Your Week in First Year Success: October 20-24

This week marks the halfway point of your first semester of college, and one way to approach the second half of your semester is to think about it the same way a football or basketball coach approaches halftime adjustments during a game. Effective coaches will use this limited amount of time to consider what their players are doing well, what parts of the game their players are struggling with, and what they should continue to do or change to finish strong.

Similarly, you have likely done some things well up to this point, but may have struggled in other areas. Now is the time for you to make your own halftime adjustments so that you will finish the semester with great results! These First Year Success Series sessions will help you do just that!

Getting over the hump: Navigating the rest of your first semester
Theme: Academic Engagement and Career Exploration
Various dates throughout October

This workshop is facilitated by members of the First Year Experience staff specifically to help you make the halftime adjustments I referenced earlier. We are the experts, or coaches, who can help you reflect on how this semester has gone and what you can do to finish strong. This session is interactive and engaging in order to get you thinking critically about your success.

Developing a Mindset for Success
Theme: Health and Wellness
October 22, 1-2 p.m.

Sure, you have the ability to do well at Ohio State, but do you have the mindset to be successful? Do you want to learn how to adapt your mindset to persevere for the rest of this semester and beyond? This session can help you think about how your brain functions in a way that can help you thrive!

Creating your own Path: Living and Leading with your Values
Theme: Leadership and Civic Engagement
October 23, 5:30-6:30 p.m.

Honesty.
Education.
Spirituality.
Friendship.
Everyone has values which they hold dear. What are the values which are most important to you? More importantly, how do you make decisions which are in alignment with your values? This session will challenge you to think about your values and how they play a role in your daily life.

FYSS Guide for First Generation College Students
Theme: Health and Wellness
October 23, 7-8 p.m.

Students who are the first in their families to attend college can face unique challenges during their time in college. Don’t let these roadblocks stop you from having a terrific first semester. This session will help first-generation college students navigate some of the structural complexities of university life.

Creating Quality Relationships: Practical Guides for Cross-Cultural Communication and Relationship Building
Theme: Health and Wellness
October 24, 3-4 p.m.

In your time at Ohio State, you are going to meet people from many cultural backgrounds. To be successful, you will need to be able to build relationships across cultural barriers. Doing so will allow you to make more friends, learn about new experiences, and see the world from different perspectives. Attend this session to learn skills for creating these great relationships.

With these and other FYSS sessions, you will be able to develop the right game plan for success! Sign up now for your First Year Success Series sessions at www.go.osu.edu/FYSS before they fill up!

Your Week in First Year Success: October 6-10

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!

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

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.

Your Week in First Year Success: September 15-19

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!

6 Themes Not to Miss This Semester

If you’re like us in First Year Experience, you love a good theme. Themes can take an experience from basic to amazing, and that’s why the First Year Success Series has six themes to help you have the best first semester ever. Here’s some insight into each of these themes; hopefully you will see some experiences not to be missed!

Theme #1: Academic Engagement and Career Exploration

To stay at Ohio State, you will need to be successful inside the classroom. College requires you to study smarter, learn faster, and think more critically. Once you have gotten the hang of that, you may also want to think about requirements for graduate school, internships in your field of study, or research with a faculty member. Mastering the content in this theme area grants you the opportunity to continue to explore the rest of the collegiate experience–like Welcome Week.

2014 sessions to consider:

  • A+ Research: Where Do You Start?
  • Is Your Major ‘The One’
  • Where’s Woody? Find Woody Hayes in Thompson Library
  • Study Smarter! Memory Tools for Effective Studying

Theme #2: Diversity and Global Awareness

Ohio State is pretty big–over 7,000 new students started here this fall, contributing to a total population of more than 50,000 students. With a community this size, we have people representing many cultures, genders, races, languages, sexual orientations, religions, nationalities, and experiences. Appreciating diversity means more than trying different foods or taking O-H-I-O pictures on a study abroad trip (although those are cool things that you definitely should do). Being a a member of the Buckeye family means learning about different people so that we can all advocate for each other and celebrate our differences. Sessions in this theme will help you begin to explore new cultures and issues, think about studying abroad, and connecting with others who share your identity.

