NDSU students recently gave advice about how to succeed during your first semester of college.
The first semester of college can be exciting and nerve-wracking. So, it's natural to have questions about how to get the most out of your NDSU experience. How to get more engaged on campus, choose a major, get to know professors and find campus resources are just a few important things you might want to know.
The following are some valuable first-semester tips from students who've navigated the same path:
Ashlyn Schauer
Major: Strategic communications (undergraduate) and communication (graduate school)
Year: Senior (undergraduate) and first-year master’s student
Hometown: Jamestown, North Dakota
What advice would you give incoming freshmen?
Build a community around you. Whether that is making friends in your classes, joining a club or even taking a chance and talking to a stranger, there is no better way to feel at home than creating a strong support system at college.
How did you manage your time effectively during your first semester?
I blocked out time to do homework, look at my class schedules for the weeks and hang out with friends. A planner can be a huge help to schedule time to work on school and it serves as a good reminder of when assignments are due.
How did you go about building a social network and making new friends?
I got involved on campus. I joined the club hockey team, the radio station, student government and got involved in clubs that related to my major.
What advice would you give incoming freshmen about choosing a major?
Look at the jobs you could get with that major, then look at the daily tasks you could be doing in that job. If you could see yourself enjoying the work that you would do and the tasks you would have to perform, odds are you will be passionate about the classes you need to take to do that job well.
What resources did you find most valuable for academic success?
I talked to my academic advisor a lot when it came to choosing the right classes for my interests and even when applying for internships in my field.
Any advice for building positive relationships with professors?
Professors want to see you succeed and are there to help you. My freshman year I ended up taking a coding class that I struggled in. My professor took time out of his day to meet with me before big projects to make sure I understood the material and wasn’t falling behind. If it wasn’t for that professor, I wouldn’t have gotten the grade I did and might not have passed the class. Professors want to help, but you need to reach out and let them know you need their help.
Jillian McCusker
Major: Management and global business
Year: Junior
Hometown: Bismarck, North Dakota
What advice would you give incoming freshmen?
As you enter college life, be open-minded. There are so many new experiences and opportunities that can come from college, especially at NDSU. Take the first couple of days to explore campus. You may find a quicker path to your class or a new favorite study spot. Try new activities, get involved, interact with the people around you and learn the value of saying “yes!” Also, coming to college does not mean you are leaving everything at home. Continue to talk with your family and make time to chat with your home-friends.
How did you manage your time effectively during your first semester?
One of the best ways to manage your time is to use a calendar. Before college, I relied on my memory to keep track of upcoming events and due dates, however, after a missed deadline, I understood that my habit would need to change. It is uncommon for professors to give reminders for all deadlines and exams listed in their syllabi, so I recommend inputting the dates into an online calendar and enabling it to send a notification of the date a few days in advance, allowing yourself enough time to study or complete the assignment.
How did you make new friends?
The first semester is an exciting time to make new friends; nearly everyone is eager to meet new people. One of my biggest tips is to attend events and to simply talk to people. The initial introduction is always the most nerve-racking and, in these situations, “small talk” can be amazing. Ask people about their major, what dorm they are living in, where they are from, etc.
What advice would you give incoming freshmen about choosing a major?
If you are struggling to choose a major or academic path, try to take the stress out of planning. I know more people who have changed their major multiple times than people who have stuck with the same one they decided freshman year. I have changed my major three times and some of the factors in those changes were guided by the classes I enjoyed and the professors that taught them.
What resources did you find most valuable for academic success?
NDSU offers amazing services at the Career and Advising Center. The advisors can help you determine your career interests and help find opportunities for those interests within the area.
Any advice for building positive relationships with professors?
One of the best things you can do as a student to help build relationships with a professor is to simply show up. Going to class and being engaged shows the professor that you care about their class, and they will show you that same respect when you need their help. Furthermore, they love talking about the content they teach. If you have a question regarding something related to the class, a club or a job, they appreciate it when you reach out and provide a surplus of valuable information.
Anna Kessel
Major: Business management with a minor in management communication
Year: Junior
Hometown: Dickinson, North Dakota
What advice would you give to incoming freshmen?
Join as many clubs and organizations that you have time for. The clubs I am part of at NDSU have shaped my NDSU experience and helped me create friendships that have lasted all of college so far and hopefully beyond. The more involved in campus organizations you are, the easier it is to transition into college life because you really feel like you are part of the community.
How did you manage your time effectively during your first semester?
I used a planner to write down my class schedule, all due dates and times of club meetings. I always made sure my homework was my top priority and tried to have it done in advance so I would have more time to do other activities. Managing time can be difficult in college, going between classes, clubs and work, but writing down and then checking off everything I need to achieve helps me feel less stressed and more accomplished.
How did you make new friends?
Initially, my roommate and I stuck together and I was fortunate to room with someone I am still friends with. We both had different majors, so we would introduce each other to people we met in class or people we knew from our respective hometowns. And from those connections, I was able to create a large social network. Along with this, I jumped into clubs and was open to making friends with anyone. A great place to get to know others is the dining center. It’s always enjoyable for me to meet people there for dinner, which doubled as a social hour.
What advice would you give incoming freshmen about choosing a major?
Do your best before college to figure out what general field of study you enjoy, but you do not have to be certain on what your major is when you begin college. I started with a major that has nothing to do with what my current major is and I discovered I wanted to major in the business field because of a connection I made my freshmen year. Even after selecting general business, I have narrowed that down and changed my major to what best fits my career goals. Once you arrive at college, what you think you wanted to do with your life can change entirely, but it is important to know that there are resources and people available to help you pinpoint a major that you will be successful and happy in.
What resources did you find most valuable for academic success?
During my freshman year, I would use the ACE tutoring location to meet with classmates and work together in the spaces they offer. Now, I use on-campus services of mentoring programs to connect with real-life professionals whose experiences have aided in my academic career and helped me be more driven for success. Along with this, if you join academic clubs, you will be introduced to upperclassmen who share your major.
Any advice for building positive relationships with professors?
The best professor relationships I have are with ones that know my name. That seems like a small thing, but in large classes it can be difficult for this to be achieved. Engage in class and answer questions, even if you are not correct, you will learn from what you say and your professor will appreciate your effort. If you have questions or are struggling in the class, do no not be afraid to reach out, it has never harmed me to send a simple email to a professor asking for help. That is what they are here for and they will appreciate your effort to learn.
Begin your experience with a visit to campus. Or apply now if you’ve already decided NDSU is the place for you.