50 Life Saving Tips For Freshmen At Montclair State University

Montclair can be overwhelming when you first arrive. Registering for classes, adjusting to living with roommates and deciding what clubs you’re going to join can be challenging. Here are 50 life saving tips for freshmen at Montclair State University.

1. The Redhawk Parking Deck

This tip is for commuter students. Do not waste time or money by getting a parking pass for CarParc. RedHawk Deck is a bit pricier but I have never been dissatisfied with this parking deck. No matter what time of day I come to campus I can find a parking spot with ease and make it to my class right on time.

2. Meal Plans ARE Worth It

Living on campus as a freshman means a meal plan is mandatory. Whatever your choice is for the meal plan whether you choose the least amount of swipes or the most…be mindful of the fact that you have never lived on campus before and you don’t know how often you will want to eat or grab a snack until you are away from home. I recommend getting the least expensive and adding on if necessary, rather than wasting swipes because they don’t roll over.

3. Make Friends Now

I came to Montclair and roomed with my best friend. We did everything together. Keep in mind that college is a new experience and great opportunity to meet new people. Keep your best friends from home but don’t forget to venture out and try new things.

4. Mix and Mingle At Every Event

There are so many events that you can attend. SGA has events in the Student Center and different clubs and organizations host events on a weekly basis. Make a point to go to these events, have fun and talk to as many people as you can.

5. Understand Flex Dollars vs. Redhawk Dollars

Flex Dollars are dollars that can be used at any on-campus dining service. These are good for the active semester and do not roll over to the next. Redhawk Dollars are dollars that can be used at any on-campus dining service, any off-campus dining service and for different campus events. Redhawk Dollars continue to rollover as long as you are a registered student, so if you go from undergraduate to graduate your Redhawk Dollars will still work.

6. Try Zipcar

Don’t have a car? No problem! Uber and Lyft are awesome when you need a ride. But when you want your own ride Zipcar is there for you! Zipcars are easy to rent for an hour, a day, a week or even monthly. You can download the mobile application and find a Zipcar on campus and use it for however long you need.

7. Remember Your Friends From Home

Don’t forget your friends from home. You might make friends once school starts or it may take some time. Don’t let the distance interfere with the friendships you have already established. They always say absence makes the heart grow fonder, but don’t wait until break to talk to your friends. Check in weekly or bi-weekly and keep the 411 on your girls.

8. Don’t Go Home Every Weekend!

My biggest mistake was going home every weekend. Being so close to home gave me every reason to leave MSU. Since I left I missed out on a lot of fun things. Make the most of your time here, four years goes by faster than you think.

9. Go to The Gym!

We have an awesome state of the art gym here with a beautiful view. Use it every chance you get.

10. Keep track of your Student ID

Your student ID is super important. Think of it as your license; you need a license to drive and you need your ID to function on campus. Your ID is used to get into your dorm, holds your meal plan swipes, Flex Dollars and Redhawk Dollars. It also is used to check-in and out of events on and off campus. It costs $20 to replace so guard it with your life!

11. If Attendance is Mandatory GO TO CLASS!

I cannot stress this enough. Skipping class will seem like the ‘cool’ thing to do until you are falling behind and can barely keep up. If your professor says attendance is mandatory (we are all given 3 unexcused absences) just go!

12. Keep an Agenda or Calendar

If you weren’t organized in high school, get organized now! In my opinion college is much easier than high school, however your syllabus is your only reminder. Keep track of all homework assignments and due dates because it’s easy to fall behind.

13. NETWORK! NETWORK! NETWORK!

Between career and internship fairs and all the organizations on campus, there is no reason you should not be networking everywhere you go. Keep a copy of your resume on you at all times, you’ll never know when you need it.

14. Capture Every Moment!

These four years will go by so quick. There’s no way you’ll remember everything that will happen but pictures will help.

15. Keep Track of Your Laundry!

Don’t be the guy or girl who leaves their laundry in the wash or dryer for extended periods of time. Set your alarm clock and keep track of your belongings.

16. You Might Need a Job!

Nobody wants to work and go to school, but you might have to. In that case you can attend part time or full time job fairs and apply locally or on campus. Don’t put too much on your plate, create a budget and focus on your grades.

17. Intern As Early As Possible!

You won’t want to wait until your junior or senior year to scramble together and find an internship. Start looking as soon as possible. The more experience the better.

18. Use the Center for Writing Excellence !!!

Even if your writing skills are impeccable, I recommend going to the Center for Writing Excellence (CWE) to get a second opinion. The writers at the CWE can help with the prepping stages, the writing process or the revision process.

19. Go to the Library to Study

Your room has a lot of distractions you don’t even notice. Create a comfy space in the library and study there. You can study with friends in the open areas or alone in the quiet areas.

20. Don’t Use the Elevator if You Live or Have a Class on the First Level of a Building!

DON’T BE THAT GUY! It won’t hurt to take the steps one flight. Our elevators tend to be out of service in the dorms a lot so just walk.

20.5: There are two sets of elevators in University Hall! One set of elevators goes from floors 1-7 and the other set goes from floors 1-4. No one tends to use the second set so if you’re lazy like me I recommend using this one. You’ll thank me later.

21. Scope out Montclair!

Downtown Montclair is truly a sight to see. Some of the most happening and delicious restaurants are here. Try them all while you’re here.

22. Familiarize Yourself with LinkedIn!

Network Network Network! LinkedIn is a great way to build a network of alumni, your professors and peers. LinkedIn also allows you to find jobs too.

