15 Tips For the College Freshman

By Natalie Wheeler

Dear Freshman me,

I can’t rewind time to my crazy eighteen year old self, but I can advise other new colleagues to listen up, and follow these 15 tips for a successful four years at the University of Oregon.

1. I’m just going to be honest with you right now. The rumor about the “Freshman Fifteen” is so true! If your living in the dorms then it can be hard to resist the wide array of yummy options, but just beware that most of this food is bad for your health. And, for those of you on your own for the first time it can be tempting to eat out after a long day of school, but don’t make it a habit. Buy food from the grocery store and learn to cook… you will thank yourself later.
2. Okay so you’ve gained the “Freshman Fifteen” and now you want to lose weight. My best advice is to eat breakfast, lunch, dinner and ALWAYS bring snacks to campus. An empty stomach in class will make time go by so much slower, and we all know we’re waiting for class to fly by…haha just kidding, maybe. But seriously, your brain is focused on food over education. Almonds or dried fruit are great protein and packed with vitamins to keep you going.
3. JUST DO IT. Even if your not an athlete, take advantage of the countless opportunities to get exercise. The Recreation Center is part of your tuition, so no more excuses! While it may seem intimidating at first, don’t let the secluded sides fool you. That’s right, for some reason all the girls do cardio and the boys lift weights. Ladies, the weight room may be packed with a bunch of guys puffing out their chest, but don’t let this discourage you from getting your strength on.
4. Bike. Bike. Bike. How did I just discover this my senior year? Eugene is a cyclers paradise and you will accomplish so much more on wheels.
5. Have a car already? Fuck it. I mean, you don’t really need one, so don’t let those gaudy kids fool you. You’re probably just going to get a DUI in it, and even worse, it’s bad for the environment.
6. Don’t be afraid of coffee or tea. College can be hard, and often the students who appear the most successful are avid Starbucks heads.
7. Drink water. Whether your hungover from drinking way more than your liver can handle, or getting ready for the final of your life, water is your best friend. Remember that.
8. Don’t buy textbooks, find them at the library. If they don’t have them at the Knight Library then check out the Eugene Public Library. Still not finding it? Try online. Facebook also has a Textbook exchange page exclusively for UO students.
9. We all have those friends that are magically gifted and can pass every test, but if your normal and have a life outside of school, it can sometimes be hard to prepare for success. My best advice is to start in advance and always study everything on the review. I have had countless late nights cramming at the Knight Library, and it is so not worth it! Time management is key, and is often learned overtime.
10. Consider the opportunity cost when skipping class. Some people think NEVER missing a class will get them an A, but this is totally false. Teachers care about the quality of your work, so if it means skipping a class to study for an exam then go for it. Just make sure to check follow the attendance policy, and don’t hesitate to take the few absences Professors do allow.
11. When you first turn 21, it can be hard to accept that only a few drinks at the bar can get you faded. Especially when your pre gaming so hard. So, drink lots of water, pre game lightly, and avoid being THAT person. And don’t forget, have fun!
12. Take advantage of every opportunity to get involved on and around campus, just don’t over do it. Participating in activities and clubs can be a great way to gain work experience and meet friends, but make sure you have enough time to put your best in every group you join.
13. Participate in class. I know…scary! You don’t want to be that “person” who knows stuff! Seriously though, there are only four years to stand out and have your voice heard.
14. Talk to your Professors, but make sure you have a plan. Higher ups love to stress the importance of networking, but it can be really intimidating if you don’t have questions prepared and know what you want to share.
15. Sleep. Need I say more?

Well there you have it: 15 tips from a senior herself. They may sound basic, but these are harder to implement then to read. Good luck out there students. Stay safe and stay smart!

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