8 Things I Wish I Knew Before My Freshman Year at NC State
Welcome to the Wolfpack! NC State is the largest four-year college in the state, and sitting on 2,090 acres there is absolutely no way that anyone could know all the ins and outs before move-in day. We don’t know everything, but there are a few key things that I wish I knew before starting my freshman year. So keep reading for 8 things I wish I knew before my freshman year at NC State!
1. Know the bus routes!
NC State’s public transportation system can you get you almost anywhere you want to go. However, in order to get where you want to go, you might want to know exactly where you are trying to go and which bus number can get you there. Getting on the wrong bus can only lead to a long bus ride, and a possible panic attack because you ended up on a part a campus you didn’t even know existed.
2. Download the NC State App.
To make knowing the bus routes a little easier, NC State has its own app. It also has a daily menu for each dining home to make choosing where to eat a little less of a hassle. The free app called On Campus comes with featured stories, a map of the school, sports updates, and the daily weather forecast.
3. Use Rate My Professor when registering for classes.
Rate my professor is a nifty website that most students use when registering for classes to determine whether or not they want to take a class with a certain professor. You type in the name of your university (NC State) and then the name of your professor. Each professor is given a grade based on reviews from former students. This website saves GPAs!
4. Constantly check your NCSU email!
Your college email is the most important thing you will use. This is where campus security sends out Wolf Alerts (important events or crimes that have taken place on or near campus), you get emails about discounts around campus, and most importantly how you communicate with your professors. Check your email at least twice a day or before every class because sometimes professors cancel class last minute.
5. Beware: Do not take the guard rail off of your bed!
I don’t know how many near-death experiences I had due to almost falling off of the renowned XL twin size bed. I should have thought twice before deciding not to put the rail back on my bed after setting everything up. It didn’t hit me until after a long night of studying, I finally decided to go to bed. In the middle of the night I turned over one too many times and my life almost ended. KEEP THE BED RAIL ON YOUR BED!
6. Studying at DH Hill during Exam Week is a no-go, unless you like crowds.
DH Hill is the library on central campus and is one of the best places to study. However, during exam week it can be pretty hectic. Finding a place to sit is almost impossible, and the smell in certain places can be a little overwhelming due to students who pull all-nighters. If studying in the library is really your thing, make sure you reserve a quiet room in advance.
7. Get involved on campus!
Make sure you get out there and get involved on campus! NC State had numerous clubs and organizations that you could become a part of. Joining more than three clubs could be the academic death of you. The rule of thumb for joining clubs is to join something you love, an academic club, and a service club. Find something you like, and get out there!
8. Enjoy College!
You only have 4 years in college, well undergrad. Make the most of this time but remember to stay focused and goal oriented. Managing your time is a big part of college success and can allow you to get more out of the time you do spend here. College is all about making mistakes and learning from them, discovering yourself, and trying new things. Enjoy it!
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