Month: September 2014

Your Week in First Year Success: October 6-10

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While each Ohio State student has his or her own unique experience, there are aspects of that experience which are very common for many students at this point in the semester. This week, I will highlight some First Year Success Series sessions which may be applicable to many first-year students at this point in the semester.

Situation #1: “Oh no! I forgot to sign up to go to the Jeannette Walls talk for the Buckeye Book Community!”

No worries! There are several Buckeye Book Community sessions still available. A fun option is the “Buckeye Book Club Express at CCS Recess!” Counseling and Consultation Service is hosting Recess to help you reconnect with your childhood and explore the positive impact play can have on your life. Part of this event will include a chance for you to creatively reflect on the themes of The Glass Castle.

Buckeye Book Club Express at CCS Recess!
Theme: Buckeye Book Community
October 9, 11 a.m.-3 p.m.

Situation #2: “I’m really missing home and the friends and family I left behind.”

You are not the only one. Homesickness is an extremely common issue for college students which many people have written about. To successfully handle the stress of homesickness, you should address it so that you can stay connected to your home while enjoying your new surroundings at Ohio State. There is a First Year Success Series session for you to do just that!

Homesickness
Theme: Health and Wellness
October 10, 3-4 p.m.

Situation #3: “I took my first test and it was horrible! I couldn’t focus/breathe/remember what I studied.”

You may have test anxiety. Many students who are incredibly intelligent struggle when put in a testing situation. The “Test Anxiety” session can help you identify what stresses you out about test-taking and help you create strategies to help you succeed on exam day!

Test Anxiety
Theme: Academic Engagement and Career Exploration
October 8, 3-3:50 p.m.

Situation #4: “I want to learn about the technologies that will make me stand out and be a digital learner.”

In college, learning is not confined to the classroom. More often, learning is happening online through multiple platforms. By teaching yourself to be a digital learner, you will gain an additional advantage in the classroom.

Being a Digital First Buckeye
Theme: Academic Engagement and Career Exploration
October 7, 8-9 a.m.

Scenario #5: “I am an international student and I’m trying to become more aware of U.S. laws and policies.”

Coming to study in the U.S. contains additional challenges for many first-year international students. In addition to adjusting to life in college, you must adjust to a whole new culture with its own laws and rules. Come learn what laws and policies that international students should know to be successful.

International Students & U.S. Laws
Theme: Finances
October 7, 3:30-4:30 p.m.

It is common for first-year students to continue to experience new issues throughout the first semester of college. Don’t be afraid to seek help whenever you realize you need it. Sign up now for your First Year Success Series sessions at www.go.osu.edu/FYSS before they fill up!

13 Apps you NEED for College!

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Walk into many college classroom, and what do you see? Other than paper, pencils, or textbooks, today’s lecture halls are filled with a large assortment of smart phones, tablets, and laptops. There’s the student with the Macbook on Pinterest, or the one texting on his Samsung Galaxy, or the group in the back huddled around an Asus tablet watching highlights from last night’s game.

Let’s face it: gadgets we may have purchased with graduation money to help with our “studies” may now be doing more evil than good; however, it is possible to transform your “iLikeToProcrastinate” 5s into your own personal assistant with these must-have apps for college students.

1. IStudiez

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Let this app revolutionize the way you stay organized! This virtual planner, compatible with any Mac device, iCal and Cloud, will keep track of your assignments, deadlines, and even grades! Just plug in your class times. This app is $2.99 for iOS, but has a free light version.

2. StudyBlue

Sick of carrying that huge stack of notecards with you all over campus? Study Blue allows you to create thousands of cards, using not only words, but photos and audio as well! You can even borrow set of already-made cards from a friend! Free for iOS and Android.

3. Evernote

This app is the best of the best for note taking in class. Amp up your class notes by adding pictures, videos, audio and embedded URL’s! The features on this app are endless, and sure to please those who obsess over “pretty notes.” Free for iOS and Android.

4. Studious

Not only does this app help you organize class times, deadlines and exam days, but it also acts as your personal back up! No need to worry if you put your phone on silent when you walked into class, Studious will automatically silence it according to when you set your class times! Free for Android.

