Enjoy these great tips from one of our student workers! Ah, the new semester is here. You have no clean clothes, a low bank account, a messed up sleep schedule, but at least you had a good summer! Tell that to yourself as you wake up for your Monday morning 8 am. In order to make the most of your semester, there are some things you must get squared away, so here’s a list of the top 10 things to do the first week of school.
- Drive Time
If you are just now joining us as a freshman, then you probably do not know about the train yet, but my little fish…you are soon to learn of her glory in full force. Sure, there is nothing more exciting than the train screaming on the tracks in the middle of a FTA (that’s Fighting Texas Aggie for those of you unversed) baseball game, but you will think differently when the train decides to derail your left turn to Lot 100 at 7:53. College Station traffic is truthfully a little crazy; so it’s important to allow yourself enough time to get from point A, to point B.
- Invest in a planner
I promise people will not think you are a nerd. Investing in a planner will be one of the smartest things you do so long as you use it. Believe it or not, life as a college student is unbelievably hectic and if you are the least bit scatter-brained like me, writing down what needs to be done not only makes you feel better in knowing that you helped the future you out (go you), but you will seriously think yourself when you go back a few days later and see an assignment that’s due that day at 5 pm that you had already forgotten about.
Plan to succeed and you will be successful. - Make Connections
Making friends is so beneficial. Not only do you have a buddy in your class who can help you out on the morning after you had stayed up too late, but also you have just that, a buddy. In a town this big with a campus packed to the brim with students, it is still easy to feel lonely. For the first week of school, be sure to make those necessary connections, who knows- they may be feeling the same way you are and there lies the potential to gain a lifelong friend.
- Go to class
Let’s be real…we all know what they say about syllabus week. Although the course work intensity may not be there, the opportunity to dig your heels in is. Also, there is the fact that you are paying a heavy dime for your spot in that lecture hall. Not only do you have the opportunity to get to know the course before things get western, the professor has the opportunity to dial in on you as well and I cannot tell you
how beneficial this is. Going to class may seem like the death of you as you crawl into your 8am, but I promise you, you will soon be awake and reaping all of the benefits.
- Ask questions
I totally understand not wanting to be the kid with the questions, but at least you will not be the kid that has no idea what is going on. Odds are, someone else has the same question also, so ask that question, and it may benefit all. Whether it be “Is there extra credit?” or “What am I doing with my life?” ask it. You will be glad you did.
- Use your resources
Using your resources can extend far beyond from using the allotted dollar amount of printing paper locked into your tuition! There are many resources from the Student Rec Center, THE CAREER CENTER, to Student Counseling Services…use them. These resources are here for you and you have already paid for them, so use them!
- Learn that you are not alone
The first week of class is so exciting in all aspects, but it can also be entirely overwhelming. When people talk about the 12
th man, it is no joke. You attend the greatest campus on earth and there will always be someone there for you, no matter what. It can be intimidating being in an environment like Texas A&M, but our student body is so kind and so diverse, whether you realize it or not, you do belong.
- Figure out your food situation
If you are anything like me, you look forward to getting to eat dinner; it is literally my favorite time of the day. Being on your own has a lot of perks, including eating FroYo for dinner if you so please simply because you can. Beware though, Whataburger 3 times a day is not only a little unhealthy, but it can really take a toll on your bank account. A little self control and a little meal planning will make life that much easier.
- Organize your life
How am I supposed to organize my life in a single week? Life as a college student once more, is hectic and there is no denying that. One thing to do though, is introduce a little bit of organization into your life. Whether it be using that beautiful planner, delegating a laundry day, or setting aside a time slot during the day for Netflix, organizing your time and life in a such a way that allows you to function, makes all the difference.
- Submerge yourself
I saved my favorite for last and I believe it is probably one of the most important too. By submerging yourself in everything that not only College Station or Texas A&M has to offer, but also this point in your life has to offer, you will truly make some of your favorite memories. I had the hardest time just letting go because of my insecurity and shyness, but once I did, I allowed myself to be the best me, and submerge myself into a world of experience, and happiness.
It may seem scary and overwhelming at first, but college really is awesome. In order to make the most of your college experience, it really is important to have somewhat of a game plan. I am no expert, but I have been around the block once or twice and as a fellow student, these are just a few of the things that I have found to be helpful. Have a great first week of school, go to class, make memories, but most importantly…BTHO Fall 2017 and Gig’em!
