardrobe is always up to date. I love wearing my ISU spirit wear because it's a great conversation starter especially when you're back at home during a school break or just out and about because alumni or current students will definitely strike up a conversation with you. Not to mention who doesn't love our logo?!? IF YOU'RE NOT A REDBIRD YOU'RE A DEAD BIRD!
5. Use your resources
I know we get told by our family members and professors all the time to use our resources, but do we actually know what's out there to utilize? Take advantage of your ISU Campus Recreation membership during the school year because it's like having a free gym membership yet all of your friends are signed up at the same place! The rec has so many different machines, free weights and classes for students to utilize and they even have women's hours at the gym during the week where the first floor is for women only so that we don't have to wait for certain weight machines! The rec has a track where you can either run or walk at your own pace.
6. Visit Uptown!
Uptown Normal is located just down the street from Watterson Towers and is home to lots of treasures that any ISU student should take advantage of! Not only is there a CVS to help you gather any essentials you may need at the drop of a hat, but there are also lots of restaurants, coffee shops and clothing stores to help you stay fueled for your classes, and your ISU spirit wear up to date and always looking fresh!
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