Cal Poly

Use the academic assistance at your disposal. Join study groups, use the writing lab (where you can get your papers read and critiqued for free), or have a chat with a librarian before you start researching that term paper.

Don’t bring loads of stuff. Bring only what you need. Moving in and out every year is a pain, so try to keep it light and portable. Bring pictures of family and friends, as well as a favorite stuffed animal or pillow. Don’t bring loads of “toys,” like stereo systems or boogie boards. Wait until you see the size of your room and before you start cramming things in. Plenty of equipment can be checked out or rented on campus. Besides, you’ll be too busy with classes and social life during your first quarter to worry about most of that stuff you thought was necessary to life.

Make a point to try out a new campus club at least once a quarter. There are so many opportunities to experience different things that it would be a shame to pick one club and devote yourself to it throughout your college career. Trying different things will broaden your horizons and introduce you to new people.

Talk to people in class. Everyone’s new, and if they’re not, they won’t mind chatting about annoying professors anyway. Most Poly students are incredibly friendly and consider social life just as important as their academic success.

If your parents live nearby, don’t go home every weekend. Most people relax and have fun on weekends, and that’s the time to hang out with friends.