23. College is NOT a Popularity Contest!

You are here to further your education. Put yourself out there and make a name for yourself but remember why you are here and what your goals are.

24. Rate My Professor is Your New BFF!

Do not register for a class until you have checked RMP! Students tell the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth in these ratings. Chances are if your professor sucks you could have avoided it by looking here first.

25. Don’t Be Eager to Purchase Textbooks

I cannot stress how many times I have purchased a textbook and not needed it for a class. You have two options…email your professor before class and ask if it is necessary or wait until the syllabus is handed out in class and ask. Either way don’t order your books until you have been told.

26. Take Online Classes!

If you can, try to take online classes. A lot of general education requirements and major course requirements are online. Online classes give you more time to complete work and you don’t have to show up to a class.

27. Make a Friend in Each Class!

Try to get at least one person’s number in each class. In case you miss you can refer to someone for missed assignments and to catch you up. Plus, when its time to have a partner in class you can make that awkward eye contact and know you’ve got someone to work with.

28. Form a Study Group!

Everybody has a different way to study. Study groups allow you to pick up some helpful habits, tips and tricks from other people. It’s also a creative way to have fun while studying. Who wants to study alone?

29. JOIN CLUBS!

MSU has hundreds of clubs and organizations as well as fraternities and sororities. Take a look at all we have to offer and find one that you can call home.

30. Remember: You can withdraw from a course at anytime!

It’s not the best option financially, but your grade is more important. If a course becomes too strenuous or hard remember you can withdraw at anytime.

31. Take Advantage of Student Discounts: (Peak Performances)

The Office of Arts and Cultural Programming offers a variety of plays, music performances and film viewings. As a student of MSU you get a huge student discount. Take a look at the performances, grab some friends and enjoy.

32. Go to Bliss Lounge, 46 Lounge and 4Sixty6!

Get a taste of New York City nightlife less than 15 minutes from campus. Bliss, 46 and 4Sixty6 cater to all audiences and are sure to be a fun time for everyone.

33. Understand Campus Transportation Runs on Their Own Time!

Do not rely on the campus buses. Even if you have the app, it might not be on time. Always give yourself enough time so you are not running late to class or an event.

34. Do not over indulge at Sam’s Place

The Freshman 15 is real and can be come the Freshman 45 overnight. Having the unlimited meal plan does not mean you should eat more than your body can physically consume.

35. Learning Communities are Great for Making Friends!

Some freshmen (depending on the major) are placed into learning communities…where they live in the same hall and have the same major and sometimes gen-ed classes. This is a great way to make friends both in and out of class. If you are placed into a learning community take advantage of it.

36. Join MSU’s Facebook Groups Before School Starts!

Join your class Facebook group and even some of the upperclassmen ones. Make yourself acquainted with some of your peers and see what the campus life is like before actually moving in.

37. Understand the Power of an Awesome Schedule!

Ever since I started at MSU I have made sure to have Fridays off and to have class 2-3 days a week. This may mean that you have to have 4 classes in one day but you’ll thank me when you have so much free time.

38. Don’t Get Caught Drinking!

MSU is a dry campus. The only place you are allowed to drink are the Village Apartments and you can only drink if you are 21 and up.

39. Make Your Dorm Your Home Away From Home!

This is where you will be for the school year. Make yourself at home, literally.

40. Go to NYC!

You’re so close to the Big Apple. Have some fun, go out and explore the city that never sleeps.

41. Actually Talk to Your Roommate

So you didn’t room with your best friend and you weren’t matched to your personality twin. It’s okay. Sometimes the best friendships form out of roommates.

42. Remember You Can Use Your Redhawk Dollars Off Campus!

From Applebee’s to CVS to Exxon Mobil Gas, your Redhawk Dollars can be used at a variety of locations. Don’t forget all the awesome places you can use them.

43. Try to Keep Your Classes in the Same Building

In the spring semester we get rain, snow, sleet and hail. Try to keep all your classes in the same building or nearby one another. Nothing is worse than getting thrown around by the aggressive winds of a torrential rainstorm.

44. Avoid Eating at the Student Center on Breaks Between Classes!

The Student Center is always busy. The fifteen minute gaps between back to back classes seems like a lot when you have to wait. But going to the Student Center will result in being late to class.

45. CHECK CANVAS CONSTANTLY

Professors use Canvas to communicate on a daily basis. Check Canvas for class room changes, cancellations and other important information.

46. Call Mom and Dad As Much As YOU Want!!!

Don’t be ashamed to call home. And call as often as you want. When I was a freshman I called my mom everyday, sometimes twice a day.

47. Don’t Buy From the Bookstore Unless You ABSOLUTELY Have To!

Use Chegg, Valore, Amazon or Slugbooks first. If you can’t find it anywhere else then go to the bookstore. Also professors will sometimes assign a Montclair edition of a textbook. In that case, you have to purchase from the bookstore.

48. Take a Hard Class

Challenge yourself! College is all about finding yourself and learning about who you truly are.

49. Don’t Quit After Getting Your Midterm Grades!

1) If you did really well don’t stop now. You have half of a semester ahead of you.

2) If you did really bad don’t give up. You have half of a semester ahead of you.

50. STAY TRUE ALL THE WAY THROUGH!

Remember who you are and what you are here for. Be a leader and not a follower! Don’t be a victim of peer pressure and always make your best judgment.