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Advice for Freshmen: Part 2

Classes have begun in Roadrunner Nation. While everyone is settling into the routine of a new school year, our orientation leaders had a little more advice for freshmen.

1. Make informed choices

Make informed choices! If you don't know enough about a topic such as books, financial aid, or registration, ask someone. There are tons of resources on campus and friendly people eager to help. – Marlen

2. Speak to faculty and staff

Don't be afraid to make connections with the professionals on campus. Make yourself known to your professors. They are there to help and are also super understanding and willing to work with you if you put in the effort. Ask the librarians questions; they have so much knowledge and are extremely nice. Make a friend in the enrollment services office; all of them are awesome! The connections you make could be very beneficial to you while you are here and when you graduate. – Rachel

3. Enjoy your newly found freedom, but not too much

The best advice that I’ve gotten was don't get too crazy with your freedom. Most of the first year students don't really understand how much free time they will have. So just have an open mind about working on your time management skills! – Peter

4. Learn to manage your time

If I had to give one piece of advice to incoming freshmen it would be to thoroughly manage your time. Time management is crucial in college because deadlines are not usually extended by professors, and your GPA matters. The purpose of college is to find yourself, and proper time management gives you the ability to socialize with your friends, get involved, and gain insight about your future career. – Akeila

5. Ask questions

My advice for new freshmen is to always understand that it's OK to be nervous. Every incoming freshman is going through the same thing. It’s important to just give yourself time to understand everything. It's OK to ask questions that you might feel are a little dumb because someone else might have the exact same question that you have. Don't be afraid to reach out and meet other people because that can really help you get over feeling too nervous. – Chandler

6. Be bold

My one piece of advice would be to find something that scares you or intimidates you and tackle it head on. Sit next to the cute person in class. Go to a random event alone. Email your professor about a low grade. If you can do something that scares you, then you can conquer fear and get outside of your comfort zone. – Diego

7. Make connections

Get to know your professors, and try to make a connection. It makes the class a lot easier to engage in when you are comfortable with speaking with your professor about the content or your grades. Follow the Dalton State Facebook Book Exchange page. This page can be very useful if a student needs help with purchasing books or is looking to save some money. Don't be afraid to ask about activities going on around campus. If there is something that catches your eye and you would like to know more about, let us know. Our campus is full of many caring people who can help you get the information you need. – Jennifer

8. Never give up

The one piece of advice that I can give you is to make a lot of friends, and never give up on the things you love! College is not easy, and it'll take a lot of hard work and dedication. Sometimes you won't get the grades you are hoping for, but that's OK! The important thing is to never quit! If you never quit and give it your all, I can promise you that you will be successful in anything you do. Remember, you don’t have to do this alone; make as many friends as you can. You'll be surprised who you meet, and who knows, they might even change your life! – Jesus "Chuy"

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