5. Self Control

When you’re faced with writing that final paper, everything else on the planet suddenly becomes more interesting. Kill procrastination with Self Control, the app that temporarily adds websites you select to a “blacklist” that prevents you from viewing them for however long you decide! BuzzFeed won’t win this time…(free for Mac OS X)

6. EasyBib

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The website many of us cherished in high school has come to save us again with this easy to use app! Simply scan the barcode of the book, or enter the title, and EasyBib will input the necessary information! Yes, EasyBib really did just get easier. Free for iOS and Android.

7. Chegg

No need to break the bank this semester (or any for that matter); let Chegg help you find the best deals on textbook rentals! Just type in a title or ISBN number, and if Chegg has it, you’re ready to order! Free for iOS and Android.

8. IFTTT

IFTTT, also known as “If This Then That,” is literally your virtual assistant. Want to receive a text when the temperature drops below 32 degrees? Want all photos tagged of you on Facebook to transfer to your phone album? This app has plenty of these “recipes” to choose from, or you can create your own! Free for iOS and Android.

9. Sleep If You Can

Some of us need a little more help than others when it comes to getting out of bed in the morning. For all you snooze button enthusiasts, this app can make sure you actually get to your 8 a.m. class on time. In order to dismiss the alarm, you must take a picture of something (like you bathroom sink). This gets you out of bed, and on your way! $1.99 for iOS and free for Android.

10. Circle of Six

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Staying with a group when going out for the evening is always the safest route. However, it’s possible to be separated, and if you do, you need to stay protected. Circle of 6 allows you to pick 6 friends to whom you can ask to pick you up (it gives them a GPS location), to call and create an interruption for you, and much more! Free for iOS and Android.

11. Mint

Trying to create a budget, let alone stick with it, can be a monumental task for college students. Mint is an app that syncs all of your checking accounts, savings accounts, and credit cards to one place so you can monitor your spending! Create spending limits for food, clothes, or utilities and categorize every expense with one of their many tags! Secured with bank-level security. Free for iOS and Android.

12. Venmo

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Always messing around with cash to try and pay back this friend for a pizza, or your roommate for the cable bill? Simplify your life with Venmo. This app also syncs with your bank account, and allows you to digitally transfer funds to others, regardless of the bank they use! Also secured with bank level security. Free for iOS and Android.

13. My Fitness Pal

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Being fit has never been so easy with My Fitness Pal! Simply input your weight and height, how much weight you would like to lose, if any, and start tracking! Healthy eating is a breeze with the barcode scan feature, which allows you to easily count calories during the day! You can also input exercise, weight updates, and much more! Free for iOS and Android.

Your Week in First Year Success: September 29-October 3

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By now you probably recognize that the First Year Success Series features many sessions which address common first-year student issues. The First Year Success Series also offers many opportunities to learn about and explore topics you may never have thought about before. These sessions may touch on ways to get involved in the community, new ways of thinking about things, or common issues that aren’t often discussed. College is a time when we hope you take advantage of branching out to learn something new, so one of these sessions may be a great way for you to do that!

The Events and Violence Prevention at OSU
Theme: Diversity and Global Awareness
October 1, 7:30-10 p.m.

What is unique about this session? One of the highlights of the Wexner Center for the Arts’ 25th anniversary celebration, The Events is an award-winning play that addresses the effects of mass shootings and the impact they have on communities. Students attending the performance as part of the First Year Success Series will have a discussion after the play about how art is used to address important issues and what students can do to prevent violence on campus.

Droppin’ Science: Introduction to Hip Hop Research
Theme: Diversity and Global Awareness
September 29, 1-2 p.m.

What is unique about this session? At Ohio State, you have access to research just about anything in which you may be interested or for which you have a passion. This interactive session will demonstrate how you can use the resources available to you to research hip hop culture. No matter what your interests are, this session will show you how easy it is to connect to the library resources that will help you learn more about the things you care about!

Not So Tech Savvy? Basic Tips for Academic Success
Theme: Academic Engagement and Career Exploration
September 29, 6-7:30 p.m.
October 1, 1:30-3 p.m.

