The Bulletin’s 3

Freshman Survival Guide

August 20, 2015

Movies portray college all wrong. Big parties get busted, sorority girls can’t drink at their houses and girls don’t walk around in biki-
nis and crop tops all the time. Most importantly, it’s not always easy. However, parties do happen, people do have sex, teachers can
be tough or easy-going, homework piles up and if you’re like a large portion of college students, you might have to work and pay for
everything on your own. Here are some tips to survive the first week, month, semester or even year of college.

Tip #1 Get involved.

Getting involved is what opens doors to not only meeting new people, but mak-
ing lasting connections that can ultimately help you find a job later in life. Your
floormates are a great start, but nothing is better than meeting people with simi-
lar interests that will stick around after you have to leave the confines of your
dorm. If you want to go Greek, check out the sororities and fraternities. Formal
recruitment is happening now and even when it’s over, the chapters offer infor-
mal opportunities to meet members and possibly join. #Hornetlife will have all
the Recognized Student Organizations layed out and explained to help you find
the ones that fit you best. Keep in mind that joining one or two and giving your
all is much better than joining them all and being that slacker member that can
hardly do anything.

Tip #2 Plan your time.

It is possible to have fun and get everything done.
As a freshman, you will have more free time than
you thought, but also not nearly enough. Make
sure to get your homework done early. That way,
you have time to run to McDonald’s at 3 a.m. for
the McGangBang. It’s okay if you don’t, too. Some
of your best work could be a paper you write in
Tip #3 Don’t dive into your major yet. three hours the night before it’s due. Make sure
that you find a system that works, and stick to
it. Also, remember to make time for yourself. Do
An estimated 75 percent of college students change their major, according to the
at least one thing a day that makes you happy,
“Undecided College Student” by V.N. Gordon. Start with some gen eds that work
whether that’s a nap, watching Netflix or hitting
for any major. It’s harder to make up the classes you took for elementary education
the gym. It’s important to take care of your men-
when you decide to be a biology major than it is to take it slow. After you are com-
tal health as much as of your physical health.
mitted to a major, save some of those gen eds or electives for when you’re taking
upper level classes. They’ll provide a nice break from the challenging work.

Tip #4 Take advantage of student fees. Tip #5 Make money!

Morse Hall is home to the Student Wellness Center,
which contains both physical health care and coun-
seling services.
Everyone has to pay them, so it’s impor- If you need a job, start
tant to know what you already pay for looking right away. Ap-
and use it. The Academic Center for Ex- ply everywhere, includ-
cellence and Success is in the library and ing places you don’t
ESU has a free on-campus lawyer. There want to work. Some
is also Career Services, the Student Recre- money is better than
ation Center, the Student Wellness Center, no money. You can al-
counseling services, biofeedback lab, the ways look for a better
Union Activities Council events, as well as job while working the
The Sunflower yearbook and The Bulletin drive-thru. It’s better
that you’re either holding in your hands than not being able to get half price apps with your
or reading online. Athletic events are also friends that have money to spend on anything their
included in the fees everyone pays. All of hearts desire. Also, make sure to call the employer
these are things that are included in stu- to follow up on your application. This is a big step
dent fees. So many of these are forgotten that often gets missed. Be persistent, and check out
by students. If you are already paying for the job listing site on your BuzzIn account. (The Bul-
it, why wouldn’t you want to use it? letin is always hiring writers and photographers!)

Tip #6 Police and Safety rocks.

The on-campus cops will jump start your car, get your trapped keys out and even walk you
home. However, parking tickets are a real thing. They will also give tickets and warnings for
traffic violations on campus, so stop at the stop signs and make sure your lights are working.

Tip #7 Drink Responsibly. Tip #8 Get the ESU Mobile App

Moderation is key. Always have a designated driver, and make sure The ESU Mobile App can help you get to your classes. It has a map
there is a game plan. Avoid any kind of energy drink mixed with of campus, your schedule and includes where your classes meet and
alcohol, it’s guaranteed to ruin your night. Know the signs of alco- when. That’s better than previous years when students had to look up
hol poisoning and be prepared to help someone if they show signs. their schedule and write it down.

Too much alcohol

can cause... Tip #9 Check your options for books.
-mental confusion, Sometimes the Memorial Union Bookstore has the best deals, but that’s not always
the case. Cross search book websites, like Amazon and Chegg, to get the best deals
stupor or coma on books. A little extra cash goes a long way. Renting books saves you cash right
-vomiting away, but if you buy your books and sell them back, you have some end-of-the-
-seizures semester spending money. The only problem with buying rather than selling is
-slow breathing (less that the bookstore doesn’t always buy them back and it’s usually for a fraction
than eight breaths a of the cost. You can also use your .edu email address to get Amazon Student and
minute) save money.
-irregular breathing
(10 seconds or more Tip #10 It’s okay to skip a party.
between breaths)
You will never regret seeing your family on your brother’s birthday, but you will
-Hypothermia regret chugging Barton’s vodka and throwing up on your crush. Your family
won’t always be the way they are right now. Things can change pretty fast. They
Graphic by Amanda Goering will appreciate being able to see you more than you realize. But don’t go home
Information from: http://www.collegedrinkingprevention.gov/otheralcoholinforma- every weekend, either. Make new friends and live a little.
tion/factsaboutalcoholpoisoning.aspx
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