40 tips for incoming students
August 09, 2019
![Student walking in quad.](../../../../_files/img/blog/au-today/40-tips-for-incoming-students.jpg)
We recently asked our Instagram followers to share advice they have for the Class of 2023 as they prepare for their first semester at AU. Here are some of our favorites:
For Resident Students
- Talk with your roommates to coordinate what you all are bringing, like TVs and microwaves.
- You probably don’t need as much “stuff” as you think you do.
- Let your mom unpack and your dad put everything together. They are in a transition too!
- Let your parents hang out on move-in day! It’s a significant day for you and for them.
- Going around and introducing yourself to your floor mates is the fastest way to make new friends.
- Use your leftover meal points at the end of the semester to donate food to a shelter!
For Commuter Students
- Leave with plenty of time to find a parking spot and have walking time!
- Get involved! Just because you don’t live on campus doesn’t mean you still can’t participate!
- Find friends who are commuters and residents to have a great variety of people to hang out with.
- To make friends easier and faster, join clubs and be sure to study in groups after class!
- Try to get involved in stuff early on so that way you’re on campus more.
- Find cozy areas on campus where you can relax and decompress.
- During long breaks utilize the Spot, library, or Dunham Atrium to get work done!
- Bring healthy snacks for in between classes or invest in a meal plan.
- Getting a meal plan is cheaper than buying individual meals on campus every day.
- Don’t be afraid to fully experience all the fun AU has to offer!
In the Classroom
- Be sure to arrive to class early to get a good seat!
- Utilize the smaller environment and make connections with professors and classmates.
- Make an effort to have a meaningful relationship with your professors! It will help you!
- Don’t be afraid of professors who really push you to be an amazing student.
- Learn how to prioritize tasks and manage time, and to try new things, too.
- Take classes outside of your major that interest you. It might turn into a second major!
- Don’t fall behind with homework. It’s extremely important.
- Go to class! It’s not like high school where it’s okay to miss one day. You will be so behind!
- Take the best notes you can and lend them to people who miss class. They’ll return the favor!
- Don’t be afraid to ask for help! Everyone wants you to be successful!
On Campus Involvement
- Get involved in the activities during Welcome Weekend and bond with your peers!
- Get involved with all the fun events going on around campus and in clubs!
- Go to sports games with friends and cheer on your classmates.
- Attend the fun events AU has to offer!
- Volunteer! It helps you build your resume, and gain experience and new friends along the way.
- Join clubs or sports and meet new people!
- Make friends and go to on campus events. Most of all have fun while getting your degree.
About College Life in General
- Be open to new things, be kind to everybody, and experience a little bit of everything.
- Remember that everyone else is nervous, too, so share a smile and start a conversation.
- Don’t be nervous, this is a fresh start for you all. Enjoy it and take time to try new things!
- Be open-minded about other people’s viewpoints.
- Set goals for yourself early on, and go out and make it happen!
- Step out of your comfort zone! You’ll be amazed by how many new things you might like!
- Make your experiences count and utilize all AU has to offer.