It’s finally here, the day you move down to Norman to start your college career. You have just about everything you could possibly need. Your room is set up just the way you want it, your parents are finally gone and you’re officially on your own, sort of. But even with all the stories and advice from your family and friends, you realize that you still have absolutely no idea what to expect in your first week on campus. But never fear, here are just a few tips to help you make it through your first week as a Sooner.
The first and most important thing is to make friends early. Nothing is worse than being lonely. Luckily for you, there are a thousand other freshmen looking to do the same thing, so seek them out. Class is the easiest way to meet people. Whether it’s the guy sitting next to you or the girl in the front row, you automatically have something in common with these people, so it will work to your advantage when trying to start conversation. Another way is through campus involvement, which I mention later. It’s the same general concept, but in a much more informal and laid back setting. There are a ton of opportunities to get involved on campus, so take your pick and let the friendfest begin.
No one wants to be those stragglers who show up to their first class late because they couldn’t find the room. Take an afternoon to find out where your classes are and try to find the best routes to each one. Most of the time, you’ll only have about 10 minutes to get from one class to the next. Trust me, there’s nothing worse than having to walk from Gaylord Hall to Catlett Hall, but it is definitely doable if you take the fastest way possible.
Next, decide whether you want to participate in rush. Many students have had some contact with rush chairs and have been to summer rush events, but that doesn’t mean you can’t go through. Rush typically starts on the second week of school, so you have some time to decide. Even if you don’t join a fraternity or sorority, it is a great way to meet people that could possibly get you involved in other student groups. The main point if this tip is involvement. No matter what else you do in college, it’s important to get involved early. It’s a great way to make friends and start building your résumé.
As a college student, you’ll realize how much free time you have. Most classes only meet two to three times a week with the exception of introductory-level foreign language classes. Time management is a big part of making sure you have a good freshman year, and it’s important to set these habits early. Set time aside to study, party, go to the gym, etc. This will prove very helpful later.
Food is good, but free food is better. Many student groups will have free food at their events and meetings. Even if you aren’t a member of a group, that doesn’t mean you can’t stop by for a free Subway platter or a few Cane’s chicken fingers. Who can resist the allure? Keeping on the subject of food, it’s also a good idea to scope out the local fare. Norman has some amazing restaurants that are really affordable for students.
So that’s it. Just about everything you need to know to survive your first week in Norman. So go out, make some friends, study hard and party even harder.
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kdbp1213 1 year, 9 months ago
free time? what planet are you from, goff? some students have jobs on or off campus, have families to care, do their homework, and actually write their research papers and essays......