10 Survival Tips For The New Buckeye

Image from Google via ordinary-gentlemen.com

It’s the time of year again to grab those backpacks that have been sitting in the back of your closet all summer and head back to school, except this time you’re not saying goodbye to mom and dad when you walk out the front door! For all of you new freshmen, this may seem strange and exciting, and you’re probably feeling a whole lot of mixed emotions diving head first into this strange place called college. Even though you’re back at the bottom of the food chain as “fresh-meat,” it’s not the same as when you first started out in high school. Although the collection of upperclassmen can’t resist but to yell “FRESHMEN!” at you, it can, and should be, easily ignored. Trust me, we’ve all been there and done that at one point in our college days– you’ll be able to do the same soon enough. Coming back as a sophomore, I’ve realized how much has changed since I first started last year as a new student. However, I’ve come to see that my experiences from last year have led me to where I am now. So, here’s to you, freshmen, with ten tips to getting around this crazy, huge campus:

1. Download the Ohio State app for the iPhone and Android.

I have used this since I first started out and it has been a lifesaver! You can access anything from your grades, schedule, and even your BuckID account balance and meal blocks in the palm of your hands. It also features an interactive bus map, providing the location of all the campus bus stops, times of each bus destination, and an updated map as to where the bus is currently located. My favorite feature of the app is the school map of the entire campus. Looking up classroom buildings on your phone is much more convenient than carrying around an actual map.

2. Get involved!

You have all probably heard this one a million times, but it’s true! Going to a big school such as OSU has its benefits, including the numerous opportunities and resources you have in front of you. Join a club, volunteer, or rush Greek life! Whatever your passion may be, you’ll also get a chance to meet new people that share that same passion with you. With over 600 student organizations, it shouldn’t be too difficult to find something that interests you.

3. Don’t stress about your major.

For those of you who have had their dream career set in mind since grade school, good for you! For those of you who have no idea what they want to do in life, that’s perfectly fine! College is a completely new experience in your life and you still have four years ahead of you, so take advantage of all of the opportunities around you. Explore all the random classes OSU has to offer. You never know, you may end up liking a class or major that you never thought you would.

4. Invest in a planner.

With a completely new and hectic class schedule, it can be difficult trying to keep up with dates and deadlines for each one. Although you may have taken the same amount of classes in high school, every class has different dates for projects, midterms, and finals. Buy a planner, whiteboard calendar, or even a planner app on your iPhone so you don’t get lost in the middle of the semester.

5. Get your studying done early.

We all know you had senioritis last year. Hell, I had senioritis starting my freshman year of high school! But sadly, college studying is different. There are more hours and definitely more work you have to put into your classes. Find your perfect study spot– whether it be the library, the RPAC, or out on the Oval, and get your homework done early so you can keep your nights free.

6. Don’t carry a lot when you go out at night.

In high school, it was easy for you to put your purse and goodies in your friends’ rooms or leave them in your car for safekeeping. In college, most of you probably don’t know any upperclassmen personally, and none of you have a car on campus, especially to drive you to parties. So attention ladies: invest in a small cross body bag as it will be your new best friend at night. It’s easy to carry around and you won’t have to worry about it being lost if you never take it off. The main, and only, essentials you will need are your BuckID, real ID, room keys, chapstick, gum, and cash. Always carry at least $20 with you. Trust me, especially you girls, a cab ride will save your feet from a lot of unnecessary pain.

7. Take a run and watch your portions.

The Freshman 15 may be one of a college student’s worst nightmares. Although this campus is large, walking around doesn’t suffice for all the food you will be consuming thanks to meal blocks. Watch your portions (as a mini pizza can have up to 700 calories!) and go easy on the sides. Also, find some time away from studying and get moving with either running, swimming, or taking a Zumba class! Plus, working out is a great de-stressor.

8. Keep your doors open.

I’m sure you all love your new roommate(s), but don’t forget that there are other people living on your floor too! Opening up my old dorm room led me to meeting some of my best friends in college who I’ve spent time with at concerts, the movies and even the zoo! Some have even taken me to their hometowns for holidays and long weekends. So visit other rooms and introduce yourself to other people. Not to mention, you’ll have a chance to meet their friends who may become your friends as well.

9. Call your parents once in a while.

I know that living on your own may be an exciting time and the freedom of no rules is liberating, but your parents may be a little more worried than you are. Give your old folks a call every once in a while just to say hi, tell them about your day, or just to tell them that you’re still alive! They will appreciate the call more than you think.

10. Have fun!

College is all about experiences, so live out every moment. This is the time you will grow as a person and learn things about yourself you didn’t know before. Of course, academics are still important, but the memories you will make outside of the classroom with new people and new opportunities will be some of the best memories you will have. Make the most out of your college experience and appreciate all of the little things. So, welcome to your new home, and GO BUCKS!