GREG WILSON

What I wish I knew when I first arrived on campus

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Posted: 8/7/08

Welcome, class of 2012!

Last year you were the big men and women on campus, but now you're carrying campus maps and living in the residence halls. College is supposed to be the best four years of your life, so why not start living it today? Looking back, here are some things I wish I would have known the first week of school.

Residence halls

You will live, sleep, play and study here, but beware this is nothing like home.

For many students this will be the first time sharing a room with another person, but cherish this experience to the very end. Everyone is in the same situation, so take the opportunity to step outside of your comfort zone and make new friends.

Use all of the resources in your residence hall. Resident assistants can answer questions about housing, help mediate and most importantly give advice on college.

Get along with your roommate! You have to live with this person for the entire year. Don't expect your roommate to be your best friend, but attempt to find something in common with them.

Dining halls

For freshmen, leaving home also means leaving your parent's homemade cooking, but that does not mean options are limited. The University's meal plan is great, but it also has its limitations.

Snelling, open 24 hours a day, means dessert with every meal and all the food you can eat. It sounds great until you realize your clothes don't fit as well anymore.

Don't despair, though, healthy options can be found in the salad bars and fruit options.

Planning a schedule can help students avoid peak times between noon and 1:30. After all, who wants to stand outside of Snelling in 100 degree heat?

Classes

You're here to receive a diploma, and that should be your first priority. Although some will argue the most important part of your education will come outside of the classroom, you won't impress your employer with stories from crazy road trips.

Go to class - even if attendance is not required. Not only will you stay up-to-date with reading and assignments, but you'll be thankful when you can learn in class and not have to cram the night before a test.

If you are struggling, don't give up. Go talk to your professors. They hold office hours for a reason. If a professor sees that you are working and taking initiative, they will be more apt to work with you.

Parents and high school friends

Don't forget about your high school friends, but branch out and meet new people.

Being away from your parents is hard, but that doesn't mean you should go home every weekend to visit. Weekends are some of the best times to make new friends, experience Athens and create memories that will last a lifetime. Set boundaries with your parents, such as only having your parents call a certain number of times a week.

The third pillar of the Arch at the University is moderation, and this tenet can be applied to every area of life. It's not always easy to achieve a balance, but it can be done. Breathe. In the end everything will work out.

Don't be afraid to ask upperclassmen for advice, after all, we were once in your shoes.

- Greg Wilson is a news writer for The Red & Black.