University of Notre Dame

Learn to focus and manage your time. There will be days when your work will make you want to pull your hair out. Focus your time and energy into the classes you feel are the most important.

Learn to relax. It will be easy to get lost if you forget to take time for yourself.

Don't procrastinate. There's a thin red line between relaxing and procrastination. The less time you waste, the more time you'll have for yourself.

Don't take the professor's criticisms too personally. The majority of the professors are kind, but occasionally they will lend you a harsh word, be it on a paper or class discussion. Although this may be aggravating, it really does help you learn from your mistakes in the long run.

Don't be intimidated by classes. The majority of Notre Dame students have never struggled with classes before. Once you begin to take classes here, you'll learn that there are some subjects that might not be your cup of tea. Don't let that bring you down.

Get to know your dormmates. Not only will this help you become closer to those who live around you, it will give you a sense of dorm pride and it enables you to meet more people.

Talk to people. Speak up in class or start a conversation with someone in line at the dining hall. Despite the fact that many people may lend poor comments to students’ looks, most Notre Dame students are friendly and interesting. You never know who you'll meet.

Participate in intramural sports. IM sports are part of the Notre Dame athletic tradition. By participating, you'll not only grow closer to that tradition, but you'll grow closer to the people who keep that tradition alive.

Go out and watch a game. If you don't feel comfortable playing sports, go and watch one. Whether it's varsity or IM, watching a game is great fun.

Learn the football roster, the fight song, and the Alma Mater. At Notre Dame, football is a religion, and, believe me, not knowing these things will haunt you at football games. Oh, and remember—the only time Irishmen sit down during a football game is at halftime.