NDSU students have full and rewarding experiences inside and outside the classroom. Renowned professors provide an academically rigorous environment, while the vibrant and welcoming Fargo-Moorhead community make campus feel like home.
Read below to see why some of our seniors say NDSU is special and how potential students can make the most of their own experiences.
NAME: Jade Berg
HOMETOWN: Foreston, Minnesota
MAJOR: Psychology and Women and Gender Studies
What is your advice on adapting to being a college student?
Take your time. You may feel you have to jump into everything all at once, but the first semester is meant for adjustments and adapting to college life.
If you could re-do your first year at NDSU, what would you do differently?
I would put more of an effort into attending the events that were happening. I've learned the value of them now, but freshman me was terrified of going to some place where I may not know anyone.
What is your favorite thing to do on campus?
My favorite thing to do on campus would be to get coffee with friends at the Caribou in the Union. I also just love the convenience of being able to find a cozy spot and chat with friends or work on projects.
What do you wish someone would have told you?
I wish someone would have told me that it is okay to not have everything figured out and that asking for help doesn't mean you’re weak or incapable. My plans freshman year have yet to be accurate and I've finally come to understand and appreciate not having everything figured out and allowing your plans to change.
NAME: Amanda Fideldy
HOMETOWN: Grand Rapids, Minnesota
MAJOR: Animal Science with an emphasis on Biomedical Science (Pre-veterinary track)
What is your advice on adapting to being a college student?
My advice on adapting to becoming a college student is to structure a schedule you plan to follow closely. Set aside time to complete homework, socialize with friends, and engage in stress-relieving activities, such as working out at the Wellness Center. I found that following a schedule truly aided in allowing me to stay on track throughout my college career.
What is your favorite thing to do on campus?
My favorite activity to do on campus is allocate time for the Wallman Wellness Center. Even though I was likely the most un-athletic individual in history throughout high school, setting aside time to exercise is one of the greatest ways to relieve stress and focus on something outside of academics.
Any advice about living on campus? Advice about roommates?
For your first year, do not live with anyone you know. It may sound counter-intuitive, but choosing to be roommates with one of your closest friends is one of the worst mistakes you can make. I shared a dorm room with girls I had never met previously. We are all still very close friends to this day, and I found my first-year living situation to be much more enjoyable as opposed to the experiences of friends of mine who had chosen to room with their own friends.
What is your general advice for new college students?
My general advice for new students is to establish balance. Do not allocate all of your time studying, as the mental/emotional toll will cause you to sacrifice your social wellbeing; on the contrary, learn early on to establish boundaries with your friends in order to not allow social situations to consume time allocated for studying. If ever you find yourself struggling to create balance in your life, take advantage of the services NDSU has to offer – such as counseling and tutoring.
NAME: Brianna Maddock
HOMETOWN: Davenport, North Dakota
MAJOR: Biotechnology
If you could re-do your first year at NDSU, what would you do differently?
I would go to the Welcome Week events! I stayed in my dorm room during the first week because I was afraid to put myself out there right away. What I failed to realize is that every first-year student felt the exact same way I did! Go to those events. They may introduce you to your closest friends.
What is your favorite place on campus?
The NDSU Library is a hidden gem. There are so many comfortable study spaces, and the library staff wants to see you succeed. Whenever I need to sit down and get work done, you can find me in the library.
Any advice about living on campus? Advice about roommates?
Living on campus is a luxury that I missed when I moved as an upperclassman. Don't stress too much about the specific dorm you get placed in - they all have their unique benefits. The best part is they all will be able to introduce you to other first-year students who want to make connections to
What do you wish someone would have told you?
No one has everything figured out - ever. Don't be intimidated by the students who seem to have everything together or the upperclassmen who appear to know exactly what the future will bring them. The simple truth is that we are all trying to do the best we can.
NAME: Luna Zauhar
HOMETOWN: Shakopee, Minnesota
MAJOR: Political Science and International Studies
What is your advice on adapting to being a college student?
Be flexible with yourself. What you envisioned for your personal and academic life may change, and that’s okay. Being flexible with changes and embracing those changes will help you in the long run.
What is the best thing about being a first-year student at NDSU?
Welcome week. I met my lifelong friends during welcome week. I got to create so many connections in my welcome week group and made lots of great memories at all of the events.
If you could re-do your first year at NDSU, what would you do differently?
I would have met with my advisor and professors more often. Creating a strong connection with your advisor and professors is crucial as they will be able to guide you through all of your academic ups and downs!
What is your general advice for new college students?
Get involved, and get involved early. However, don’t overwhelm yourself. I met some of the best people on this campus by joining organizations, attending events, and volunteering.
NAME: Jonathan Chicka
HOMETOWN: Foxboro, Wisconsin
MAJOR: Marketing
What is your best advice for new college students?
Make it a priority to meet everyone, add them on social media and make new friends. You are all in the same boat and no one should have to go through college alone. Also keep a planner so you don’t miss due dates. Having five to six classes a semester can be overwhelming, so write everything down, even the smallest assignment.
What is the best thing about being a first-year student at NDSU?
The best thing for me was living in the residence halls and getting to meet new people. You have so many amazing people around you all going through the same things you are. Get to know them. They will be a valuable resource.
What is your favorite place on campus?
The hot tub in the wellness center is a great place to relax after a day of classes or being outside in the winter.
What was your favorite NDSU Experience?
Traveling to Frisco three times to watch the NDSU football team win the national championship games were experiences I will never forget.
Apply today to start your NDSU journey.
