20 Things No One Tells You About Freshman Year At Longwood University
Your freshman year at any university or college should be an easy transition, but sometimes it does not turn out that way. Freshman have only just started experience so many new things; a new place, a new roommate, a new life. It can be a frustrating time. Hopefully I can help with some pointers. Here are 20 things no one tells you about freshman year at Longwood University!
1. Just because D-Hall is all you can eat…don’t over indulge.
I know what you’re thinking, but believe me the Freshman 15 is real. If you get hungry and you’re at D-Hall, do not go for the big plate of French fries or a couple pieces of pizza. The key thing is to watch your portion size, because you can lose track at a buffet-style dining hall. D-Hall has two salad bars which is always a healthy option.
2. Use the gym, you pay for it and there is stuff there for everyone.
The gym that we have at Longwood University is amazing. Tons of equipment, an indoor track, basketball courts, fitness courses, a giant rock wall, and so much more is included at the Health and Fitness Center. There is something for everyone to stay in shape, so why not try it out? Take a friend or go alone, you will definitely find something for you.
3. Meet with your professors and communicate with them as much as you can.
With a student-faculty ratio of 17:1, you definitely will have no problem communicating with professors in a timely manner. So, do not be scared or nervous to meet your professor one-on-one within the first week of classes to introduce yourself. The professors are friendly and want you to ask questions, they enjoy knowing that you are focused and want to know more about your coursework.
4. Schedule meetings with your advisor and keep a close relationship with them.
Your advisor is devoted to helping you make sure you are on track with being enrolled in the courses that you need to take for your degree. They even will help you apply for scholarships that are being offered that suit your credentials. They definitely want you to keep a relationship with them and let them know how your classes are going. Don’t be shy, they are there for you.
5. Don’t miss out on anything free and fun that the university has to offer.
The highlight of a college student’s day is getting something for free, especially t-shirts. Longwood has plenty of fun events that are free throughout the entire school year. There is Rock the Block, Oktoberfest, Spring Weekend, and so many other events. You will not want to miss any of it, because we take such pride in what Longwood does for us to have fun with no cost.
6. Farmville is small, but there is plenty to do for fun in the community.
Farmville, Virginia is known to be small, but there is so much more than what meets the eye. The town of Farmville contains High Bridge Trail State Park, tons of shops downtown, the annual Heart of Virginia festival, and so much more. The town of Farmville will be your home for the next four years, so experience the place that is Longwood University’s home.
7. The library should be a place you visit often, because it is a great resource.
Greenwood Library is a great facility that Longwood is proud to have. The library has many resources such as books and articles, helpful librarians, a writing center, and tons of media throughout. The library is a place that you can really focus in and get your coursework done. Definitely take advantage of this as a great resource.
8. Don’t be the person who goes home all of the time.
Your first year at college you will miss home. You will feel lost being away from your hometown, your friends, and your family. It is okay to feel like that, but do not go home all the time. Your college experience is just beginning, so branch out and stay around campus so you can make new friends. Once you make friends at college, you won’t feel homesick. So give it some time, Farmville will become home before you know it.
9. But don’t forget your parents and family, they are what got you here.
Even though you should not go home all of the time, do not forget your parents and family. They probably are either helping pay for your education or at least helped you move-in to your dorm. Give them a call every so often and check in with them, they will be overjoyed to hear from you and see how you are doing.
10. Read the weekly emails they send out, there is a lot of useful stuff in there.
All students receive a weekly email that informs you of different events being put on by Longwood University and the Farmville community; volunteer opportunities, announcements, clubs and organization information, employment opportunities, and so much more. I have looked through the emails multiple times for volunteer opportunities to keep adding to my resume. Definitely take advantage of this simple and easily accessible tool.
11. Keep a white board, calendar, or a planner; stay ahead by being organized.
Staying organized is definitely a key to being prepared for all of your assignments, due dates, extracurricular activities, and meetings with friends. A white board will help you with writing down notes that you need to remember, a calendar will help you to see a month worth of coursework and dates that you need, and a planner will help you see a week worth of what you need to accomplish for that week. Stay ahead of yourself by being organized.
12. Know when to take breaks and have fun with your friends.
We, as students, are at college for our education and that is our top priority. Studying, going to class, and doing assignments for hours on end can be stressful, so you need to know when to take breaks and de-stress. Still remember that you are there for your education, but you can have fun, too. So don’t burn yourself out, go out with your friends and have a good time every now and then.
13. Get involved!
With over 175 clubs and organizations to choose from, there is something for everyone. Longwood has so many to pick from, but you can even start your own organization if you want. Joining a club or organization can help you de-stress from your academics and can give you something good to put on your resume. Explore Lancer Link to see if you are interested in any clubs or organizations the university has to offer.
14. Support Longwood’s Athletics, we are Division I after all.
Feel like you need a study break for a hour or two? Go see that basketball game or baseball game and cheer on the Lancers. We are Division I and we have some of the greatest fans in the students, faculty, and the Farmville community. Elwood, our mascot, is the spirit that is Longwood. Let’s go Lancers!
15. Your roommates, suitemates, and hall mates are not your only friends.
It may seem that they are your only friends, but that is not the case. Make friends with students in that biology course, members of the new club you just joined, or someone you were passing by in the D-hall. Branch out! Your roommates, suitemates, and hall mates will be friends, but realize there are so many new friends to be made.
16. Do the traditions, you won’t regret it.
Longwood’s traditions are one of a kind and they are something you have to do in your time at Longwood. Between our secret societies Chi and Princeps, Oktoberfest, Spring Weekend, Late Night Breakfast, and so many more, you will want to take part in all of the traditions in your time, or you’ll regret it. Read this article, 15 Things You’ll Regret Not Doing at Longwood University, that I wrote which highlights why each tradition is so special.
17. Making friends in your courses creates instant study groups, so be friendly.
Study groups are a great resource for you in preparing for tests and getting assignments done. The way that you create study groups is by becoming friends with other students in your courses. They know exactly what you are going through and they can help you with studying and you can have some great friends at the end of your course.
18. Know your meal plan and the difference between Bonus Dollars and Lancer Cash.
Learning about your meal plan and everything that goes with it can be confusing, I know it was for me when I first came to Longwood. Being informed about your options and knowing what you can use where will you help you a lot.
19. Just because you don’t have a car, it is not the end of the world.
Most people nowadays are probably used to having a car to go any place they need to go. The majority of freshmen at Longwood do not have a car on campus, but don’t worry about that. To walk from one end of campus to another is about 5-10 minutes and there are FAB buses that will take you all over the Farmville community. Chances are you’ll make friends with upperclassmen who have cars.
20. Don’t worry, you will be a Lancer in no time.
One last pointer, you will fit in. I know you’re in a new place, but don’t worry. When you were accepted to the university, you became a family member of the Lancer community. You will feel like a full Lancer in no time.
Do you have any other tips for freshman year at Longwood University!? Share in the comments below!
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