Florida State University Top Questions

What should every freshman at your school know before they start?

Victor

The number one thing I would tell myself is easy: to just relax, smile more, and take a more positive general outlook on life. Given that it was a huge change in my life to leave my hometown and come to a completely new place without knowing many people, I took a cautious, uptight point of view my freshmen year. However, I quickly realized that most people were in similar situations and this made me feel much more comfertable with myself as it became a point of unity between my peers and I. Looking back, I would definitely tell myself to just lighten up more and go out and explore new things and find out who you are! It's never too late to do that, but living a secluded lifestyle when you don't want to because you're anxious about a different environment can be draining!

Kaylia

If I were to go back in time, the advice in which I should give myself would sound quite cliche. Of course, I would tell myself to work hard, take some time out for fun, avoid procrastination, etc. However, I feel as though no advice is better than experience. After all advice that has been given to me throughout high school, no one has given more valuable advice than experience itself. Therefore, the advice that I WOULD give myself would be to learn from experiences, and prepare to not always be great at everything. In addition, College is completely different from high school, so being open-minded is the best way to be.

Dixie

If I could give my former high school self advice about college, I would share some insight on maintaining a good gpa, off-campus living options, and persuing my master's degree after graduation. I worked very hard my last two years of high school in order to be accepted into a university of my choice. I think this had something to do with my initial average grades during my freshman year of college; I didn't put as much effort as before, because I was focusing more on the new home transition, far away from my family. If I can go back, I would remind myself of the importance of good grades and being academically responbile. I would also advice myself to research the many off-campus apartments, before committing to a first home. Finally, I would encourage myself to apply and attend graduate school, as opposed to taking a break after graduation. The transition from undergraduate to graduate school is much easier and less stressful when you prepare yourself while you're in school. It helps to be already in the school routine (and not working) while maintaining the support you need from previous advisors and faculty members.

Matthew

If I could go back and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would tell myself to cherish every moment. Time flies so fast and you will never be able to go back and enjoy the moments you share with friends and family during those transitional times of your life. The last thing I would tell myself, is to be comfortable with how you were uniquely created. Don't try to be someone you are not.

Forever

Hey, Forever. Do not stress. College is not the same college your teachers in high school forced you to fear. Professors are here to teach you and guide you and aid you, because this is what they love doing. College is managable. Purchase a planner. It will become your new best friend. I am not kidding. You will have graced that planner with your fingers more than anything or anyone else by the end of the year. Classes will not consume all of your time. There are people who Double Major, earn a Certificate, obtain internships, and still have time to join an intramural sport. I'm not recommeding you do all these things, but get involved. There is an unlimited number of engagements: undergraduate research, clubs, cooking classes, and many other organizations just waiting to be found by somebody like you. You may not fit in everywhere you go, but I promise you will fit in somewhere. You will encounter a side of you that you never knew. It is time to discover yourself. Better yet, it is time to create yourself. This is an experience you'll never have again. With the utmost truth, Your future self

Brian

I would tell myself to spend more time searching for scholarships to pay for school, and to realize how expensive living on your own can be. I would also tell myself to start saving up money, so that I would have a decent amount of cash saved up for school. Finally, I would tell myself not to stress about getting accepted into schools, because I'm sure I'll do great no matter where I go.

Alvaro

I would tell myself to take the time and learn to be more outgoing towards others, to share a bit more of whats on my mind, to not keep everything locked in. It tell myself to avoid being distant towards others or indirect as it leads to misunderstandings. I would also give myself a heads up on the costs of going to college and living on campus so i could get that early start on looking for ways to pay for college.

Haley

Stay positive and keep focused on school. You are at the university to get an education so that should be your first priority. If things go wrong though, just remember to stay positive and use the amazing resources your university offers.

Nicole

If I could talk to my high school self, the advice I would give my self is to have worked on my schedual better so that I could have taken AP Calculus BC which I feel would have really helped me. I also would tell my self to find more time for scholarships because the money would really come in handy, if not for this year at least to be saved for graduate school. Overall I would like to share the information I now know about colleges and try to make the decision easier and less stressfull.

Elizabeth

I would tell myself to calm down, to not worry. All throughout highschool, I was so worried about college applications, and whether or not the club I was participating in would be interesting enough for the college admissions boards. Now that I am in college, and being asked to look back on my high-school self struggling to get through senior year, I would tell myself that I am doing fine. I would tell myslef to spend less time focused on what I looked like on paper, and worry more about how I was feeling, and how I was dealing with the "big move" coming up. To focus more on enjoying these last few months with the kids I have been with since oreschool. To focus more on what dress I would wear to prom, and what my best friend and I would dress up as during homecoming week. I would tell myself to enjoy what was left.

