Hello everyone! As the spring semester begins, students on campus are busy adjusting to their classes and responsibilities. New classes, new teachers, new classmates. It can all be overwhelming, especially for incoming and underclassmen students. However, with these following tips and tricks, you will adjust to life on campus seamlessly!
1. Get Involved As Soon As Possible. Of course this is easier said than done, however it is essential. Here on campus we have an event in the beginning of Fall semester called Quad Day. This event includes a great variety of registered student organizations (or RSOs) of all different interests. In the College of Business, we have Business Quad Day a few days after Quad Day. At this event, all of the business organizations get together in the courtyard of the Business Instructional Facility (BIF). I really enjoyed both of these events and highly recommend them for all incoming students.
2. Network, Network, Network. As a business student, the word networking will become part of your everyday vocabulary. College is a great place to meet people who can offer unique perspectives and opportunities for you. You should network with professors, students, faculty, and professionals that come to campus. You never know when one meeting could lead to your future career.
3. Prioritize…but be realistic. To-do lists will become your best friend if they aren’t already. Staying organized is the key to being successful in college and later on in your career. By prioritizing your responsibilities, you will be able to be successful in your organizations and classes. These two areas will take up most of your time while in school, so by staying organized you will be able to have “free” time to enjoy other activities and hobbies.
4. Me time. The previous tip brings me to this very important one. It is so so so important to take time to do the things you love, whether that is reading your favorite book, listening to music, or going to a movie. Hobbies should not stop in high school. College is a great time to pick up new hobbies as well! We have over 1,000 RSO’s here on campus, and if you don’t find one you love you can start one yourself.
5. Use your gym membership! Here at the University of Illinois we are very lucky to have amazing facilities like the ARC and CRCE. These facilities not only have great exercise equipment, but they also offer group classes. It can be hard to be motivated to work out - trust me I understand. However, exercise is one thing we should all prioritize. Exercise gives you endorphins, and endorphins make you happy. Happy people are bound to enjoy college significantly more!
As always, feel free to leave comments or questions below, and we’ll do our best to reply promptly!