Graduating NDSU students recently were asked to offer advice on how to make the most of the Bison experience.
Read below for their take on finding friends, getting involved, living on campus, staying active and more.
ZACHARY QUIRK
HOMETOWN: Chisholm, Minnesota
MAJOR: Environmental Engineering
ADVICE FOR ADAPTING TO BEING A COLLEGE STUDENT
Jumping out of high school into college is not a small step and it shouldn't feel like it! You are not going to feel at "home" right away and that's okay, just be sure to put yourself out there and meet other people!
ADVICE FOR LIVING ON CAMPUS
Bring a box fan. It can get hot! Attend Welcome Week, I am still best friends with the strangers that I bumped into during that time.
ON FARGO
Fargo is the perfect college town. NDSU is known throughout the entire city and state, giving you the opportunity to connect with current students, fans, and alumni. Fargo is small enough to grab coffee and study with your friends, while also offering stores and experiences that you can find in a large suburban city.
I WISH SOMEONE TOLD ME
I wish someone would have told me that it is okay to feel homesick, but to stick it out and join things to make more friends. The grass is always greener on the other side of the fence, and it can often feel like you are not achieving as much as everyone else around you. However, none of that could be less true. Have fun, enjoy college, and always know that it will always get better.
ADVICE FOR ALL COLLEGE STUDENTS
Be the version of yourself that you would want to see in the mirror. Life is incredibly short, and college is the perfect time to make some memories. Prioritize your schooling and education, but don't be afraid to have late nights, hang out with friends, and have funny stories.
TAYLOR GAKIN
HOMETOWN: Brainerd, Minnesota
MAJOR: Finance, with an Entrepreneurship minor
ADVICE FOR ADAPTING TO BEING A COLLEGE STUDENT
Take it week by week and you will slowly get used to the changes from high school. It is easier and less stressful to break down your commitments this way and to focus on being present in what you are doing.
FAVORITE THING TO DO ON CAMPUS. FAVORITE PLACE.
My favorite thing to do is go to Bison basketball games. My favorite place on campus is the Memorial Union. It is always so lively, but it is also a great place to study.
ADVICE FOR LIVING ON CAMPUS
Meet as many people as you can even if you think you will never see them again. Living on campus allows you to be around so many different people that it is a great opportunity to branch out and meet new people.
WHAT WILL YOU REMEMBER MOST ABOUT NDSU?
The thing I will remember most at NDSU is my professors. They have given me so much advice about careers and life that I will take with me after I graduate. What I will miss about NDSU is the welcoming feel of campus. I transferred to NDSU and have always felt like I belonged here.
I WISH SOMEONE TOLD ME
You don’t have to have it all figured out right away. Take your time and figure out what the right path is for you and it’s okay if that changes by the time you graduate.
GENERAL ADVICE FOR COLLEGE STUDENTS
Time management is your friend. Learn this your freshman year and you will accomplish so much and do great the next three years!
HAILEY GAKIN
HOMETOWN: Brainerd, Minnesota
MAJOR: Marketing
ADVICE FOR ADAPTING TO BEING A COLLEGE STUDENT
Take it slow. Being a freshman in college is overwhelming. There’s so much going on that it can become a lot quickly and you can start losing track of things, especially your assignments. Having time to step back and ease your way into things helps relieve a lot of stress and anxiety that comes with being a college student.
FAVORITE THING TO DO ON CAMPUS. FAVORITE PLACE.
My favorite thing to do on campus is attend campus events. My favorite place on campus is the Memorial Union. Not only does it have Caribou Coffee (my favorite!), but it’s also a great place to study and run into people!
ADVICE FOR LIVING ON CAMPUS
Spend time outside of your dorm room. Study in the library or the residence hall lounge or even the dining center. It’s a great way to meet people and the change of scenery can be a nice break.
ON FARGO
Fargo feels like a middle ground between a big city and a small town. I’m from a smaller town and I feel right at home, but I also like having the options for things to do that I wouldn’t get at home!
WHAT WILL YOU REMEMBER MOST ABOUT NDSU?
From friends and classmates to professors and staff members, everyone has always been so nice and welcoming. It’s going to be hard not to see their friendly faces every day.
I WISH SOMEONE TOLD ME
It’s okay to fail. You might feel like you have to do well on the first try, especially in your classes, but it helps to remember that you’re still learning, and you have tons of resources to help you when you’re struggling.
GENERAL ADVICE FOR COLLEGE STUDENTS
Try new things! College is your chance to branch out and meet new people, and it’s also your chance to find new hobbies and interests and discover new things about yourself.
HIEU LE
HOMETOWN: Fargo
MAJOR: Psychology and behavior statistics
ADVICE FOR ADAPTING TO BEING A COLLEGE STUDENT
Get a schedule (online or physical) and make it your best friend. It helps you keep all your classes and assignments in check, even on your most hectic days. It helps remind you to take some time to enjoy yourself and all the campus events and socials you're going to attend.
FAVORITE CAMPUS SPOT.
I love getting lunch at the Clean Eats section in the West Dining Center. Their menus are always packed full of nutrition, flavor and guilt-free eating.
ON FARGO
Fargo is a city that strikes the perfect balance between small town college feels and tons of activities and places to enjoy. I've lived here for about 14 years now, and it's been growing faster and faster each year.
WHAT WILL YOU REMEMBER MOST ABOUT NDSU?
