Finally, you made it to college! Congratulations and welcome to EMU! This is the place where you can expand on the things that you are truly interested in. You have a new found freedom that doesn’t come with a curfew. You are looking forward to new adventures and experiences that you can tell you your grandkids about in your old age.
College is fun but it can also be tricky and confusing. Here are some tips from a senior who is looking forward to marching across the stage -- degree in hand this April.
Stick to beer kids
Your Resident Adviser will preach to you about the dangers of drinking, but let’s be honest you crazy kids have probably had a drink or two before and plan on having one again soon. The nightlife at EMU is not like American Pie -- it is actually calm.
That being said, this is a new environment for you and anytime you are in a new environment it is best to keep your wits about you. Like a Navy SEAL getting dropped off in Syria for the first time, it is best to scope things out without looking like a square. The University doesn’t recommend drinking at all -- but if you do -- stick to beer. Three at most.
If you drink harder drinks your chances of having to explain things to your parents sky rocket. Rule number one: Stick to beer.
College is a marathon not a sprint, however…
Strap yourself down this going to be a ride; a ride that can last four to five years.
It’s easy to lose sight of things when you make such a lengthy time commitment. Stay focused and remember your goals. The best advice to you would be to take at least 15 credits a semester so that you can finish smoothly in four years. Your first two years will be difficult. You will be taking pre-requisite 100 level classes that often times can be more difficult than the 300 level classes because they’re filled with busy work you may not be interested in at all.
“Make sure you find a place where you can study and get homework done without any distractions, so when its time to knock out a big paper you can get ‘er done without any distractions,” said sports management and economics major Milo Root.
Schoolwork can be difficult. Try to remember that college is a marathon, not a sprint but at the same time you don’t want to be here forever.
Rule Number Two: Stay focused on your goals.
Find a Support Group.
With all the ups and downs that come with life and college, it is good to have people that you can rely on when it counts. The people that won’t hint ignore at your 3 a.m. phone call, the person who will take you for a coffee when you’re stressed out to the max. A group of supportive friends can make the difference at EMU and whether it’s an intermural sports teams at the rec or Greek life, Eastern Michigan offers all sorts of opportunities to meet and greet potential friends.
“You can tell a freshman from a mile away, so don’t try to impress anyone, just be yourself and you’ll surly make friends” said marketing major Alex Brietzke.
These friends could also become potential roommates in the next few years. All in all college is a great experience and one of the biggest things you will take away are the memories you share with your friend.
The last but most important rule: Find a support group.
-- Jimi Keller
