College students share newfound wisdom with freshmen

UD STUDENTS

Morgan Davis, sophomore: "Academically, take advantage of office hours and get to know your professor. Don't be afraid to go up to your professors on the first day of class, introduce yourself, shake their hands and just say that you are looking forward to the class because that gives you an edge over other students who wouldn't normally do that. Don't be afraid to go to office hours either. Putting forth the effort shows that you're interested in the class and may eventually help to get you up from that B+ to an A-. Make sure wherever you're going to get involved on campus — clubs, organizations, whatever it is. It definitely helped me make UD a home."

Libby Durnwald, junior: "When getting involved, be open to trying new activities and things you wouldn't necessarily have done in high school just to make sure you really are broadening your horizons. College is a great time to grow and develop as an individual and see what's out there that you might not have known about before. Making you campus feel smaller and building that community is so important in making your transition from high school to college smooth."

Molly Becker, senior: "Get involved — there are so many cool opportunities that you only have while you are in college, like opportunities to study abroad or different clubs you can join. There's just a lot of ways you can meet people. Take advantage of these four years."

Calyssa Smith, junior: "You need to enjoy your time while you are here. Get involved. Take classes that interest you. You only get to be in college one time and as important as it is to be academically involved and set, you need to enjoy your friends, enjoy the people you meet, enjoy your community and all of that too."

Grace Dill, junior: "Academically, find your place to study. We have lots of study spaces here on campus and that is the one thing I have really utilized. It's important to find a nice quiet place where you won't be distracted like the lounge on my floor or the basement of an apartment building or the library. Don't be afraid to get a job on campus because that can really help you meet new people and really learn more about the campus and campus life."

Nolan McNulty, junior: "Leave the door open when you are living at the dorm. I've met a lot of great people getting involved and I've met a lot of great people in my classes but my absolute best friends for life I've met on my floor. Dorm life is a very cool thing. Having your door open, people come in and out and it's just how you get to know people on your floor. Having my door shut, I wouldn't have met the friends I have now."

Nick Cairl, senior: "College is a time to find yourself and do what you want to do. Getting out of your comfort zone and developing your independence is key to that. But at the same time, don't forget to call your parents. Don't completely leave them out of your life. I know a lot of my friends during freshman year forgot about them for a little bit. Push your own limits in a way because you never know what might come out of it."

Tyler Gamble, sophomore: "Stay on your game with finishing your homework. Don't slack off at the beginning because it will be very difficult to try and catch up. And don't slow down as the semester reaches its end. With your academics, try to keep consistent and stay focused."

Dominic Magnon, junior: "Come to college with an open mind. You will be surrounded by very different people, a greater diversity than you may ever have again in your life. Get out of your comfort zone and do things you wouldn't normally do. Make sure to really explore the university and the neighborhood around it."

Rachel Gamble, senior: "Take advantage of all the opportunities that UD provides. Especially freshman year, just be outgoing and willing to try new stuff and meet new people. The people you meet your freshman year will become your best friends and the friends you have all four years here."

WSU STUDENTS

Brent Phillips, WSU senior: "Some good advice would be, be as involved as possible, immerse yourself in the college experience."

Taylor Western, WSU senior: "Organization is the key; make sure you don't miss any assignments, keep organized, and use moderation because you can have a social life and school at the same time. You can't do too much at one time whether that is school or your friends because you will fail them both."

Grant Gilliland, WSU senior: "I would attend every lecture humanly possible, that is where you're going to find most of your material. Don't get stressed out to much with the change, transition and the material. Don't get overwhelmed with the life of things."

Alvin Ladd, WSU senior working toward a master degree: "Don't come in with the freshman mentality. When you come in fresh out of high school you think you don't have to put in much effort, which can be catastrophic to your grades."

Christopher Ladd, WSU senior: "Get to know your professors because they will help you out a lot."

Shaina Walter, WSU senior: "Don't procrastinate. It will come back to bite you in the behind."

Kylie Kopp, WSU senior: "I would say adventure out and see new people and don't stay in your dorm. If you feel like you don't have any friends join a group, there are so many available."

Erin Day, WSU sophomore: "Join a club or sorority or a club sport and get involved."

Dylan Roman, WSU junior: "Prepare yourself for a lot more work and a lot more responsibility than you had in high school. You also have a lot more freedom, but if you prioritize and get your work done, you should be set."

Haley Bray, WSU junior: "Use tutoring services, if you are having trouble with classes get a tutor, don't be afraid to get help."

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