Sound Advice for Freshmen

The best thing about college? You will make some amazing friends. The worst? There will be more all-nighters than you dreamed possible. There are funny things: The adorably eccentric man in front of Chipotle will sing if you’re nice to him. And there are some sad things: You will miss your friends and your home more than you think.

As my freshman year wraps up at the University of Cincinnati, it’s hard to believe how much has changed in my life. Being the oldest in a family that lives in a suburb of Toledo, Ohio, I knew little about UC and even less about college life in general. There was no one to tell me where to get the best Indian food (Krishna’s Carryout is now a weekly addition to my diet) or how to save on textbooks (Sell, sell, sell!). I’m not really the kind of person to jump into things head first without some serious planning and research (thanks for that, Dad), so I really wish I could have had some honest, candid advice about college.

And I’m not talking about the cheesy orientation bit (I swear, that skit about “real college life” has scarred me for life – and not in a good way). The holier-than-thou, “I don’t need to drink to have fun,” “Professors are your friends” advice that is far too reminiscent of an after-school special and totally off track.

Your freshman year will be tumultuous and hectic, stressful and exhilarating. But, hopefully, these words of wisdom will help make it a little easier to transition from high school to the big kid world. For those of you who don’t know the difference between Stadium View and Swift Hall, this one’s for you.

Everything is different here.

“Be willing to adapt to change – it’s inevitable,” said Stacie Fancher, a first-year pre-nursing student.  From what you’ll eat to what you’ll do in your spare time, it’s incredible how different things are from high school. Last year, I was used to being with a certain group of people, having a certain routine. I knew what to expect most days and that was comfortable for me. This year, I was thrown for a loop. I didn’t know anyone in my classes, my professors were total strangers and I got lost daily. But I learned to adapt. I started registering for classes with a friend and checked out professors on ratemyprofessor.com (I still get lost though. Oh, the tragedy of being directionally challenged!).

We’re all in the same boat.

Sure, you’re terrified and feel like a fish out of water. But the good news is, so does everyone else. The first several weeks are going to be a tough time for most people – getting used to living with three strangers and no one to do your laundry is awkward at best. But everyone is going through the exact same thing, and the good news is, those first weeks will not determine your entire college experience.

“You don’t have to settle for the first friends you found,” said Tricia Monnin, a third-year communication sciences and disorders student. “Continue meeting new people throughout the entire year for the chance at making some of the deepest bonds you’ll ever experience.”

Food = Friends

Surprisingly, some of the best times you’ll have will be spent in the dining halls. It’s probably one of the best places for getting to know people in a comfortable setting.

“Eating is the best way to bond,” said JR Bales, a first-year business administration student. “Eat with your roommates or you will alienate them.” Whether you end up people watching (you’ll see some amazing outfits, I promise) or debating baked potatoes vs. mashed, you’ll have a great time.

And where are the best places to eat? Well, I personally prefer the layout of Center Court, and it is also the more convenient option for those who live in Daniels, Dabney, Turner or Schneider. But all I ever hear from the Siddall and Calhoun gang is how much better MarketPointe is, food-wise. Frankly, I think it’s all the same food, but I wouldn’t want to burst anyone’s bubble.

Beside the two standard dining halls, there’s Stadium View and Market on Main. Stadium View is open from 8 p.m. to midnight most days, and Market on Main stays open until 1 a.m. These are the two best places for satisfying your late-night cravings and munchies. Stadium View offers typical American cuisine like hamburgers, pizza and grilled cheese, and (the best part) takes swipes. Market on Main, on the other hand, supplies microwaveable food and snackables like chips and ice cream.

Whistle while you work.

We all have our favorite study methods. Personally, I try to take frequent breaks or else I end up distracted and off-task. But one thing I have learned this year is that procrastinating will most definitely kick you in the you-know-what later on.

“It takes a lot of self-control and motivation to be a good student,” said Sterling Finkbine, a first-year political science student. “I have to push myself to achieve the maximum goal.”

And yes, some of your classes will be hard. But one of my favorite things about college is the variety of classes one can take. So, while you’re stuck in chemistry or American history, try to round out your schedule with some fun, interesting classes. Maybe take the introduction to forensics or poetry courses: You’ll find these are way more interesting, and as a result, you might just end up enjoying school.

Words of Wisdom

So, what are some of the most important things freshmen before you have learned?

·      “Do not give up!” Finkbine said. “It will be very easy to just turn around and walk away from school, but don’t give up and make sure you get up and go to class.”
·      “Be outgoing and confident in everything you do,” said Caitlin Ferguson, a first-year pre-nursing student.
·      “There are a ton of people in the world and none of them are the same,” Bales said.

As for me, here’s my one bit of wisdom that I hope, above all, you’ll take to heart: Enjoy yourself. You’ve done a lot to get to where you are, and it’s time to have some fun. These are going to be some of the best years of your life. You ready?