2014 sessions to consider:

  • Take a Stand: A Guide to Learning about Yourself & Peers
  • Study Abroad Expo
  • How to be an Ally
  • International Coffee Hour

Theme #3: Finances

Few things are worse than getting to the end of your college experience and realizing you made poor financial decisions which will follow you long after your time at Ohio State is over. What can you do to stretch your dollar and be smart about how you plan your budget for the next fours years? Go to sessions in this theme to make smart decisions about financing your time at Ohio State.

2014 sessions to consider:

  • LANDLORDS, LEASING & LOTS MORE: Get the 43201 about Moving Off-Campus!
  • Personal Finance 101
  • Budgeting Workshop
  • Extreme Couponing

Theme #4: Health and Wellness

With all of the work you’ll do to succeed in the classroom and all of the energy you’ll put into making friends and getting involved, it’s important for you to find ways to take care of yourself; that may include eating healthy, making smart social choices, or hitting the gym. There are actually nine dimensions of wellness for you to think about as a student. Sessions in this theme will help you consider how you are taking care of yourself in each dimension to live a healthy lifestyle during your time at Ohio State.

2014 sessions to consider:

  • Party Smart
  • Counting Sheep: How Sleep Impacts Your Success
  • The Right Bite on a College Campus
  • Double Dare

Theme #5: Leadership and Civic Engagement

Were you overwhelmed by all of the opportunities you saw at the Involvement Fair or during Community Commitment? Everyone has told you to get involved, but what will that look like for you? You may want to go to sessions in this theme to think about what your leadership skills and styles look like. Then, you can think about what kinds of issues on campus or in the community matter to you, and commit yourself to those opportunities.

2014 sessions to consider:

  • Your Buckeye Leadership Plan
  • Service in Your First Year Experience
  • Becoming a Nut
  • How to Avoid Poverty Tourism

Theme #6: Buckeye Book Community

All members of the class of 2018 read The Glass Castle this summer…what a great conversation starter at a table in Kennedy Commons! Maybe you and your newfound friend will decide to attend one of the many Success Series sessions where you will have the chance to talk about the themes of the book. The book’s author, Jeannette Walls, comes to campus on September 23!

2014 sessions to consider:

  • An Evening with Jeannette Walls
  • A Different Look at The Glass Castle
  • Pastries and Perspective: The Glass Castle
  • What’s in a question? Research questions and The Glass Castle

Are you ready to check out these themes? Visit go.osu.edu/FYSS and register for your Peer Leader workshop before September 12 to learn more about the First Year Success Series from upperclass students!

Try Something Different: Welcome Week 2014

We’ve come to one of the most exciting weeks of the year–Welcome Week! The week when new friendships are born, giveaways are endless, and free and exciting events take place every day.

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You may be familiar with some of the big events: the Student Involvement Fair, the President’s Convocation, Community Commitment, Buck-I-Frenzy and the Welcome Week Concert.

However, I’d just like to share a few awesome #welcomeOSU opportunities that you may not know about.

Click the links for event details and get excited for this year’s wildly wonderful Welcome Week!

Day 1–Sunday, August 24

The President’s Picnic. The involvement fair is sure to gather many people on The Oval in the afternoon. While you’re there, be sure to sample some of the best locally-produced barbecue options!

f_img_blank_120130723193147Student Involvement Fair 10

source: www.welcomeweek.osu.edu

8th Floor Improv Presents: The Secret FREE Show! Begin your week with a laugh; stop by the Union at 8 p.m. to watch one of Ohio State’s best comedy groups!

Day 2–Monday, August 25

Ohio State Ice Bucket Challenge: Soak Michigan. After the Columbus Welcome event, Undergraduate Student Government hopes to make history by creating the largest “Ice Bucket demonstration known to man.” Bring your own bucket (and perhaps a towel) and help raise awareness for ALS!

Wipeout. Want a challenge? Try your luck with an inflatable obstacle course that stretches the length of an Olympic-sized pool! Participate or come watch the show at the McCorkle Aquatic Pavilion at 6 p.m.

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source: www.osu.edu

Tired from a long day? Sit back and watch the show! Fishbowl Improv will give you a good laugh or if you want to be amazed, come to the RHAC Magic Show!

