Just two days ago, I was accepted to Cornell University and assuming the Financial Aid situation goes well, I will be attending there next fall. Because I was accepted early, I must withdraw all of my other applications, leaving me with a lot of time and I decided to use this time to do some more research on college life. I was just wondering as a new Freshman, what are some things that I should keep in mind? Like what kinds of things do you guys suggest I take to my dormitory from home and how should I get involved in the plethora of activities available? I don't want to really be overwhelmed by life at college and I want to be prepared. Any guidelines or tips that you guys particularly recommend?

JWD

United States12607 Posts

December 12 2010 08:01 GMT

I wrote this a really long time ago, but still think most of it is about right. Some general advice.

Butigroove

Seychelles2061 Posts

December 12 2010 08:08 GMT

Beer before liquor, never been sicker;
Shots before beer, you're in the clear!

When you're thinking of not wearing a condom, do wear one.

Study/read all semester, not just before midterms/finals.

Try everything at the cafe, and learn what you like, if you have a meal plan.

Wooo college in the bag lol

ZeromuS

Canada13389 Posts

December 12 2010 08:13 GMT

Just remember to keep a level head and not go crazy with either stress from schoolwork or parties or drinking. I know a lot of people who dropped out for one of the two reasons or failed miserably. Then again Im in canada and drinking is legal for most people at 19 and 18 in Quebec the province 5 minutes away from campus.

ClanOverdosed

691 Posts

December 12 2010 08:20 GMT

If you don't make friends, get gosu at SC!

I just went through my first semester at college; the transition was a lot easier than I thought. I was just friendly, did my work on time, went to class (most of the time) and kept a positive outlook. Thats my advice as a freshman just in general. Unfortunately/Fortunately I'm transferring to UT next year so I have to start making friends all over again -.-

Grobyc

Canada18410 Posts

December 12 2010 08:25 GMT

Make sure you pick your courses correctly with regard to your program. I have to take business electives for my program, and last semester I ended up picking the ONLY business elective not recognized by my program. Not only did I have to drop the course halfway through upon finding out, but I need to retake a business elective to replace it in a future semester as well

Yoshimi

United States163 Posts

December 12 2010 08:28 GMT

On December 12 2010 17:20 Beloth(OD) wrote:
If you don't make friends, get gosu at SC!

I just went through my first semester at college; the transition was a lot easier than I thought. I was just friendly, did my work on time, went to class (most of the time) and kept a positive outlook. Thats my advice as a freshman just in general. Unfortunately/Fortunately I'm transferring to UT next year so I have to start making friends all over again -.-

UT Austin?

To the OP: I guess one thing I would say is don't be afraid to try and meet new people. I used to be pretty shy but I realized that most people are willing to talk to you. Especially at orientation.

But yeah, go to the orientation and all of the "beginning of the semester" events and don't be afraid to talk to people.

MaxwelsDemoN

57 Posts

December 12 2010 08:29 GMT

Oh, didn't expect this. I'm currently a junior in engineering at Cornell. Let me know if you have any questions. Don't bring too much junk to your dorm, and hope you get one of the newer ones. What college did you apply to?

FragKrag

United States11552 Posts

December 12 2010 08:30 GMT

I just finished my first quarter at UCSB (since my university does 3 quarters instead of two semesters).

Just take the time to get to know everyone. For the first few weeks I just talked to the people in classes around me and made quite a few good friends. Honestly, spend as little time in your dorm as you possibly can and spend as much time as possible in other people's dorms (haha) socializing and making friends for the first few weeks.

I had a few friends who just went to classes and went back to the dorm and I can see that they aren't having as amazing of a time as me.

also never forget the little green man

elkram

United States221 Posts

December 12 2010 08:30 GMT

#10

balancing party time with study time is always a good idea. learn what classes take priority and study that which makes you most uncomfortable, but learn to also take a break and unwind every once in a while. Nothing is better than just a few days of relaxing b/c you studied and seeing everybody else freak out b/c they didn't.

Zlasher

United States9129 Posts

December 12 2010 08:40 GMT

#11

Cornell's dining hall is baller, you don't need to try out everything since its GOT everything, you'll be fine on that regard lol.

Just make sure you go to classes, meet people during orientation and stuff because for the most part classes are too big for you to become friends with anyone because you have a class with them.

Stuff to bring to your dorm room?

Duct tape, an umbrella (well, I'm in DC and it rains fucking random as shit here), all the random shit you see in your room where you can imagine a scenario that you would need it, this does NOT mean you bring random stuff that will be useless lol.

Duct tape though, seriously, you will find a million and a half ways to use it. It helped me a hundred times throughout boarding school for high school and I still always have a roll somewhere with me.

FragKrag

United States11552 Posts

December 12 2010 08:41 GMT

#12

yeah definitely bring tape and a screw driver and some tools of some sort because you will probably need them eventually

maellestrom

United States194 Posts

December 12 2010 08:41 GMT

#13

Just know you will not do as good as you hope first quarter. Focus on making friends but studying hard during the week so you can party on the weekends. Exercise a lot and get a fake ID asap so you can buy your own shit rather than having to have people you meet get it for you. Basically enjoy your first year and make tons of friends because school gets fucking real after freshman year (depending on your major).

.Aar

2177 Posts

December 12 2010 08:53 GMT

#14

One note: it's fucking cold. If you're not used to that, be ready. Buy some extra jackets and ESPECIALLY GLOVES.

SaikOuLighT

Canada742 Posts

December 12 2010 09:03 GMT

#15

Beer before liquor, never been sicker;
Shots before beer, you're in the clear!

So very true.

shindigs

United States4795 Posts

December 12 2010 09:14 GMT

#16

Go to class, stay on top of things, be a good student. Like JWD's post said, all the social stuff will come naturally if you aren't a total anti-social nerd (like serious hardcore forreal). I met a lot of people in my dorm who were so obssessed with LIVIN' UP THE COLLEGE LIFE and totally neglect class, and it did not turn out well for them. Even though you should live it up a bit, don't forget you're there to learn.

Work with people smarter and more hardworking than you are, you'll learn good habits.

Join the Starcraft club. If there isn't a huge scene, make one (though I believe Cornell's SC scene is pretty decent).

bontez

United States165 Posts

December 12 2010 09:21 GMT

#17

On December 12 2010 17:40 ZlaSHeR wrote:
Cornell's dining hall is baller, you don't need to try out everything since its GOT everything, you'll be fine on that regard lol.

this is what everyone said to me so it got really hyped up, but i honestly don't think it's anything special.

Bring warm clothes and snow boots. It's already freezing here and it's supposed to snow a lot.

ClanOverdosed

691 Posts

December 12 2010 10:08 GMT

#18

On December 12 2010 17:28 Yoshimi wrote:

Show nested quote +

Yeah UT Austin