The first day of college can be extremely terrifying. A rush of changes happens in just one week, the lack of personal space begins, the struggle of who to sit next to on the first day, and is this even the right building are questions that every new freshmen is dealt with. As an incoming freshmen it might seem hard to fit in with new classes, new professors, new campus, new friends, new EVERYTHING! If you are a new freshmen take some time to read a list of advice from previous college students who were in the same situation as you.
And if you are a GVSU Alumni or student get ready to 'bust a move' for incoming freshmen by volunteering to help them move them into their new Allendale homes. Show new students what it means to be a Laker for a Lifetime by providing information, advice, help and a friendly smile. The image header above is a snapshot of the 'Bust a Move' theme and postcard I designed for the Alumni Association at GVSU. Click here to RVSP for August 19th and get more info on how to get involved.
And if you are a GVSU Alumni or student get ready to 'bust a move' for incoming freshmen by volunteering to help them move them into their new Allendale homes. Show new students what it means to be a Laker for a Lifetime by providing information, advice, help and a friendly smile. The image header above is a snapshot of the 'Bust a Move' theme and postcard I designed for the Alumni Association at GVSU. Click here to RVSP for August 19th and get more info on how to get involved.
☞ ☞ ☞ ☞ ☞ ☞ ☞ ☞ | Try everything! Don't be afraid to go out there and do something you've never done. - Graduate of Grand Valley State University in April 2013, 24 years old Step out of your comfort zone. College is a time where you can find out who you are and what you like/don't like. Sit next to someone you don't know in your classes and talk to them. Get to know people that you normally wouldn't hang out with, you would be surprised how many great people you meet that are completely different from you. Don't be afraid to ask where a class or building is at! You would much rather get a "You're a freshman aren't you?" reaction, than just walking around getting lost and be late for your first class. Join clubs and do activities that you've never done before. This makes for a great resume builder and make some connections while you're at it. - Saginaw Valley State University, 20 years old - Talk to as many people as possible, you never know who will become your best friend. - Enjoy your first year, but don't slack off. Those typically easy gen eds will give your GPA a good start if you do well in them. - Time management, time management, time management. Know when to say yes to a night out with friends, but also when you need to crack down on your studies. - Take advantage of the meal plan your parents are most likely paying for. Don't let meals and dollars go unused. - Be friendly with the gym. Even if you aren't the typical gym rat, a little exercise is always good for you, and can offset all those unhealthy dining hall meals. - SERIOUSLY look at your schedule, don't waste time and money on a class you think you need to graduate but actually don't. But also know you're allowed to take a class here and there just for fun. - Be a good roommate. You don't need added drama when you're just starting a new chunk of your life. Use general manners, have some respect and give privacy when needed, things like that. - Grand Valley State University Junior, 20 years old Don't follow what your friends do, and don't be heart broken by how many friends leave you, and school. - Grand Valley State University Junior, 18 years old Try to be as much of yourself as possible. I think it's so easy to lose yourself among so many people when one feels uncomfortable in an unfamiliar place. If you just stick to who you are, no matter what, that should ensure that you will mix with the right people that you are meant to connect with. - Grand Valley State University 5th year, 22 years old Take every opportunity you can. You only have a few years here, so treasure it. Get involved. Meet new people. Study hard. Embrace who you are and be confident in the direction of your future. Don't be afraid to ask questions. And of course, have fun. - Grand Valley State University Junior, 20 years old Get involved in something! Find a group or club that interests you and join. It's the best way to get to know people. Beware the 6-9 class. It's nice only having class once a week, but those classes feel like they go on forever. Think of your classes like a job- if you can schedule them all mostly between 8am and 5pm and use the breaks in between classes for homework and studying, then you can free up your evenings and weekends when you really won't feel like doing those things. Put 100% of your focus toward school 8am - 5pm and give yourself a break outside of that time! - Grand Valley State University Class of '08, 28 years old Knock on doors and introduce yourself, leave doors open when you're there and say hi to everyone who walks by, go around the next night after move in to invite everyone who has a meal plan to eat at one of the campus dining locations, and get lost around campus before school starts! The best way to learn your campus is to get lost and have to find your way back to someplace you know. - Grand Valley State University Graduate, 22 years old |
This group of college alum and currently enrolled students provided great insight and pointers for incoming freshmen. A huge thank you to them for taking the time to write a few words. The journey through college is a wild ride with it comes its ups and downs but these four years will shape you into someone you never knew existed inside. Be Brave. Take Chances. No regret. #CollegeFreshmen