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10 Things I Learned The Hard Way As A Transfer Student At MSU

Because being the new kid on campus can be challenging, here are a few tips I learned the hard way so you won't have to.

Sep 26, 2018

Michigan State University

101

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1. The CATA Bus and how it operates

Learning the bus system on campus is grueling. And especially being new and still not knowing where anything really is.. well it's terrifying. Squishing yourself onto a bus of a bunch of sweaty students and an angry bus driver isn't my idea of a good time. Oh and also trying to find what route you need to get to the right place ON TIME. Biggest struggle of all.

2. Drivers on campus do NOT yield to pedestrians

Something I've come to learn is that you MUST ALWAYS LOOK BEFORE YOU CROSS! Cars, golf carts, and bicyclists alike do. not. stop. for. you. They don't care about you. They will actually gesture, honk and yell obscenities at you if you aren't paying attention. Rule of thumb: Do not look down at your phone for any reason ever while walking on campus.

3. Bicyclists rule the sidewalks and they know it

Speaking of bicyclists yelling, yes this has actually happened to me. "Watch where you're going!" Like it's only my fault for an almost collision. *le sigh*

4. It's really easy to get lost

Giphy

One minute you're on track, taking the world by storm and on time to the building you need to be in. The next minute you're halfway to Ann Arbor. It really happens that fast. Google Maps has saved my life a million times.

5. Getting coffee at Starbucks in Wells Hall (or really anywhere on campus)= NIGHTMARE

Do yourself a favor and double up your intake in the morning so you won't have to make several coffee stops throughout the day or you'll end up like this guy ^

6. Not packing your own lunch

If you have the money to spend, by all means go for it. But if you're truly a struggling broke college student (like me) grab something from home to shove into your bag or you'll be dropping about $25/ day on cafeteria food.

7. Things are super overpriced

Every. Thing. Is. $200+. Not really, but that's how it feels. Just saying.

8. Wear comfortable walking shoes..

If you miss your bus, you have to walk. Or if the bus is overcrowded you'll definitely have an easier time walking than trying to flag down a bus and hope it's going where you need it to. Just.. put on your comfiest shoes, rain or shine!

9. Be over prepared with supplies.

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I'm talking 100 extra pencils, pens, extra clothing. You name it. Have it in your bag for unplanned emergencies.

10. Commuting to campus

If and when you have to commute to campus, always leave early and plan for traffic, parking, weather and most of all time to mentally prepare for your day of chaos that will ensue.

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This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.

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10 Things I Learned The Hard Way As A Transfer Student At MSU

Because being the new kid on campus can be challenging, here are a few tips I learned the hard way so you won't have to.

In This Article:

1. The CATA Bus and how it operates

2. Drivers on campus do NOT yield to pedestrians

3. Bicyclists rule the sidewalks and they know it

4. It's really easy to get lost

5. Getting coffee at Starbucks in Wells Hall (or really anywhere on campus)= NIGHTMARE

6. Not packing your own lunch

7. Things are super overpriced

8. Wear comfortable walking shoes..

9. Be over prepared with supplies.

10. Commuting to campus

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This isn't just for the single Pringles out there either, folks

Run Around Clanging Pots and Pans in Everyone's Face

Eat the Last Few Pigs in a Blanket

Pop Twelve White Grapes

Burn Something

Smash Things Against a Wall

Spontaneously Begin an Irish Jig

Call Your Mother

Throw a Coffee Table Out a Window

Sing "Auld Lang Syne" at the Top of Your Lungs

Do Some Squats

Swan Dive into a Nearly Freezing Body of Water

Take a Shot

Time to be merry and bright.

"First Noel" by Leslie Odom, Jr

"A Holly Jolly Christmas" by Burl Ives

"Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas" by Kelly Clarkson

"All I Want for Christmas Is You" by Mariah Carey

"Christmas (Baby Please Come Home" by Michael Buble

"Last Christmas" by Taylor Swift

"The Christmas Song" by Josh Groban

"White Christmas" by Idina Menzel

"O Holy Night" by David Archuleta

"Believe" by Josh Groban

"Les cloches du hameau" by Celine Dion

Or at least try to do.

1. I will wake up (sorta) on time for class.

2. I will look decent for class.

3. I will go to the gym more.

4. I will go to the library and study more.

5. I will meet new people.

For those long nights that turn into mornings when the struggle is real.

1. Walk in motivated and ready to rock

2. Disappointed you let it get this bad

3. Distracted: When a 10-Minute Break Becomes an Hour

4. When the Yearning for Sleep Sneaks Up

5. In the words of Lorelai Gilmore "Coffee, Coffee, Coffee"

Oh, so done.

You need sleep, but also have 13 things due in the span of 4 days.

1. When it's December 1 and you have seven things due, three exams, and haven't slept in three days.

2. So you stress.

3. And cry.

4. Then call your mom to cry some more.

5. After the pep talk, you feel determined to get everything done.

6. But, now you're tired.

7. And really hungry.

8. Suddenly, it's 2 a.m. and you have only written three sentences and your paper is due in the morning.

9. You've made it to Friday... somehow.

10. Then Sunday hits and you find yourself back at the Lib.

11. So you cry some more.

12. But, you fight through the tears to get everything done because you're determined.

13. In the end, you feel on top of the world because you made it through the last week of class alive.

14. But, now it's finals week so good luck.

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