Before you move onto campus in about a month, think about what you want out of your Ohio State experience and let these bits of wisdom help you create an amazing first year.
1. Never let Facebook be the ultimate judge of someone’s character | Do not believe everything you see. Just because someone lives (or posts) differently than you does not mean he or she will be a bad person.
2. Sleep is so, so good | It’s important to take care of yourself. All-nighters will not help you pass an exam because in reality, the majority of the time you will be too tired to think straight.
3. Focus on being a good roommate, not a best friend | Concern yourself with being a considerate roommate and don’t expect to be his or her best friend. You can still be good roommates and have a great living experience together if you’re simply respectful and courteous.
4. Communicate | With roommates this is especially important. Nothing will ever get resolved unless you have honest and open discussions.
5. Get to know your professors | They are here to help you learn and grow. Talk to them and ask for help.
6. Don’t do laundry on Sunday night | Try selecting a different day and time when more machines are available.
7. Bring an umbrella.
8. Ask for help | There are so many people at Ohio State that want to make your experience amazing. Help is available, just ask!
9. Be yourself! | Why be someone else when you can be you?
10. Surround yourself with great people that will push you to your best, celebrate you, and pick you up when you are down.
11. Call home.
12. Wash your bedding/sheets and blankets.
13. Meet new people | People want to make friends but are often too scared to make the effort.
14. Keep your Facebook appropriate | It’s the world wide web, y’all.
15. Don’t leave your belongings unattended | They may not be there when you return.
16. Let yourself be a first year student | Your first year of college will be amazing and full of fun programs, just for you.
17. Take pictures.
18. Be smart with money | Create a plan and stick to it! The Wellness Center in the RPAC can help you!
19. Stay healthy | Watch what you eat and go to the gym (great stress relief, too!).
20. Reflect daily | Make sure you are making an effort to stay on track with physical, mental and emotional health. Do not let a breakdown be your first indicator.
21. Do not let stereotypes decide your feelings about people | People will surprise you in both good ways and bad.
22. Take time to be alone | You will need the time to decompress and chill.
23. It is okay to go to a dining hall and eat alone.
24. Cheer for the Buckeyes | Whether in athletics, residence halls, or our classes – be there to support your team and your entire community. We are all in this together.
25. Check your syllabi | Keep track of your assignments because your professors will not always remind you about them.
26. Get an agenda/planner/calendar | It will help you keep track of your life and help you manage your time.
27. Be silly | Get out there and be awesome! Order pancakes, chicken fingers, and a milkshake at Sloopy’s every so often, talk to the people in your class, and dance like there is no tomorrow!
28. “Don’t be scared to walk alone, don’t be scared to like it” | This lovely lyric from John Mayer speaks volumes. You are more independent at college and have the opportunity to do what makes you happy and study what interests you. Be your own person and don’t be afraid of the changes you will make in your life (for the better of course).
29. You decide your experience | Make wise choices and be all that you want to be. Don’t wait for something amazing to happen to you, go make it happen yourself.
Stay tuned for July 14 when Brandon will write about 31 Ways Your First Year is Like Your Favorite Flavor of Ice Cream!