What is unique about this session? You have probably noticed that the ability to use things like Google or MS Office (Word, Excel, and Powerpoint) are treated as basic skills. If you don’t feel confident in your computer literacy or want to take your skills to the next level, this session can teach you some tips and tricks to be successful!

Lived Experiences: A Day in the Life of Columbus City School Students
Theme: Leadership and Civic Engagement
September 30, 6-7:30 p.m.

What is unique about this session? As a student at Ohio State, you are also a citizen of the city of Columbus. Ohio State students have had a tremendous impact on the local community through their dedication to service.  This session allows you the chance to learn about what it is like to be a a high school or middle school student in the Columbus inner-city. Learn about the struggles and strengths from the students themselves and hear how students like you can leave a positive legacy on your new home.

Generation Rx: Every 15 Minutes
Theme: Health and Wellness
September 30, 5-6 p.m.

The Adderall Dilemma: The Truth About Prescription Stimulant Abuse
Theme: Health and Wellness
October 1, 5-6 p.m.

What is unique about these sessions? Many college students find themselves with so much to do, and so little time. In the face of this dilemma, many students chose to use and abuse prescription drugs to study and focus. This problem is prevalent, but isn’t often on the top of the list of concerns among college students. Come to these sessions to hear about the potential negative effects that this very common issue can have on your health.

There are so many different and unique session topics within the First Year Success Series. Use this opportunity to learn about something new and unique that you may have never thought about before. Whether it is something you find interesting or concerning, now is your chance to explore! Register for your sessions today at www.go.osu.edu/FYSS.

How asking for help is like ordering a pizza

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If I spoke with your mom over the summer, chances are good that if she asked what advice I had for her to help you prepare for college life, my answer made me seem like a crazy person.

Make her call and order the pizza.

It didn’t have to be pizza–call and schedule your own cleaning with the dentist, schedule a doctor’s appointment, ask the folks at the gym how to use a piece of equipment you’ve not used before, whatever. The idea is that students need to get practice in asking someone for help and parents need practice in letting that happen without stepping in to do it themselves.

So now that you’re here–and since I don’t know how often you’re ordering pizza–let’s work together to visualize how this might look in a few different settings.

You have the sniffles

Okay…so it’s worse than just the sniffles…you know you’re running a fever because your mom packed a thermometer in your bathroom kit before you moved in. In addition to the self-diagnosis tools on its website, the Wilce Student Health Center also provides an advice nurse and has great directions for how to schedule an appointment (you can do that over the phone, online or in person). If you do need to head over to their location on Millikin, be sure to bring a copy of your insurance card and an ID, along with a way to pay your co-pay!

 

You are struggling with your calculus homework

You don’t have to rely on your neighbor down the hall, but he may want to walk with you over to the evening tutor room at the 18th Avenue Library. While faculty office hours are wonderful, we know that sometimes the first step is going to get help from the peer tutors at the Math/Stats Learning Center. The Center does a great job about posting online tutorials, workshops and exam reviews on their website, but there are real live people who can offer assistance as you work on your homework in the daytime and evening tutor rooms.

Go with questions that you have partially figured out to see where you went wrong.

Go with questions that you have already figured out to make certain that you got them right.

You may find that it’s just a great habit to get into to use that hour between classes to head straight over to Cockins Hall and sit down in the tutor room while you work on your homework instead of waiting until after the Tonight Show monologue to get started. Use those daytime hours for school work and those nighttime hours for sleep!

 

It’s the end of week four and you feel like you’ve not met anyone since classes started

I know how you feel–there was the rush of all things “new” during welcome week and you thought it would never end, so you didn’t really pay attention to all of those emails about student org meetings or to the names of the women down the hall. Now you feel like that opportunity is lost forever. It isn’t.

Check out the student organization directory, grab your Google calendar and plan on attending a meeting for a student organization. When you go, don’t just sit by the door and look for an opportunity to leave at the first hint that someone might talk to you. Walk in, find someone at the front of the room, introduce yourself and tell them what first interested you in the Electronic Music Club or the Game Creation Club. If you have 3-4 questions that you feel comfortable asking someone and that you would be happy to answer, too, you have the start of a great conversation!