RHAC Late Night Breakfast. Come to Kennedy Commons and with only 2 meal blocks, enjoy some late-night breakfast food!

Day 3–Tuesday, August 26

The Instant Nows – Art Exhibition. Come check out some of the artwork created by your fellow Buckeyes!

Like sports? Want a chance to win a coveted intramural champion t-shirt? Head toward south campus for the 3-on-3 Basketball Tournament or north campus for the Sand Volleyball Tournament, no preregistration required!

Fighting Cancer Fitness Challenge. Come to The Shoe to speak with survivors and participate in physical challenges to support the cure for cancer.
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Trivia Night. Play some trivia and learn more about Ohio State’s foreign languages!

Day 4–Wednesday, August 27

LGBTQ Welcome (Back) Mix & Mingle. Come discover our diverse and vibrant LGBTQ community!

BBQ Block Party. Hang out with and learn about two of the largest student organizations on campus: Block “O” and Buckeye Barbeque Club! There will be giveaways, games, and free food!

Boats and Battleship. Experience what it’s like to “kayak over a waterfall,” play “battleship,” and participate in various other water games!

Drums and Dough. Experience Ohio State’s diversity through a variety of live performances, free food from around the world and lots of fun activities!

Movie on The Oval featuring Captain America. Come out with your new friends to enjoy yummy snacks, cool drinks and a movie!

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source: www.osu.edu

Day 5–Thursday, August 28

Looking to the future? Check out the 2014 Buckeye Careers Campus Job Fair or the Career Fair Crash Course.

OSU Is Sweeter with You. Come grab a cupcake with the Ohio State University Alumni Association and learn what they can do for you!

PULL LEFT reception with artists and curators. Enjoy art exhibits? This reception features a contemporary Chinese art exhibition.

Buckeye Kick-Off. Can’t wait for the spirit of football Saturdays? Come check out the interactive games at the fan fest and tailgate outside Ohio Stadium at 6 p.m. Gates to the Stadium open at 6:30 p.m., with more exciting performances at 7 p.m. (Want to be a part of the historic group photo? Wear red!)

f_img_blank_120130723192742Buckeye Kick-Off 3

source: www.welcomeweek.osu.edu

Day 6 — Friday, August 29

Dump & Run. Come to the  JO North to shop at Ohio State’s very own yard sale! Check out some some of the fantastic deals!

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source: recycling.org.ohio-state.edu

This is Your World: Serve, Learn and Lead in it! Listen to Caribbean rhythms, watch Latino and African inspired dances and have some dessert with MUNDO! See what a global experience has to offer!

OUAB Presents – Welcome Week Concert — Come to the South Oval and watch the performances of Capital Cities, GRiZ and Captain Kidd!

Day 7–Saturday, August 30

Dancing With the Stars. Participate in a free ballroom dancing class for beginners, no experience required!

Welcome BBQ Night. Learn more about healthy eating and dining options around campus!

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(For a complete list of Welcome Week events, check out this link.)

I look forward to seeing you at some of these awesome events and I hope you have an amazing time with your first taste of the Buckeye Spirit and the incredible Ohio State community.

–Regina

23 Things to do on the Weekend!

Whether your personal definition of the weekend is a traditional Saturday-Sunday affair, or a liberal Friday (even Thursday) to Monday morning, everyone needs something to work toward during the week; Ohio State and Columbus hardly lack in activities, festivities and general fun for the weekend. My name is Alex and here are my favorite things to do:

 I. YEAR-ROUND OPPORTUNITIES

1) Study: Let’s be honest, that midterm isn’t going to study for itself. I like to set aside a little time from my weekend to get down to business and get ahead in my classes.

(suggested background music)

2) Hang out: Going to class with friends is great, but make sure to get to know each other outside of the classroom.

3) Athletic events: The feeling around campus on game day is pure SCARLET AND GREY ENERGY. Breakout your Buckeye attire and face paint because the Bucks are about to win!

4) Concerts: Whether it’s a free OUAB concert or a performance at the LC Pavilion or the Newport Music Hall, Columbus is a favorite stop on some of the best tours.

