Top dog, head honcho, the big cheese, senior. All of these guys and girls know exactly what they’re talking about after three years of experience. How should you prepare for your freshman year? They’re here to help!
“Look for Facebook groups for newly admitted members of your class, and see if there are discussions about roommate searches. Consider finding a good roommate that has similar interests and living habits as you. Sometimes it can be safer than the random option.” The Internet isn’t just good for Facebook, though. “Find out what your books are early so you can order them off eBay or Amazon for cheaper prices. I've saved hundreds on textbooks from buying them through those sources early, so it's really worth it to be proactive. Look online for checklists of things you should bring to college. Sometimes there are important things that you might forget (for example, I forgot an umbrella, leading to a terrible walk to class on the first day it rained!).”
— J.P. ‘The Rocket Scientist’ Munks, Aerospace Engineering, University of Virginia
“Get ready to be outgoing and meet a lot of people. People will remember that girl who walked up to them and introduced herself.” You will also need to “keep an open mind about everything. Don’t rely on a website to judge your roommate, professors or dorm.” In other words, don’t just judge the book by its cover; take the time to read every page.
— Laura ‘The World-Changer’ Levitt, Broadcast Journalism, Elon University
“Know the campus. There is nothing more embarrassing than getting lost looking for a class or a dining hall. If you know where the buildings are, it makes your life much easier, and you also don’t want to be that freshman walking around with the big map. Know the resources. No matterhow much you prepare you will have some kind of issue. For me it was getting sick and losing my voice during orientation. Get to know who to talk to when you need help with something because you will need help”; everybody does.
— Andy ‘The Economist’ Marmer, Economics, Vassar College
“Know the weather of where you are going to school. Then you can coordinate when to bring heavy jackets, boots, etc. if you need them (like I do).” You also want to make sure to buy earplugs. “You may not need them but in the off chance that you do, you will be happy you have them. Also, make sure you tell someone when you put them in so you don't sleep through three fire alarms (they were all pranks, but still).”
— Laura ‘The Ivy-Leaguer’ Morrison, Human Biology, Health and Society, Cornell University
“Don’t be afraid to make a friend to learn your way around campus or to ask your advisors and teachers questions.” Every new student feels the same way you do and professors know that this is all new to you, so simply learn to ask; you’ll get results. Also, “work on time management” skills. You only have yourself to rely on when it comes to finishing a project, studying or handing in a paper.
— Destiny ‘The Athlete’ Jacobs, Business & History, Stony Brook University
