Surviving Freshman Year at ISU

The big move to college life can be intimidating. However, as a freshman (soon to be sophomore), I have a few tips that can help make the transition smoother.
1. Learn to sleep through anything. This is probably the most valuable talent you will ever develop. No matter how much you and your roommate get along, there will be times when they are up until the break of dawn studying for a test when you have an 8 o’clock the next morning. Also, there is a ton of construction going on around ISU. For those of you who aren’t used to a blue-collar work schedule, construction workers start at 6 in the morning. Being able to sleep through the various noises of life is essential for a good night’s sleep.
2. Go to all those freshmen meetings. No, you will probably not learn anything from them. Yes, they are annoying. All the information they tell you, you will quickly forget and just have to look up on iCampus anyway. Although they seem pointless, they are great opportunities to make friends. Go and socialize.
3. Memorize your UID. ISU asks for it on almost every form you have to fill out. Save yourself the hassle of taking out your ID everywhere and just memorize it.
4. Check your iCampus email at least twice a day. It seems needless, but ISU will send you all sorts of interesting emails. Besides, ISU sends school cancellation notifications through iCampus. And while you are checking iCampus twice a day, start checking Facebook at least four times a day and more on the weekends.
5. Go to class. This is probably the most over-used statement that people will tell you. They will tell you that there is a direct correlation between attendance and grades. (More attendance equals better grades). There is truth there, though. Go to class and take good notes. Often, professors will tell you what will be on the test throughout class, and by taking notes the tests are much easier. On the other hand, just telling yourself to go to class doesn’t necessarily make it easy to go. Try making a rule that you will only skip each class once or twice. This will help put skipping in perspective for you.
6. Carry a stapler in your backpack. Most classes require homework to be stapled prior to class starting. There are always kids who forget to staple (and you might forget a couple times, as well), and there are never staplers in the room. Bring a stapler, and you will be prepared and maybe even make a few friends in the process.
7. Lastly, take advantage of the weight room. Do you have any idea how much a gym membership costs? Are you afraid of gaining those “Freshmen 15”? Never fear. The workout centers are totally free. Don’t be afraid to use them.