II. PLACES TO EAT:

5) Thurman Café: This famous burger café has delicious monster burgers (including the Thurmanator) and is located German Village.

6) Melt: Just a short bus ride or walk into the Short North, this restaurant has an amazing assortment of delectable sandwiches.

7) Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams: World-famous Jeni’s Ice Cream is available on campus!  However, I think visiting the shop in the Short North is well worth the trip.

8) Piada: For all you Chipotle fanatics, just imagine Chipotle but for pasta!

9) Northstar Café: With several locations, Northstar is my personal favorite for great food and organic options.

10) North Market: Right by the Convention Center, the North Market hosts many independent vendors and food from around the world.

11) Tai’s Asian Bistro: Talk about more bang for your buck, when I order their Pad Tai, it lasts me for days!

12) Union Café (not the one on campus): If you are looking for a great brunch, pop on in for some tasty breakfast food!

13) Surly Girl: Located close to campus in the Short North, Surly Girl offers great comfort food.

14) Katalina’s: Three words. Nutella Pancake Balls.

15) Figlio: If you are looking for pizza and pasta, Figlio in Grandview is a great place to eat!

III. OPPORTUNITIES FOR ADVENTURE

16) Scioto Audubon Metro Park: This Columbus park has an outdoor rock climbing wall!

17) CoGo BikesNo bike, no problem. CoGo is a bike share program so you can bike the Columbus trails.

18) Columbus Crew: So maybe you’re not playing on the field, but come cheer on Columbus’s very own professional soccer team. Check out student discount tickets at D-Tix.

19)  Run the Trails: The Olentangy Trail stretches alongside the river. This is a perfect place for long runs and bike rides.

20) Relax on the Oval: It’s nice to actually stop and smell the roses (or grass) once in a while.

21) CoSi: You might nerd out a bit, but CoSi isn’t just for kids. This interactive science museum is a blast for all ages.

IV. THINGS IMPORTANT TO REMEMBER (but are easy to forget)

22) Call home: Let’s face it, there are times where you may miss home during your first year. Make a point of calling those good friends or family members when you’re thinking of them, they’ll appreciate it.

23) Sleep: You’ve earned it. Although you may not want to spend your whole weekend catching up on sleep, it’s healthy to take time to rest. Work on creating a healthy sleep schedule, so you can use your weekends to build relationships and have adventures!

Check in on July 7 (orientation day 25) when Nikki will write about The 25 Tweets You Might Post During Your First Year. 

21 Events to Experience on Campus

For Ohio State students, there is always something to do around campus. Here are some highly anticipated events that I recommend you experience during your first year:

1) Buck-i-FrenzyThis is my favorite fall event which takes place before the first day of class. Buck-i-Frenzy is a “lifestyle festival” that features local and national companies, each giving out many, many samples (basically lots of FREE STUFF).

2) Community Commitment: A day of service for all Ohio State students to volunteer around Columbus.

3) BuckeyeThon: Like to have fun while supporting a good cause? Take part in BuckeyeThon, a 24-hour dance marathon that raises money to support children treated at Nationwide Children’s Hospital.

4) Hockey Game: Want a fun and FREE night with friends? Check out the Ohio State Men’s Hockey team as they compete against other schools. Just bring your BuckID!

5) Movie on the Oval: Grab your blanket and friends and come watch a movie on the Oval! Free food and snacks provided 🙂

6) Homecoming Parade: Watch the Buckeye community parade down High Street— music, cheering, and all!

7) Study Abroad ExpoPlanning on studying abroad? The study abroad expo is a great first step to take. Make sure to come with questions to ask the experts!

8) Welcome Week Concert: Come out and enjoy some music with your fellow Buckeyes! Past performances include 2 Chainz and The Band Perry.

9) Taste of OSUA great evening filled with cultural performances, exhibits and food from all around the world.

10) Football Games: Need I say more? Even if you don’t buy season tickets, Ohio State football games are something to definitely experience at least once during your college career.

11) Group Fitness classes: As a student with a BuckID, you can take advantage of all the great programs Ohio State Recreational Sports has to offer, especially all of the group fitness classes! You can find the group fitness schedule on recsports.osu.edu.

