We have all been new to this campus at one point. With the amount of steps required to attend class, the seemingly infinite number of clubs to join and over 8,000 kids to possibly befriend, things can be overwhelming.
One of the best things you can do during your first semester at Slippery Rock University is get involved. Join a club, try an organization you have never heard of or go to an event you normally would not attend. You do not have to commit to everything you try. Sometimes you will find something you love, and sometimes you will realize it is not for you. Either way, you are giving yourself an opportunity to meet people and find your place on campus.
When it comes to making friends, put yourself out there. Start a conversation with someone in class. Give someone a compliment. Talk to the person sitting next to you at a club meeting instead of just signing in and leaving. A lot of new students are in the same position and are looking for people to talk to, too.
At the same time, do not feel like you need to force a friendship just because you met someone during your first few weeks. You are allowed to find people you actually click with.
The same goes for roommates. You do not have to become best friends with the person you live with. Some roommates become inseparable, while others simply learn how to live together comfortably. What matters most is communication. Talk about things like guests, noise, cleaning and personal space before small problems turn into bigger ones.
You should also give yourself time to figure out how you work best academically. Some people swear by studying in the library, while others need a quiet corner somewhere else on campus. The third floor of the Smith Student Center is one underrated option for getting work done or grabbing coffee with a friend. East Lake is another good place to step away for a little bit when you need a break.
When it comes to studying, try different things until you find what actually works for you. Writing information down, using active recall or planning out your week can make a big difference. Time blocking your calendar can also help you see everything you have coming up, from assignments and exams to work shifts, meals and time to relax.
Most importantly, remember that college is not supposed to be all work. Take care of yourself. Get some coffee. Grab a cookie from Rocky’s. Go sit by the lake. Take a nap. Give yourself permission to have fun without feeling guilty about it.
There is no perfect way to experience your first year at SRU. You will probably make mistakes, change your routine and meet people you never expected to meet. That is part of the experience.
So get involved, talk to people, take care of yourself and give yourself some time to adjust. You do not have to figure out your entire college experience in your first few weeks.
And, for the love of God, do not eat the Boozel fish.
