Admissions

If you've never visited the campus before, before school starts, take the time to walk around campus, find out where buildings are, find your classrooms, the union, the library, etc. so you won't get lost on your way to class. Don't go home every weekend- it will help the transition go smoother. Make an effort to get out there and meet people. Talk with your adviser if you have any questions/concerns about your schedule, life on campus, etc. Read the Collegian and the Fourum everyday!

Do your research on where you want to live. Lots of students get into the Greek life and end up regretting it. It isn't as good as they tell you (from a first hand experience). Look into dorm opportunties if you want to meet new people and stay away from the greek life. It is not good for your academics (which is what your going to college for). There is plenty of partying elsewhere trust me :).

Get involved! Meeting new people is part of the college experience and it also helps to make connections for a future job down the road.
Also, stay in the Dorms at least one year. Everyone there is usually new and wanting to make friends. The Dorms also have several activities to do.

I highly recommend living in a Residence Hall for at least your first year because there are plenty of resources that are offered in them that you cannot get elsewhere. Also make use of the services that are on campus; they will help you if you need it. Keep a good relationship with your advisor, not only so that they can help you in your college experience, but also because they may write your letter of recommendation when you apply to Graduate school. And lastly get involved with campus activities. The activities you did in high school will only stay on your resume until after you become a sophomore so do as much as you are able to on campus; not only will it help boost your resume but it is also a great way to meet people and get involved with the campus community.

Even though a parking pass may be somewhat expensive, if you live farther from campus it may be worth purchasing it. If living in the dorms are not to your liking, there are many affordable apartments and subleasers within walking distance to campus.

Make sure you study hard and comprehend the material, this is not high school I repeat, THIS IS NOTHING LIKE HIGH SCHOOL! You will need to study and pull those all nighters so suck it up. when you get here know what your getting into and ask yourself how bad you want it and how hard do you need to work to obtain it, so set goals and achieve them.

Come in open-minded and expecting to meet new people. Do as many activities as possible and then decide which ones you actually want to stick with. Also, make sure you get out of your comfort zone because that's usually where the best experiences happen.

Don't worry right away about what you're going to major in. Have an idea of what you would like to do and maybe take an introductory class in that subject but don't get completely stuck on that major unless its been your dream since you were 5 because your values, passions, and interests will probably change a little in college.

Get involved! There are so many clubs and activities to become involved in and even though it's a big school you can see a ton of people you know by just walking to class if you join a few clubs.

Riding a bike to class will get you there faster, but in order to avoid hitting a million pedestrians stay on the larger sidewalks and leave 5 minutes earlier. And be very, very aware of cars around you.

If you are going to go to formal recruitment for the sororities make sure to get references from alumni of all the houses you can because sometimes it really factors in to what you end up with. And don't bother rushing if your GPA is extremely low.

Keep working hard in school, but also focus on extra-curricular activities. They can be a lot of fun, and colleges like to see well rounded students.

Don't procrastinate and stay on top of deadlines! Get your scholarship application in and your general application in quickly and don't forget to do your fafsa!