12) Skull Sessions: Held two hours before every home game, skull sessions are concerts/pep rallies with over 10,000 fans in attendance.

13) Involvement Fair: Your greatest opportunity to get involved by finding an organization or club that fits your interests. This is one of the most exciting events of the year!

14) Columbus Welcome event: A large-scale event where all first years are transported from campus to Nationwide Arena and given a taste of all that Columbus and Ohio State has to offer!

15) Basketball games: Ohio State Men’s basketball games are a great display of school spirit and camaraderie. Come to the Schottenstein Center and cheer on the Buckeyes!

16) Big Free Concert: Hosted by the Ohio Union Activities Board (OUAB), this free concert is an annual springtime event. Past performances have included Childish Gambino and Skrillex!

17) MLK Day of Service: Hosted by Pay It Forward (an organization that sponsors several service events throughout the year), this particular service project takes place on Martin Luther King day.

…He who is greatest among you shall be a servant. That’s the new definition of greatness…Everyone can be great because everyone can serve.

18) Convocation:  Your first official welcome to the Ohio State community! At convocation, you will hear from several university leaders, faculty, and special guests, as well as experience the several different time-honored university traditions.

19) Light Up the Lake: Hosted by the Ohio Staters, Inc., this event takes place after Thanksgiving to kick off the holiday season! Students hang up seasonal lights around Mirror Lake and Browning Amphitheatre for this lovely lighting ceremony.

20) Synchronized Swimming meets: What better team to watch than the multi-U.S. National champions, AKA the Ohio State Synchronized Swim Team? Add this to your Ohio State bucket list!

21) Homecoming Pep Rally: A large-scale event held in the Ohio Union featuring several guest speakers in order to rally support for the football team against their opponents in the Homecoming game.

Make sure to tune in on Wednesday (orientation day 23) – Alex will share 23 Things to Do on the Weekends!

Orientation in 140 Characters or Fewer

No matter where you are traveling from this summer, orientation is a great place to connect with other first-year students and to learn about campus resources.

However, how can you stay connected at orientation and beyond?

The options are limitless.

Facebook, email, good ole’ phone number? All are great options, but what we use most with orientation is Twitter. As an Orientation Leader entering my second summer working with new students, I find that Twitter is a great platform for quick connections and can be used in so many ways at Ohio State. So why not get a head start at orientation?

You might not have a clue what goes on at orientation…and that’s okay! Below are 24 ways to experience your Ohio State orientation (in 140 characters or fewer).

6:30AM: Currently headed to Ohio State for orientation. Hoping Mom was kidding when she said we did not have time to stop for coffee. #TooEarly

 7:45AM: WE MADE IT! *Drake voice*

7:53AM: Wait…how are these people so excited to give Mom and me parking passes? How much coffee have they had?

8:01AM: As if the parking people were not excited, I was just greeted by the most energetic guy. Is he a student or nahh? #WhereAmI

9:45AM: This man just had the out-of-state students stand up. He should ask if anyone needs more coffee and I would be like hi, pick me.

10:47AM: Just learned that these peppy people in red polos are actual students. They also talk loudly and walk backwards….prerequisite?

11:32AM: Was not crazy about the idea of “icebreakers” but it turned out to be fab. My small group is the best! #TeamBigBucks

12:27PM: YAS pizza. Love me some ‘za.

12:45PM: How many humans can fit in this place? #IndependenceHall #new2osu

1:37PM: Shout out to all the parents asking all these questions. May or may not have been wondering similar things.. #DBBS

2:32PM: The people in this academic session are so nice! #SpecialEdMajor #EHE #new2osu

4:05PM: Officially have my BuckID! Does this make this whole college thing real? Loving it!

4:25PM: Excited to be living in @SmithSteebHallOSU next year! Who’s with me?! #OSU18

5:27PM: Pasta and burgers and salads oh my! Options for days. Not mad about it.

6:45PM: Looking forward to the Involvement Fair in the fall. Over 1000 student orgs. HOW!?

8:47PM: #TeamBigBucks coming in hot to the RPAC to win these games. #new2osu

10:20PM: Was not expecting to laugh this hard at Orientation. #ONL #OSU18

11:17PM: The OL giving this tour is cracking jokes about some “long walk.” #OSUTraditions

12:32AM: Crazy to think I am in an actual res hall for the night. Soo college.

