Academics
- Go to class!
- Office hours aren't scary. Go to them.
- Sometimes you need to leave your dorm to study.
- It is easy to study abroad, but plan ahead.
- Take one class that you know nothing about or that your parents would hate.
- Time management is so important, so learn it and practice it.
- It's never too early to start studying/ writing that paper.
- MediaVision is not an excuse to skip class.
- Take advantage of Educational Services for Students. SI sessions and tutors really help. Use them.
- College writing is different from what they teach you in high school.
- Learn how to use the library system, both the building and online.
- Learn how to find a research position.
- Be more proactive instead of reactive when it comes to classes.
- Buy a planner and use it so you don’t miss important events/deadlines.
- Don't procrastinate.
- Explore multiple options for purchasing textbooks but get them by the first week of classes.
Campus Living
- Sleep!
- Set ground rules with your roommate.
- Buy rain boots.
- Take advantage of free food and other free stuff. Someone is always giving something away.
- Get a loud alarm clock (or two or three).
- Bring half as much as you think you need. You'll end up collecting tons of stuff by the end of the year.
- Cleveland winds eat cheap umbrellas for breakfast—go big or get wet.
- Learn how to do laundry.
- Find the free printing areas.
- Greenies run late on the weekends.
- Check out Safe Ride/Escort service.
Faculty
- Make sure your professors know who you are, whether it’s a class of 10 people or 100. Talk to them early in the semester.
- Become friends with your professors and advisors.
- Meet your professors (go to office hours, approach them after class). They want to meet you.
- Ask your professors about careers related to their departments, their research, and research opportunities.
- You don’t have to have a "problem" in your class to talk to your professor.
Social Life
- Explore! CWRU and Cleveland offer so many cool things. Don’t just stay in your room. (Even when it's cold outside.)
- Learn to use public transportation. It’s not complicated and it’s included in your fees.
- Get to know as many people as possible. Introduce yourself to everyone.
- Don’t be afraid to get involved, but don’t overwhelm/over extend yourself.
- Be open to making friends with a diverse range of people as soon as you get on campus.
- Take advantage of University Circle and downtown Cleveland (museums, downtown, West Side Market).
- Every Wednesday go to Spot Night for local bands, cheap food, and fun.
- Take advantage of your student activities fee. Clubs on campus program for you. There’s always something free going on.
Food for Thought
- Never be afraid to ask for help.
- It’s okay to take your time to find yourself and what you want in life.
- Do things outside of your comfort zone.
- Keep an open mind, and be open to others. Branch out.
- College is definitely harder than high school.
- You don’t have to do everything. It is okay to say no.
- You have to be proactive. This applies to everything. You’re used to just being handed things in high school, but when you’re here, you have to go out and do things. It’s not all just a popularity contest anymore.
- The best way to be happy is doing what you love, not what you think you should be doing.
- Students play an active role in shaping the university.
- Upperclass students are incredibly helpful.
- When you do go home, listen to your parents.