Freshman year can be a scary time. You’re filled with anticipation of what’s to come but also filled with dread at the unknown.
As someone entering their junior year at Marshall University, I have a few tips and tricks I’ve learned along the way.
I am not here to preach to you, though. A lot of these tips you have probably heard before and think they are cliché or overused. However, I am here to let you know things are cliché for a reason.
First and foremost, do not be afraid to get involved. If you take any piece of advice from me, let this be it.
Getting involved on campus is truly what will make your experience here at Marshall meaningful. If joining a sorority or fraternity appeals to you, Marshall has a thriving Greek Life community.
Additionally, most majors have specific clubs that align with your field of study. Get to know people with the same interests as you, and you will have friends and support in your classes.
Other opportunities to get involved include student government, recreational sports teams or any of Marshall’s 200 plus student organizations.
Beyond gaining friendships, clubs are a great way to gain experience and potentially network for your future career. For example, I have had the opportunity to network through organizations such as the Public Relations Student Society of America.
Second, it is crucial to understand that your tuition pays for more than just your courses. What I mean by this is there are a multitude of events and opportunities on campus that are free to students.
For example, most of the Marshall Artists Series events are free to full-time students. Who doesn’t want to see a concert or a Broadway show for free?
Students also get free admission to athletic events such as football and basketball games. In addition, students can work out at the Rec Center for free as long as they are actively taking courses.
Likewise, several businesses provide discounts when presented with your Marshall ID. For example, Roosters in Pullman Square and Rio Grande on Fifth Avenue offer student discounts. Online subscriptions such as Apple Music and Hulu also offer discounted prices.
Next, do not put your health on the backburner: mental and physical. College can be a stressful time due to a combination of adjusting to a new environment and the demands of your course load.
In college, it is easy to let caring for yourself slip when everything else seems so important. Don’t forget to fuel yourself and move your body when you can. Also, I truly believe the movies have romanticized all-nighters. Getting decent sleep makes a world of a difference.
Mental health is just as important. Your first semester, you are going to experience a range of emotions. Find the time to do things that make you feel happy and relaxed. For me, I always try to find time to read and chat with my friends no matter how busy I am.
Feeding your soul is equally significant as acing that test.
Remember, self-care should not be a reward for a job well-done but, instead, a necessity to thrive.
Lastly, do not let your self-doubt get in the way. It can be easy to let your fear and trepidation hold you back—do not let it!
It can be easy or comfortable to sit out on the extra experiences college provides because of your fear of feeling inferior or what others may think of you. I promise, once college is over, the only regret you will have is not “looking stupid,” but rather worrying about what experiences you missed.
Jump headfirst into college life. It may be scary, but scary is fun!
