25 Life Saving Tips for Freshmen at RIT

Congrats, you are headed to off college! College is a time filled with incredible discoveries.  Take a deep breath and take a look at this advice. This guide will help you navigate the RIT community, explore buildings, learn more about academic resources, campus events, and the RIT learning style. I hope these tips will be beneficial for every freshman college student. Here are 25 life saving tips for freshmen at RIT!

1. Get organized.

There’s a lot going on during college, so trying to keep your desk, room and backpack organized will go a long way to streamlining your life!

2. Set up a schedule.

It can be easy to fall into the trap of sleeping through your morning classes, and forgetting to socialize. One of the hardest things about your newfound college freedom is having to set your own schedule, so take some time to really make it clear for yourself early on!

 

3. Keep a notepad to remind you of your to-do list.

Trust me, mental to-do lists never work. Write it down somewhere.

4. Be wise on time management.

Figure out at what time of day you are the most productive. Maybe you like to wake up early and beat the crowds to the library, or maybe you’re a night owl who lives on caffeine. Knowing these things about yourself can help you get the most amount of work down in the shortest amount of time!

5. Learn to multitask.

Being able to study, watch Netflix, and keep up with all your friends all at once is a delicate task. Eventually, you will be able to strike a balance.

6. Wear flip-flops in the shower.

You have NO idea who has been there before you.

7. Buy a planner.

A planner is a great place to write down that daily schedule and to-do list. Plus there are tons of really fun designs to choose from.

8. Take online classes.

9. Get involved with extracurricular activities!

This is a great way to meet people who have similar interests! It can be tough to get out there, but after a week or so, you’ll fall into a pattern. Try to remember you’re probably not the only new person!

10. Don’t be afraid to change.

Everyone changes a bit during college. It’s all about self-exploration and that’s a good thing!

11. Prioritize your mental heath.

Take some time each day to check in on yourself. Finding time in the day to do one activity that makes you happy can make a huge difference.

12. Get to know what resources are available for you on RIT campus before a situation arises.

This is a big one. Always know your emergency contacts. Plug them into your phone as soon as you get them.

13. Talk with your professors if you have concerns.

Professors are there to help! At the end of the day, most of them want you to succeed. Speaking with them about a bad paper grade, or a rough exam is a good way to put a face to your name and get some feedback that could be helpful for the next assignment!

14. Get to know your academic adviser.

This person is your go-to. Start developing a relationship with them early. Before you know it, you’ll be applying for internships and jobs, and your adviser is a great place to start when looking for recommendations.

15. Ask your RAs about resources you are unsure about

Sometimes websites can be confusing. Your RAs are trained to know all this stuff, so don’t hesitate to ask!

16. Exercise and eat well.

Exercising is a great way to get the endorphins flowing during a study break. It can also help you remember information more effectively and just feel better during the day.

17. Get involved around campus

Volunteering is a great way to meet people!

18. Use Tiger Bucks if you are going out to restaurants.

This can be a lifesaver if you’re short on cash.

19. Buy and sell on Facebook.

People are always selling old textbooks and study materials online. This is a great way to avoid lines, and save a few bucks.

20. Use Microsoft Office in Google.

You’ll thank me when your computer crashes the night before your term paper is due, and there is a magical google backup online.

21. Keep documents in labeled folders

Naming assignments things like “term paper 1” will get old fast. You’re going to write about a thousand papers in college. Be smart and create a unique folder for each class.

22. Google Drive will make your college life easier.

Like I said, this will be your best friend when something happens to your computer. Online backups are the key to finals success.

23. Grab free shirts from any events around the campus.

Because who doesn’t like free gear?

24. Register yourself on The Link to learn more about innovative resources.

25. Get movie rentals to watch at home during school break.

You’ll deserve some down time once your first semester is done!

Do you have any life saving tips for freshmen at RIT? Let us know in the comments!

Featured Image: pinterest.com