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15 Things I Learned During My First Semester At FGCU

I learned a lot these past six weeks and the memories I made will last a lifetime. You will be scared at first but it will pass soon!

Ashley Barron

Aug 01, 2019

The Narrative

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@FGCU on Instagram

I learned a lot these past six weeks and the memories I made will last a lifetime. Here are 15 things I learned during my first semester at FGCU!

1. Take advantage of the resources offered.

You truly think that you will not use them but hey, reality check, you do. The resources can help you, A LOT!!! I know it seems like a pain and you may want to do without them but I promise you, using them will truly help you.

2. Introduce yourself to new people.

Do not just find out their name. Find out what their favorite color is, find out what makes them happy. You will truly remember them if you know more about them. DO NOT be afraid to get to know someone on a more personal level. FGCU is so diverse that it is a wonderful opportunity to meet people that you normally would not on a day-to-day basis.

3. Get involved!

FGCU has so many programs and clubs you could get introduced to. Find your home, find where you belong. Go out to the Library Lawn, there is always something going on and it is an extraordinary way to meet new people.

4. Use your time wisely.

I know at orientation they say that the bar will always be there and the test will not. They are right! You worked so hard for this test, studying doing homework, are you really going to waste all of your hard work on one night at the club that will always be there?

5. Walk through campus.

If you have time to burn, whether you are walking from class to class or trying to find the perfect spot to eat lunch, adventure. FGCU is a beautiful campus, there is always a bunch to do and see. What other campus has palm trees, alligators, and nature trails? Not very many.

6. Ask questions!

How will you know if you do not ask? Don't know where something is? Ask. Need help with an assignment? Ask. Want to know more about FGCU and their history? Ask. I can assure you, everyone is there to help and would love to answer your questions.

7. You will miss home-cooked meals.

My friend invited my roomie and me over for a home-cooked meal, Taco Tuesday of course, and I never truly knew how tired I was growing of frozen chicken nuggets until that meal.

8. Always carry an umbrella with you.

Every time I went to Target with my roomie, it poured. Every. Single. Time. Nothing is worse than walking into a freezing building then walking in with water dripping off you. It is Florida, after all, the weather changes all of the time.

9. Call your parents.

You may think you do it enough but trust me, you do not. I would call my mom almost every night just because I made chicken nuggets. I would call her when I got the job I prayed for. I would call her and tell her how class went. And every time, I would tell her I love her.

10. Find your study spot.

Whether it is the fourth floor of Library East, Eagle Hall study lounge, Library Lawn, or even the Cohen Center balcony. Trust me, you will be visiting this spot more than you will ever think.

11. Hammocks are common.

Do not be surprised if you are casually walking to class and there are hammocks hanging in the Library lawn. This is normal.

12. You will use the stress ball!

Maybe not for classes, maybe over a dumb game of Crazy 8. But trust me, you will use it!

13. Your roomies may turn out to be your best friends.

My roomies and I would spend nights playing Cards Against Humanity or games on GamePigeon or just talk. Taco Tuesdays, Pizookie nights, girl talks, and even a shoulder to cry on. Not to mention the nights cooking, those always held the best adventures. I could not have asked for better first roomies!

14. The first semester will fly by.

I felt as if I just started my first semester and now I am packing up my dorm to move out for 9 days.

15. You will find your home away from home.

FGCU has been more than a school to me. It gave me the better days I prayed for. It gave me endless opportunities. I was scared to start classes in the summer but I am beyond glad I did. I truly cannot wait for the next four amazing years of my life. I will be back soon. FGCU and until then, I will be missing my home away from home. Go Eagles!

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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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15 Things I Learned During My First Semester At FGCU

I learned a lot these past six weeks and the memories I made will last a lifetime. You will be scared at first but it will pass soon!

1. Take advantage of the resources offered.

2. Introduce yourself to new people.

3. Get involved!

4. Use your time wisely.

5. Walk through campus.

6. Ask questions!

7. You will miss home-cooked meals.

8. Always carry an umbrella with you.

9. Call your parents.

10. Find your study spot.

11. Hammocks are common.

12. You will use the stress ball!

13. Your roomies may turn out to be your best friends.

14. The first semester will fly by.

15. You will find your home away from home.

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The Best Lines from the Fab Four

And in the end, the love you take is equal to the love you make

The sun is up, the sky is blue, it's beautiful and so are you

Love is old, love is new, love is all, love is you

There's nowhere you can be that isn't where you're meant to be

Life is very short, and there's no time for fussing and fighting, my friend

He say, "I know you, you know me", One thing I can tell you is you got to be free

Oh please, say to me, You'll let me be your man. And please say to me, You'll let me hold your hand

It was twenty years ago today, Sgt. Pepper taught the band to play. They've been going in and out of style, but they're guaranteed to raise a smile

Living is easy with eyes closed, misunderstanding all you see

Can you hear me? When it rains and shine, it's just a state of mind

Little darling, it's been long cold lonely winter. Little darling, it feels like years since it' s been here. Here comes the sun, Here comes the sun, and I say it's alright

We danced through the night and we held each other tight, and before too long I fell in love with her. Now, I'll never dance with another when I saw her standing there

I love you, I love you, I love you, that's all I want to say

You say you want a revolution. Well you know, we all want to change the world

All the lonely people, where do they all come from. All the lonely people, where do they all belong

Oh, I get by with a little help from my friends

Hey Jude, don't make it bad. Take a sad song and make it better

Yesterday, all my troubles seemed so far away. Now it looks as though they're here to stay. Oh, I believe in yesterday

And when the brokenhearted people, living in the world agree, there will be an answer, let it be.

And anytime you feel the pain, Hey Jude, refrain. Don't carry the world upon your shoulders

I'll give you all I got to give if you say you'll love me too. I may not have a lot to give but what I got I'll give to you. I don't care too much for money. Money can't buy me love

All you need is love, love is all you need

Whisper words of wisdom, let it be

Blackbird singing in the dead of night, Take these broken wings and learn to fly. All your life, You were only waiting for this moment to arise

Though I know I'll never lose affection, for people and things that went before. I know I'll often stop and think about them. In my life, I love you more

Obviously the best superpower.

There have been many lessons learned.

1. The importance of traditions.

2. How to be thankful for family and friends.

3. How to give back.

4. What the word "community" really means.

5. That it isn't about the destination, but the journey.

6. The consequences of making bad choices.

7. To trust people, until you have a reason not to.

8. To be welcoming and accepting of everyone.

9. How to be my own, individual person.

10. How to work for what I want.

11. How to be great at giving directions.

12. How to be humble.

13. To be well-rounded.

14. How to be great at conflict resolution.

15. The beauty of getting outside and exploring.

16. To be prepared for anything.

17. That you don't always have to do it alone.

18. How to be creative.

19. To brush off gossip.

I have never been so thankful to know you.

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

Don't freak out

Email the professor

Attend the first class

Keep attending class

Have a backup plan

Remember that everything works out at the end

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