20 Hacks To Make Your Life Easier At FIT
Life in the city is not as glamorous as it may seem (sometimes). From my previous and current experience at the Fashion Institute of Technology, I have some useful tips that will definitely help you out. Here are 20 hacks to make your life easier at FIT!
1. Give yourself a day(s) off.
Whether you’re in the art or business school, the homework/projects we all get are extensive and attention to detail is necessary. Even though you only have class once a week, the week does fly by. Before you know it, due dates sneak up on you. Having a day off can help you focus on creating to the best of your ability (helping your GPA).
2. For the apartment style dwellers, find a reasonably priced grocery store.
For those students residing on 27th & 7th, do not fall into the trap of shopping on the over priced market on the corner between 7th and 8th. Trader Joe’s is not a far walk and from a full blooded Italian, the $.99 pasta at TJ tastes exactly like the famous Barilla pasta.
Chelsea is a very popular area, so the stores closest to school (Whole Foods included) jack up their prices. Find time to walk over to 6th and get your groceries (your wallet will thank you). For those residing in Kaufman Hall on 31st & 9th, Trader Joe’s and other stores deliver for around $5!
3. There are other driving apps besides UBER.
Uber is great for when you’re whole squad is rolling up together and you can all split the fare. But what about when it’s just you who needs a ride? The app named VIA is the same thing as Uber, and has a flat rate of $5. Lyft is also constantly offering promotions where you can get credit in free rides. Trust me, the rides add up.
4. Class is long, look for professors who give breaks!
Sitting anywhere for 3 hours will get anyone antsy. Try looking for professors who give breaks so you can regain focus during the long class period.
5. Night class is not so bad.
FIT class times are either really early or really late. The afternoon classes are the best which causes them to fill up quickly. If you’re torn between a night and morning class, I recommend the night class. The professors tend to be much more quick, and you will get out early because they are swift with explaining the material.
6. Need help working out? FIT has fitness classes!
If you’re not the best at fitness (like me), FIT offers great fitness classes. It’s a fun way to meet people who are not in your everyday classes and you’re getting a workout while doing it. FIT lists a schedule on their website!
7. Use Rate My Professor to your advantage.
Like any university, the professors at FIT are very hit or miss. The professor you take makes or breaks the course. From previous experience, the professors who want to be there make the class a place YOU want to be. There are other professors who make you want to run out the door (when the class is supposed to be creative).
8. Kaufman Residents, there is a shuttle app!
For all those who walk from 31st and 9th to campus, FIT provides a shuttle every 30 minutes to take students to and from Kaufman. They also curated an app so you can track the shuttle.
9. Best food at the dining hall? The sushi.
You heard me, the sushi. It’s actually so delicious and also very inexpensive. Don’t be afraid to try it! I will add that the sandwich station is also consistently delicious.
10. Get dining dollars.
Load up your dining dollars. Why? Because you can use it for your Starbucks pick me up. This is perfect for pick me ups in between classes or whenever you need a quick snack!
11. All the buildings are connected.
Every building on campus (with the exception of the residence halls) are all connected. When it’s freezing outside during Christmas time, don’t bother risking frost bite!
12. Keep your FIT ID close.
Every building you enter has a security guard who checks your ID. Digging for your ID in your bag takes time, so it’s best to have your ID on your key chain or in a card wallet attached to your phone; you can whip it out on command!
13. Use the library to your advantage.
All the computer programs are on library computers and all the people who work there know their stuff. It is filled with books and a quiet space to escape when you need to get a lot done.
14. Don’t assume because it’s “fashion school” the work is easy.
This school breeds creative minds and professors know that. They like to test the waters and make students exceed their highest potential, making the work more tedious. Always take your time and give your best efforts.
15. Go to office hours.
Professors like when they can put a face to the name. I’ve found that professors can give you a better understanding on the content when they’re in a closer setting. Professors also tend to use your interest in seeing them at office hours as a part of your participation grade. It’s a win-win!
16. Don’t be afraid to use the tutoring center.
If you can’t get the understanding of a subject matter from your professor, try it with a student who can relate it to you better.
17. Take advantage of the Internship/Career center.
They know their stuff and will lead you in the right direction. The university has a 99% job placement rate and they want to see students use their gifts in the working world.
18. Sleep.
Class is long and work is tedious. You need to make sure you get your sleep, develop a schedule, and consistently keep on top of your health. You can’t perform your best if you don’t feel your best.
19. Keep organized.
Develop a schedule and stick to it. Buy a planner and lay out your entire work week. It is so important to keep on top of your grades. Plus, planning out your day will allow you to have time to enjoy the best city in the world!
20. Enjoy yourself.
It is so important to enjoy where you are, who you are with, and most importantly, yourself. FIT is in the heart of the greatest city in the world and you are lucky to be living in it. New York is the place where dreams happen and it’s important to not beat yourself up. It is so important to be comfortable in your own skin and confident in your abilities! Keep dreaming, keep chasing your dream, and enjoy the life you are living. The best comes to those who are happy.
Do you have any other hacks to make life easier at FIT?! Share in the comments below!
Featured Image: weheartit