Extra bonus points if you invite the girls down the hall to go with you–maybe you’ll overhear their introductions and remember their names this time!

By now, you’ve probably thought of 101 questions to ask and are ready to take the plunge. Not sure where to direct your inquiries? You can start with your RA, the staff at Commuter Student Engagement, or even FYE at 614.292.3324 or askFYE@osu.edu. Want to know how to start a conversation with your academic advisor about course selection for spring semester? Curious about what you need to think about before walking into the Undergraduate Research Office?  Let us know–we’ll be happy to help!

Now that this is posted, I may need to get my 6th grader to read this. It’s time to schedule the next round of appointments at the orthodontist…

5 Ways to Make the Most of Ohio State’s Bye Week

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Looking ahead on your calendar to this weekend might’ve sparked in you a sense of dread. Don’t worry, that’s common for Buckeyes on bye weekends.

With no game and no reason to don your most spirited Scarlet and Gray, perhaps you feel a hole in your heart or a pit in your stomach. You might wonder, “What is there to do without Buckeye football?”

Or maybe you don’t care about football. At all.

Either way, there are plenty of fun ways to beat the boredom during a free weekend in Columbus, and I’ve compiled a few of them for you.

1. Take a day trip to Polaris or Easton

Retail therapy is not only a good way to forget about the lack of Ohio State football in your weekend, but also a way to break up the monotony of your daily on-campus routines. Both Polaris and Easton are not far, and if you have a friend with a car, they’re easy day trips.

Don’t have access to wheels? You can also get to both by bus. It takes a little longer, but as someone who used her BuckID for COTA rides all over Columbus during her freshman year, I can say it’s definitely doable.

2. See a show

Columbus has a great scene for music and other performance arts. It’s obviously a hot spot for big-name tours that roll through the state, but beyond the box-office breakers, there are plenty of shows you can see on a college student’s budget—or even for free.

Right downtown, accessible by the No. 2 COTA bus route, is Columbus Commons, which hosts plenty of free events throughout the year, including concerts and plays. This Saturday, check out a high-energy performance by Columbus Dance Theatre. If music is more your scene, go see a smaller-venue show at The Basement, Kobo, or Kafe Kerouac, just to name a few. Tickets to these shows are often pretty cheap, and even if you don’t know a ton—or any—of the artist’s music, that’s half the fun. You might even discover your new favorite band.

3. Spend an afternoon in the park

While Ohio is in this limbo between summer and fall, the weather is about as perfect as it gets to enjoy one of Columbus’ many parks. Whether you pack a picnic (grab sandwiches and chips from Subway), get chai lattes for you and a friend, or just bring some music and headphones, a day in the park is something most college students forget to enjoy.

Some of my favorite places to spend the afternoon are Goodale Park in Victorian Village and Glen Echo Park on the border of Clintonville and the University District. Both are within walking or jogging distance of campus, adding to the time you can spend enjoying the great outdoors.

4. Walk through the Short North

That’s it. You don’t have to enter with a plan. Just walk through it.

The Short North Arts District is filled with endlessly fascinating shops, restaurants, and galleries. There’s vintage shop A Gal Named Cinda Lou, T-shirt trove Homage, stationery shop On Paper and indescribable Big Fun Columbus — named one of the 20 Coolest Stores in America. Whether you crave the dynamic ice cream flavors of Jeni’s or the simplicity of Whit’s Frozen Custard, the Short North can satisfy your sweet tooth.

One of my fondest memories from my first year at Ohio State is a night my roommates and I dressed up and went to dinner at Hubbard Grille in the Short North. It was simple, but nontraditional, and we had a great time. The Short North does not disappoint.

5. Get lost in The Book Loft

The Book Loft in German Village will forever be my pick for a “must-see” place in Columbus. It’s located in the heart of German Village—which is also worth exploring—and is accessible from campus with the No. 8 COTA bus. With 32 seemingly endless rooms of books, The Book Loft is one of the nation’s few remaining independent book stores, and it is absolutely wonderful.

