Transitioning from high school to college can be challenging for some students. Being in the heart of downtown Atlanta does not make it any easier. Want to survive freshman year at GSU? Keep reading for 50 life saving tips for freshmen at Georgia State!
Know how to get to your classes and how much time you have between classes. Getting to Aderhold can be a trek if you’re coming from the opposite side of campus. It’s definitely tricky for most freshmen at Georgia State.
Even if you’re not struggling, get to know your professors! They can be great connections later on in your college career.
Right across from One Park Place, you’ll find the most welcoming coffee shop called Ebrik that serves a mean mocha frap!
Be the girl or guy to ask the question everyone laughs at. Chances are, a ton of others are wanting to ask the same thing, but won’t admit it. It’ll be to your advantage when test time rolls around.
Chances are, you’ll need it to enter the library. Go to the University Bookstore and invest in a lanyard with a card holder so you never forget it. Yes, you’ll look like most freshmen at Georgia State, but this will save a lot of hassle.
People will hate you. You will make enemies especially if you are a repeat offender and/or you do this in Langdale where the elevators are always packed.
Honestly, it’s all luck and occasionally time-based. So…good luck.
If you want to order your books elsewhere because it is cheaper and do not want to wait for them to be shipped, remember that the bookstore now price matches with Chegg and even Amazon!
There is an organization at GSU for just about anything you could be interested in. Just check out OrgSync.
The rec center offers a variety of classes every day. No need to fear the freshman 15 if you maintain regular attendance in Zumba or pilates!
Atlanta has so much to offer in terms of internships and future career opportunities. Take advantage early!
Always have either a pencil and paper or laptop with you. Note-taking is vital to your success as a student. Many professors only test on lectures.
Check out Paws Portal for your advisor’s name and contact information. He or she can be very helpful when scheduling classes for your second semester.
Some are chains and some are unique. Many even offer discounts for Georgia State students.
Do not wait until the last minute. Everyone has busy schedules, but it is up to each group member to make time to contribute to the project efforts.
Your best friend from high school also chose GSU? Great, but don’t let that keep you from making new friends.
Don’t know whether he/she has their doctorate? Address them as so anyway. Brownie points for being the only student to do so correctly!
Have a test a week away? Begin studying early to cut down on the stress of last-minute cramming.
You will gain many new experiences that will prove useful to your online image. You can also use Linkedin to connect with past employers and/or teachers.
In library plaza, there are always people handing out information about either on-campus or nearby jobs catering especially to GSU students. Take advantage!
Though you don’t have much of a choice until sophomore year, ratemyprofessor.com can be very useful when registering for classes for the next semester!
This is especially for those with a huge reading list. Wait until classes begin (unless told otherwise) so that you only purchase the books you need.
Call those new friends and take a day to explore the campus and the Atlanta area. Do things you haven’t done before and meet even more new people.
Though the many coffee shops nearby (Saxby’s, Ebrik, and Starbucks) are all very tempting, make coffee in your room if you have the time. Invest in a yummy creamer and sugar to boost your satisfaction. Unless it’s daddy’s money, then…
Keep an up-to-date resume ready to go on your computer in case an internship opportunity comes up! Freshmen at Georgia State often get great opportunities!
A short trip to the office in Sparks Hall can be financially helpful and the staff are always willing to chat and provide assistance.
While they aren’t the most ideal, taking a history class online won’t kill you. Some students find online courses to be easier than the traditional classroom setting.
Because sometimes you realize you forgot to complete an assignment and it’s due in two hours.
Trust me on this one. Studying in the library or Student Center East/West will be a million times more productive.
Look on Paws Portal to find out when you can register for classes for the next spring and wake up early if needed. Otherwise, you may not end up being able to take the classes you want.
It is very helpful for keeping up with assignments or events.
College can be stressful and it’s always good to give yourself time to unwind after a busy week even if you’re just binge-watching Grey’s Anatomy by yourself.
Don’t be shy. No one will call you nerdy for it and it will help you focus and be more engaged in the class.
It will help you to expand your network of friends and help when you have to miss a class.
You never know when a professor may drop the pop quiz bomb on you or offer extra credit (even for attendance).
Besides the fact that many professors will get angry, you’re paying for your college education. Why spend your time texting when you could be learning? Unless your friend is Leslie Knope, they can wait an hour and fifteen minutes for a reply.
Snacks sold in the College of Education’s vending machines are personally preferred. Namely the fruit snacks that never fail to be in supply.
Especially if it is required for your major. A lesser known foreign language is American Sign Language. It is a very fun and interactive class!
You can withdraw from a maximum of 6 courses during your time at Georgia State. Additional details regarding withdrawals can be found in Paws Portal.
The student center offers discounted tickets for Six Flags, The Georgia Aquarium, and even movie theaters among other popular Atlanta attractions.
But don’t be that annoying freshman that goes there to talk. People will not be happy with you if you do.
Some professors have quizzes in lieu of attendance that must be completed within the first five minute of class. Royalty is not even excused in this case.
Students at GSU come from various backgrounds. Respect and understand that as you interact and meet new people.
Rainy days are a nightmare at GSU. You can walk through some buildings to avoid getting wet. But remember that we don’t all look like Selena Gomez when soaked.
Again, take the time to explore campus and figure out the shortcuts like cutting through Langdale to get to Aderhold from Library South.
Allow yourself enough time to get dressed and ready to head to classes so that you’re not running into the classroom with 20 seconds to spare.
Being right in the middle of downtown Atlanta, this is very important. Avoid walking alone at night if possible.
It’s no fun getting out of class at 7pm and then having to do homework afterward.
Getting ahead on your homework when possible can make you feel 100% better.
College is a time for new experiences and making friends and connections. Take advantage of all that’s offered in the Atlanta area and enjoy your first year!
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