I loved the time when I emceed at the Annual Lunar New Year Event. I got to sing in front of 250-350 people, did stand-up comedy skits and got to see other traditional dances and performances. I will miss the people I've planned the event with and the unforgettable memories we made together.
I WISH SOMEONE TOLD ME
Students aren't using the full potential of office hours and are missing out on scholarships and job opportunities. Sometimes, during office hours, my professors would ask about my college plans and then offer invaluable advice, such as jobs other students have had, scholarships that I didn't know I could apply for and even internship positions that were starting. Come with specific questions and share your enthusiasm. You never know what opportunities you're going to get.
GENERAL ADVICE FOR COLLEGE STUDENTS
Challenge yourself in college so your future self can thank you. Go to that extra hour of office hours, work extra hard on that assignment, ask more questions and be attentive in class. Think of yourself as an investment that gains value over time. Even though these efforts may be small, they build upon each other and help you secure more scholarships, job opportunities, making you more competitive in the field you're entering.
PIPER BARCUS
HOMETOWN: Duluth, Minnesota
MAJOR: Human Development and Family Science
ADVICE FOR ADAPTING TO BEING A COLLEGE STUDENT
Make time for yourself even if it seems impossible to do. Adjusting to college can be scary but making sure to have time for something you enjoy every day, or even every week, can help you feel more comfortable and help you to prioritize yourself.
FAVORITE THING TO DO ON CAMPUS. FAVORITE CAMPUS SPOT.
I love to attend events that are hosted by organizations. My friends also enjoy going to these events, which gives me an opportunity to have fun and spend time with them. This is also a great way to prioritize something fun. My favorite place on campus is definitely Weible Residence Hall. This is where I lived in my freshman year and currently work in the department of Residence Life. Weible has a great community and many study spaces.
ADVICE FOR LIVING ON CAMPUS
I would recommend finding a residence hall where you feel comfortable. This could mean something different to everyone. You want to have a comfortable living environment to make sure you have the best experience while living on campus.
ON FARGO
Fargo has the best thrift stores! If you are like me and love thrifting, then Fargo is the place for you. Not only are there good places to shop, but there are great places to eat. I recommend trying Randy's Diner on University if you are looking for a great breakfast spot.
I WISH SOMEONE TOLD ME
I wish someone would have told me that it's okay to say "No" every once in a while. You don't always have to go to every event and meet everyone possible. It's okay to take time for yourself and do something that you enjoy. Especially in the first couple weeks of school, it can be easy to say "Yes" to everything but be careful to not get too burnt out.
GENERAL ADVICE FOR COLLEGE STUDENTS
My advice for college students is to put yourself out there. It can be intimidating, but I promise you will see benefits that will be helpful in the future. Talk to your professors, join clubs, go to events, all of it will be worth it in the end!
LEYLA HUSSEIN
HOMETOWN: San Diego, California and Fargo, North Dakota
MAJOR: Management Communication
ADVICE ON ADAPTING TO BEING A COLLEGE STUDENT
Say yes to opportunities. Strive to get out of your comfort zone and challenge yourself. Through this, you’re able to grow in ways you’d never imagine.
My favorite places on campus are the reflection spaces. With difficult assignments or an overwhelming workload, I like to decompress in the reflection spaces by praying.
FAVORITE THING TO DO ON CAMPUS.
My favorite thing to do is walking around campus when the weather is nice.
ON FARGO
Fargo is an underrated place where you can be your best version of yourself because there are fewer distractions. Coming from a bigger city, I choose to focus on self-development and trying new hobbies.
WHAT WILL YOU REMEMBER MOST ABOUT NDSU?
When I graduate, I will miss the people. I’m grateful to say I made beautiful friendships on campus so I will forever cherish the late-night study sessions during dead week or trying new things out together. In addition, I will remember the staff that supported me like Kalen Napolean and my TRIO SSS advisor, Zach Thomas.
I WISH SOMEONE TOLD ME
You don’t have to know it all. Asking for help is a courageous and brave act to do.
GENERAL ADVICE FOR COLLEGE STUDENTS
Always be your authentic self and show up for your goals even when it seems daunting.
MALIK JAFFAL
HOMETOWN Jerusalem, Palestine
MAJORS: Political Science and International Studies
ADVICE FOR ADAPTING TO BEING A COLLEGE STUDENT
Enter college with an open mind and not many expectations. Say yes to new experiences but stay safe!
FAVORITE THING TO DO ON CAMPUS. FAVORITE CAMPUS SPOT.
My favorite thing to do on campus is to walk around and talk to people. My favorite place on campus is the 3rd and 4th floor study spaces in Sugahara Hall; the view is amazing!
ON FARGO
Fargo gives you the opportunity to get out of your comfort zone and find a community. I think doing anything as small as walking around the park is fun if you are with the right people.
WHAT WILL YOU REMEMBER MOST ABOUT NDSU?
I will remember and miss the amazing friendships and connections I have made throughout my time here at NDSU. I will always be grateful for the faculty in both the Community and Belonging Office and Trio SSS.
GENERAL ADVICE FOR COLLEGE STUDENTS
Join as many clubs and student organizations as possible and talk to as many people as you can; friends make college so much more fun and bearable. Remember to have fun in the process.
I WISH SOMEONE TOLD ME
University life is not just about studying; if you treat it right, it can be some of the best times of your life. You should let go sometimes.