I’ve spent so many days getting lost in the maze of this place, and learning its twists and turns has been both fun and relaxing. The Book Loft is just one of those places you have to see to completely understand its glory, and it is without a doubt one of the coolest places in Columbus. Plus, books tend to be a little cheaper there, so shop away.

However you decide to spend your days of freedom from class, don’t be afraid to branch out beyond playing video games in your dorm room with your roommates and ordering PAD. While it’s easy to fall into that routine, Columbus has so much more to offer, and this is the best time to take advantage of it. 

Your Week in First Year Success: September 22-26

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You’ve made it through the first few weeks on campus!  At this point, you have found out where your classes are, made a few friends, and have hopefully done that first load of laundry. While those are all great things, you may now be finding yourself thinking about some new challenges. Let’s examine a few examples of challenges you–and many first-year students–may be facing and how the First Year Success Series can help you!

Scenario #1: “Classes are so hard! I have all the stress!”

You are not alone! You may have been told that college would challenge you, but it’s hard to understand that challenge until you are living it. The important thing is to not give up. You still have time to adjust and figure out how to manage your time in order to stress less. These First Year Success Series workshops will help you do just that:

Stress Less: Tips for Building Academic Confidence and Resilience
Theme: Health and Wellness
September 23, 5-5:50 p.m.

Stress and Time Management
Theme: Health and Wellness
September 26, 1-1:45 p.m.

Scenario #2: “My first project is due soon. My first project is due soon??? MY FIRST PROJECT IS DUE SOON!!!”

In all the excitement of your first few weeks as a Buckeye, you may not have noticed that projects and papers may be due sooner than you think. Don’t let your first assignments catch you unprepared. These First Year Success Series workshops will connect you with some resources which will make your life easier as you complete those first assignments:

A+ Research: How Do You Find Resources?
Theme: Academic Engagement and Career Exploration
September 22, 6-7 p.m.

So much more than books! University Libraries can make your life easier.
Theme: Academic Engagement and Career Exploration
September 24, 2:30-3:30 p.m.

A+ Research: Selecting the Right Resources without Having to Read All of Everything First
Theme: Academic Engagement and Career Exploration
September 24, 6-7 p.m.

Scenario #3: “I have made some unhealthy choices with alcohol” or “I have been in situations where I have been tempted to make unhealthy choices with alcohol.”

The negative effects of making unhealthy choices related to alcohol in college are often minimized or even glorified. Unfortunately, sometimes it takes experiencing these negative consequences before students understand and make better choices. These First Year Success Series workshops will expose you to the best choices related to alcohol use.

Party Smart
Theme: Health and Wellness
September 23, 7-8 p.m.

Choices About Alcohol
Theme: Health and Wellness
September 24, 1-2 p.m.

Scenario #4: “I have met so many people who are different from me. How can I be an ally to those whose identities are different from my own?”

For many students, Ohio State is the most diverse of any diverse environment in which they have lived. Buckeyes seek not only to notice the diversity around them, but also create an environment in which everyone feels welcome. These First Year Success Series workshops will shed light on what being an ally for others looks like:

How to be an Ally
Theme: Diversity and Global Awareness
September 24, 6-7 p.m.

Ally Week Speaker: Maysoon Zayid
Theme: Diversity and Global Awareness
September 25, 7-8 p.m.

Scenario #5: “I love The Glass Castle! Is there a way that I can meet the author of the book?”

You’re in luck! Jeannette Walls, the author of The Glass Castle, will visit campus to speak about the book, her life, and how the experiences you read about have impacted her life. Come hear her speak and have the opportunity to get your copy of the book signed!

An Evening with Jeannette Walls, author of The Glass Castle
Theme: Buckeye Book Community
September 23, 7:30-8:45 p.m.

These are just a few of the hundreds of sessions and workshops featured in the First Year Success Series. See all of the options online by visiting go.osu.edu/FYSS and make sure to register for your favorite sessions before they fill up! Don’t see anything that interests you? Email FYSS@osu.edu to let us know what workshops we should offer!

