How To Make A Big School Smaller In Five Easy Steps

A big school is cool, but it's a hassle to get from one class to the other, which is why it would be grateful to have ways to make it smaller.

The Ohio State University is a big school. So huge, in fact, that it ranks third largest of all colleges in America. From the enormous enrollment to the sheer magnitude of campus itself, beginning at Ohio State can be overwhelming. Luckily, we’ve compiled a list of ways to shrink Buckeye Nation for you.

1. Go to the Involvement Fair

The Involvement Fair is held twice a year (fall and spring), as well as featuring smaller versions at random times throughout the year. Sign up for student organizations, but not too many– you WILL be overwhelmed and somewhat pressured! Use Ohio State’s website to filter through your commitments as well. There is a running list of active organisations and their contacts, so you can sift through and sign up for what you really want.

2. Befriend Your Floor

Do NOT make enemies of your neighbors. They won’t be your only friends (they may not even be your friends), but there is no sense in isolating yourself at a school this large. Be kind, be courteous and be friendly! Ohio State does become smaller when you return to tight-knit floor mates at the end of the day. So, open that door and let some new people in!

3. Go to sporting events!

Go to games — you will interact with so many fellow Buckeyes. Ohio State is a BIG sports school, so games are a core of social life here. You will not want to look back and regret not attending OSU football games (or basketball, or hockey, etc). It is a great way to solidify a group of friends, and it makes this overwhelming place feel like a community. There’s nothing better than showing support for each other.

4. Get involved in your department

You attend college to get a degree, and your connections at a school this big need to be somewhat self-motivated. You do need to seek out faculty and graduate mentors. Utilize your advisers, and befriend your professors. You will be grateful once you’ve secured that lucrative internship, or copped a killer recommendation letter for grad school.

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5. Consider Greek life

Even if you never imagined you’d be involved in Greek life at a big school, think about it! There are many pros and cons to it, but if you’re looking for a way to make Ohio State smaller, sorority recruitment is a great avenue.

If you’re ultimately unsure about a sorority, try gender-inclusive fraternities or Greek letter organizations for your major. They won’t be the same socially as a sorority, but they will provide a group of people to know on a smaller level.

No matter which of these you try, Ohio State will always have over 60,000 students that call Columbus home. It’s hard to escape the enormity, but you may grow to love it! Making OSU smaller can help you socially, academically and professionally. Be sure to get involved and stay involved, trust me, you won’t regret it!