9:17AM: Mom, where are you? Session is starting soon! #LOTC

10:32AM: Meeting people from @OhioStResLife this morning makes me want to move into @SmithSteebHallOSU right now!

12:47PM: Classes are officially scheduled for Fall ‘14. Only one 8AM class two days a week. WAHHOOO!

1:23PM: Just picked up #TheGlassCastle for the #BBCBook at @OhioStBookstore.

2:45PM: What a great two days at Ohio State! Looking forward to the fall and seeing all of #TeamBigBucks on campus. #OSU18

Looking for more than 140 characters? Download the Ohio State Orientation guide on the Guidebook app or visit our Guidebook website.

37 Things First-Year Students Experienced This Year

With finals occupying your brain (along with the distraction caused by Ohio’s long lost friend — the sun), it may be difficult to find time to reflect on the moments and milestones that shaped your first year. In an effort to help with that process, fellow FYE staff member, Nicole Craven, and I have provided a condensed overview for your reflecting pleasure.

37 weeks. 37 thoughts. All in 90 seconds or less.

  1. Aug 15 How am I ever going to fit this stuff into one car?
  2. Aug 22 Thank goodness I have this OSU mobile app — no one knows I am a new student.
  3. Aug 29 How do I get off of all these student organization email listservs?!?
  4. Sept 5 Got on the CLN, thinking it was the CLS. Again.
  5. Sept 12 Another day, another free event. #StudentPerks
  6. Sept 19 Got my group project assignment. Everyone but me is from Cleveland.
  7. Sept 26 That chemistry exam did NOT go as anticipated.
  8. Oct 3 This curve thing is glorious.
  9. Oct 10 Will there ever be a day when there isn’t a line at Courtside Cafe?
  10. Oct 17 It’s Homecoming Week! Go Buckeyes! Beat the Hawkeyes!
  11. Oct 24 Our marching band is better than your marching band. #Moonwalk #Viral
  12. Oct 31 So, is dressing up for Halloween like a thing in college?
  13. Nov 7 11:57 p.m….two minutes left to submit my Success Series reflection. Let’s do this.
  14. Nov 14 Just registered for spring semester. No classes until 9 a.m. Yesssssss.
  15. Nov 21 So excited to have a 4-bedroom house on Waldeck next year with 15 of my closest buddies.
  16. Nov 28 Happy Thanksgiving! T-minus 48 hours until we play TTUN!
  17. Dec 5 Only three finals stand between me and the Big 10 championship game. #Undefeated
  18. Dec 12 Done with finals. Done rooting for the Buckeyes. #Defeated
  19. Dec 19 Home for break! It’s great to see these hometown friends!
  20. Dec 26 These hometown friends have got to go.
  21. Jan 2 New year, new semester. Ready to return to my second home!
  22. Jan 9 Never in my life have I been so cold.
  23. Jan 16 Seriously.
  24. Jan 23 So many Uggs. So much North Face.
  25. Jan 30 Welcome, new President Drake! That OSU mobile app is clutch.
  26. Feb 6 I should start using the RPAC again.
  27. Feb 13 Ready to experience my first BuckeyeThon this weekend!
  28. Feb 20 Just saw Aaron Craft walking on campus. #ManOfSteal
  29. Feb 27 Study? Netflix? Netflix.
  30. Mar 6 Excited to be building houses in Florida in a few days with my Buck-I-Serv group!
  31. Mar 13 The blisters. Oh, the blisters! #HammerNovice
  32. Mar 20 Shadowing a cardiologist this summer. Scooping ice cream on the side.
  33. Mar 27 My fraternity brother won an award at the Denman Undergraduate Research Forum!
  34. Apr 3 Just finished a paper comparing Woodstock to Coachella. #GenEds #HistoryofRockAndRoll
  35. Apr 10 Oh. So THIS is Oval Beach. #70Degrees
  36. Apr 17 I’m running out of ways to spell Hogwarts when changing my OSU password. #Every90Days #BobGribben
  37. Apr 24 Two finals down, 67 meal blocks to go.