Exploring: A guide to navigating Ohio State and Columbus!

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Your first year is all about exploring. Whether it is a new area of study, new ideas, relationships, new places, or a new city–college is the place for you to embrace your inner explorer. Another important piece to this search is to plan HOW you will navigate your first year. When it comes to transportation options on and around campus, you can’t go wrong in finding a way to explore Ohio State and Columbus. Here is the rundown of some alternative forms of transportation to be a sustainable and travel-efficient Buckeye!

CABS: Campus Area Bus Service

Certainly, if you’ve been to campus at all this academic year, you have seen plenty of CABS buses shuttling students across campus. They look like this:

To ride, just hop on! There is no need to show your BuckID while riding.

Perks:

  • The Campus Loop North has overnight service around campus and runs 24/7!
  • The Ohio State mobile app and the Transportation and Traffic Management website provide information on arrival times so you don’t have to wait in the rain, snow, or look like this:

 

COTA: Central Ohio Transit Authority

If you’re a commuter trying to get to campus or a student who lives on-campus and wants to explore outside the university walls, COTA is the bus system for you!

COTA provides service throughout Franklin County and surrounding areas both day AND night. All you have to do as an Ohio State student is show your BuckID and hop on for free (it’s included in the fees you pay each semester)! Maps and service availability for the campus area (and beyond) are available on the COTA website.

Perks:

  • Late night service around the city
  • It comes and leaves from Ohio State–which is great for commuter students!

 CAR2GO

Don’t have a car on campus and need to run some quick errands off campus? Want to be able to drive somewhere, drop off a car, and not have to worry where you left it? If so, CAR2GO may be just the method of transportation  for you! You’ll need to purchase a membership card first, but after that it’s simple: just take it, drive it, and park it.

Perks:

  • It’s a great alternative to bringing your car to campus and keeping it parked across campus for months on end
  • It’s sustainable (and sort of like a toy car for adults)!

There are plenty of other options to get around campus and the city, but the three above are my personal recommendations; you can also learn more about biking, carpooling, and other options.

As you think about exploring and navigating campus, remember this: you WILL get lost. And that’s okay! We have all been there! Once, I took COTA instead of CABS and ended up in Clintonville instead of Fisher College of Business. A great part of exploring is the potential to getting a bit off course. Granted, it may not be the most convenient to test out the bus for the first time when your class is in five minutes, but it is important to figure it out for yourself. I recommend trying it out when the stakes are low. Hop on a bus and see where it takes you when you have an extended period of time to “get lost”. Bring a friend. Ask the bus driver if the bus is the right one for where you’re heading. And know that (at the very least), they all come back to the stop you hopped on originally! Happy exploring, Buckeyes! Oh, and don’t forget to look at the maps.

4 Ways to Solve Roommate Conflict

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During my first year, four of us lived together in Drackett Tower from different schools and with different backgrounds and majors and–as we soon found out–different habits. I was used to sharing a room and living with sisters, so I figured I’d be a pro.

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Although we finished our first year as good friends with some incredible memories and most of us are living together again this year (our senior year!), we also had some less admirable moments: late night arguments, food possessiveness, what “clean” looks like and–oh–one roommate’s infamous decision to wake us up at 4 in the morning during finals week. (We laugh about it now.)

From my own experiences with roommate conflict–and later, training as an RA–here are tips to make your year successful with your roommate(s)!

1. Honest and polite communication

In my first year I became sick with mono and slept through almost all of my morning alarms. In my heavily unconscious state I had no idea that I kept hitting snooze and my roommates interpreted this as my blatant inconsideration. As a result, one morning I awoke to a roommate throwing pillows and wrathfully yelling at me. I felt horrible because I was not aware of the problem and I could certainly sympathize with their frustration! Had I known sooner, I could have established a better plan for waking up.

Another time, I left my shoes by the door, which irritated one of my roommates. She told me this directly before it became a big deal. It was a simple fix to move my shoes and I appreciated that she would let me know, before sharing her feelings with our other roommates!

  • Be honest and upfront, but don’t blow the issue out of proportion. Let your roommate know that you realize it’s something minor, but that it is a pet peeve of yours or that it makes you feel uncomfortable.

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  • Be polite!! Don’t be so blunt that you come off callous and hurt someone’s feelings. By not wording your request carefully enough you can accidentally incite an argument or isolate yourself from any future constructive conversations.
  • Avoid going to hall-mates and friends before talking directly with your roommate. Direct communication (after giving a little time to work out how you will politely approach your roommate) is the best way to solve an issue and avoid gossip or hurt feelings.

*Disclaimer: If it’s a legal issue, dangerous or your roommate is unwilling to change, do not hesitate to talk to your RA!

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2. Know when to pick your battles

Although it is good to be honest when something is bothering you, realize when an issue is worth talking about and when something is so minor or ridiculous that your request may come off as extreme.

  • Think how you would feel if that person asked you to change something about your own habits or behavior.
  • Note if you are the one who always becomes irritated and reflect on whether it’s due to the actions of your roommate or if you’re frustrated with something else (and blaming your roommate).
  • Be careful of the frequency of these requests—be fair and balanced whenever you come forth and address issues with your roommate!

3. Respect different views and compromise

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Problem: Your roommate brings a significant other to the room during weeknights, when you like to use the room to study.

Potential Solutions:

  • Work out a reasonable schedule or timeframe
  • Offer to do your homework in a study room; ask them to find a different location on other occasions
  • Definitely ask for a heads up

It is very easy to observe your roommate’s actions and think, “I would never do that.” Be careful of expecting your roommate to behave and think just like you. Judging your roommate and determining that your values are right and his or hers are wrong is a very dangerous barrier to cross.

You may have different habits and different values: this is okay! Learn to be courteous of one another’s differences.

Whether your roommate goes out a lot, has visitors over often, skips class or argues with his or her parents, you don’t have to agree with it, but you have to respect that person’s life choices.

Create a well-constructed plan of give and take; be prepared to compromise, and if you request something, be willing to make sacrifices of your own in exchange. This is your shared space, so both individuals have to take steps to ensure the comfort and freedom of the residents of that space.

4. Know how to create change

Take the first step in creating change and change your own mentality.

Do not expect to be best friends with your roommate. Oftentimes the best roommates are the ones who are simply capable of being respectful and courteous to one another, and that can start with you!

Instead of thinking of the ways your roommate is a bad one, think about how you will be a good roommate.

Your Week in First Year Success: September 15-19

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Congratulations! You have made it through your first few days of classes!  Now that you are ready to explore what the First Year Success Series has to offer, here are some sessions to consider for the first week of sessions (which begin one week from today!):

Comfort Zone
September 16, 4-5 p.m.
Theme: Health and Wellness

Are you already feeling stressed about college? You’re not the only one! This interactive session will provide an overview of stress, how to prioritize things in your life, and manage your time wisely. Join your friends from the Student Wellness Center to identify ways to relax and overcome your stress.

Book Discussion: The Glass Castle
September 17, 9:30-10:30 a.m.
Theme: Buckeye Book Community

You’ve read the book. Now let’s talk about it! Join fellow first-year students to discuss the themes of The Glass Castle.  A staff member from First Year Experience will help guide your discussion while exploring the themes of the book. Attend this session before you come to see Jeannette Walls on September 23!

A+ Research: How to Structure a Term Paper
September 18, 6-7 p.m.
Theme: Academic Engagement and Career Exploration

You’ve heard that college writing will challenge you to be a better writer, but what does that mean? Come to this session and hear from an experienced Ohio State senior student about what it takes to craft a great paper in college! You will leave with tools and resources to help you get your writing to “A+” status.

Study Abroad Expo
September 19, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
Theme: Diversity and Global Awareness

Sure, you may be interested in studying abroad while at Ohio State. But have you thought about which of the over 100 countries you will travel to for your study abroad experience? Do you know what things you should be considering now to make your study abroad dreams become a reality? Stop by this expo facilitated by the Office of International Affairs to hear from experts about what options are available to you.

Extreme Couponing
September 19, 2-3 p.m.
Theme: Finances

College can be stressful enough without worrying about finances. Come hear from two-time star of TLC’s “Extreme Couponing” and Ohio State student Cole Ledford about how you can start couponing and save your money. Save your money now to save yourself from headaches later!

Of course, these are just five of the dozens of sessions offered in any given week! See all of the options online by visiting go.osu.edu/FYSS and make sure to register for your favorite sessions before they fill up! Let us know which sessions have you most excited!

4 Reasons To Get Involved At Ohio State

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Buckeyes have hundreds of ways to get involved on and around campus. For some first-year students, that sounds like a welcome challenge, a chance to continue the heavy involvement they loved in high school. For others, it’s a terrifying sea of too many choices, with no way to nail down a perfect fit.

But it doesn’t have to be.

Pursuing my passions at Ohio State has taught me a few lessons in the past three years.

1. Involvement linked to your major is endlessly rewarding

After choosing journalism as my major, I began writing for The Lantern. That newspaper became my life for nearly three years. Through many semesters of long nights putting the paper together, I walked away with some of my closest college friends and invaluable professional experience.

Finding an organization related to what you’re studying, and what you ultimately think you want to do the rest of your life, is imperative. The experience is impressive to interviewers when you’re looking for jobs and internships.

The Lantern laid the groundwork for every internship I’ve had at Ohio State. While it is possible to land an internship without much experience in your field, these internships are competitive, and someone with experience sets you apart from someone with none.

Many majors have clubs connected to them somehow, and the networking opportunities alone are reason enough to join.

2. Primary passions can become hobbies

Coming into college, I was optimistic about keeping up with running after competing in cross country and track for six years. I thought I’d join running club and find other like-minded people to be running partners.

This didn’t happen, and that’s okay. Friendships, classes, and other involvement took up much of my free time, and running became a secondary hobby.

College is a wonderful time to learn more about yourself and what you want to devote the rest of your life to, and sometimes the things that were most important to you in high school fade away in this period of your life.

One piece of advice I’d give to hang on to important parts of yourself is to still make time for the things you love, the things you want to spend a lifetime enjoying, even if it’s just casually.

For me, I’ve found this through training for the Columbus Marathon. I’m training solo, but it gets me off the couch, into my shoes and onto the trails where I feel at home. Even if your past loves become a side hobby, there’s always room for what’s important to you; you just have to be creative.

3. Get outside your comfort zone

When some of my friends joined or showed interest in Greek Life, I rolled my eyes and cracked jokes. Looking back, I see now how wrong I was to pass judgment on something I didn’t understand.

I decided to go through formal sorority recruitment as a second-year student in the spring of 2013, and every day I’m thankful that I did. Greeks are social, involved, intelligent and bold. I’m a better person because of the strong women in my chapter.

My point is not to preach the benefits of joining a fraternity or sorority. While it has been a fantastic way for me to get to know so many incredible Buckeyes, it’s not for everyone.

Rather, my point is that if you’re curious about something, try it. The worst that can happen is you won’t like it and you can look for something else that fits your personality and lifestyle better.

But college is about taking risks that are really only available to you when you’re young. So attend an info session for the organization that stood out to you at the involvement fair. Apply for a service trip. Pick up a new sport or skill. You never know where getting a little uncomfortable can take you.

4. Getting involved changes everything

Many people choose Ohio State because they love the big-campus feel. The busyness of our sidewalks and class buildings, the wide range of opportunities—on paper those things are wonderful.

But in practice, at times the vastness can make Ohio State a bit lonely. The more organizations you join and people you meet, the smaller the university becomes.

In your first year, you will make tons of friends in your hall and maybe in your classes. Some might turn out to be the best friends of your college days and beyond, while you might part ways with others.

Those individuals you meet through campus involvement will tend to share your goals, priorities, passions and interests. Suddenly this great, vast university will feel even more like a community, and you’ll realize how closely we’re connected with one another.

Getting involved is such a beautiful thing at Ohio State because there truly is something for everyone, and the possibilities are limitless–you never know where you might find your new home.