Alexia

Adjusting to college is difficult. Your classes are going to be more rigorous and it is a difficult adjustment moving from a school of a few hundred students to a school of forty thousand students. As many people as there are, it's easy to find yourself lost. Try not to get overwhelmed, as difficult as that may seem to be. Try a few things out, join a club, try a sport, take some classes at the gym. You will eventually find your place with a group of people that you can relate to. The important thing is to remember that you are not alone. There are plenty of other kids out there that feel as lost as you are. Take a deep breath, pick something, and dive in. If it doesn't interest you then move on. Don't spend your time only doing school work and wasting the rest of your free time watching Netflix. Colleges are made to provide a well rounded lifestyle for students with more opportunities than you can imagine. So get out there and do something, so you don't feel lonely in place that has so much to offer.

Natalie

If I could go back in time and talk to my high school self, I would tell myself to take full advantage of all the scholarships offered to high school seniors. As a senior, I never really understood how expensive college really was. I assumed everything would just fall into place, and all the dues would just pay for themselves. I now realize what a naive mindset this was. College is in fact extremely expensive, and I would absolutely hate to not be able to fufill my potential at Florida State University, because I couldn't afford it.

Kaitlin

If I could go back into high school and tell myself something it would be to start sooner. My senior year was very hard and adding the transitioning process of college made it worst. I think that f I did most of what I needed done over summer or the beginning of senior year I would've got to experience senior year a little more and felt more motivated to finish strong. I got so fed up I stopped looking at schools and don't think I did as well in standardized testing as I could have. Senior year is what matters most but you also need to enjoy it! I think by starting earlier on my college applications and SAT's and ACT's would have made the transition into college a lot smoother.

Rachel

You have ADHD. Mom tried to use that against you but unfortunately she's right. The first time you take Adderall will be the first time you can think clearly in years. Halfway through freshman year you'll stop sleeping, and shortly after you're going to get diagnosed with a blood disorder. Yes there are needles. You still hate those. When your roommate puts a confederate flag in your window take that as the sign it was meant to be and avoid her. Befriend your suitemate, tell her when her boyfriend gives you a bad feeling, he's worse than you know. Tell the kid next door with the mohawk about discalculia. None of you are straight. These are your best friends, you learn a lot from them. Your laptop breaks. Twice. Not your fault, but you've got awful luck. When your uncle dies, adopt the kitten. When your grandpa offers to lend you one book ask for more. Go to the audition, you get a part. Don't try to pretend you're not thrilled, you're going to hug the director and no one will believe you if you try. You'll be fine.

Shelbi

I have a few bones to pick with my high school self. During high school, I was constantly busy; pulled left and right by the arm and leg to lead organizations and participate in events. I wanted to be the best at everything. I spent free time stressing about what I was not doing. My teachers, family, and friends could tell that I was physically and mentally exhausted. My first word of advice would be to find a passion and stick to it. After high school, when the weight of responsibility lifted from my shoulders, I realized that I did not want to feel that weight again throughout my college years and I made a change. Since this change, I have never felt more confident in my abilities and future. My second word of advice would be to build and maintain lasting relationships in the community. I was praised by my teachers and administrators but could have created a better network in my hometown. I would tell myself that this network would be my support system throughout college. My final word of advice would be to take statistics instead of calculus. What was I thinking?

Daimi

If I could go back in time and tell my self senior year in highschool would be to enjoy the time with everyone. Not to worry so much that there are worse things in the world and that as long as you have good people around you nothing will matter in the future. I would probably also tell myself to not get bangs(it didnt look good on me.)

Kelli

If I could go back in time I would tell myself not to worry so much, that everything would work out. I would also tell myself to work a little harder in class and to try not only for higher grades, but to really learn study habits that work for me because that has been the hardest thing to adjust to since I got to college. Self discipline is a must that I wish I done a better job a developing when it comes to school and homework because it is harder to work to get done what I need to do now when I am feeling particularly lazy. I would tell myself to work harder to get scholarships because pursuing dreams is not free and cheap and in order to make that happen, I have to make sacrifices. But most of all I would tell myself to be firm on the pursuit of my dreams because they are mine and this is my life and it is important not to be made to feel guilty about pursuing the life I want for myself.

Cassandra

I would tell myself to enjoy the experience and not stress out so much. Everything always has a way of working out. I would also tell myself not to be afraid to get to know your professors. Take time to visit them and ask questions when you don't understand something. Above all stay strong. Don't sweat the small stuff. Take time to get yourself organized and stay on top of the assignments.

Dimple

College is completely different from high school. It's goijng to be hard to adjust, but I promise it'll be worth it once you get the hang of it. It's going to be the best and sometimes the worse time of your life. The academic workload is heavy and the social life is bigger. You'll won't be the smartest person in the class anymore, but you'll be surrounded by people as smart as you. You're starting a new chapter in life soon and when times get hard, just remember, you're blessed.

Matthew

Keep reminding yourself how much your education means to you. It is of prime importance that you keep your head high in the face of defeat, whether it be social defeat, academic defeat, or any other hardship. As Louis C.K. said, "If you can survive disappointment, nothing can beat you." Start where you are. Use what you have. Do what you can. Pain is temporary if you don't quit. Don't compete with others, compete with yourself (but don't beat yourself up either) We rise by lifting others Work hard in silence. Let success be your noise.

Kimberly

Get a reliable car that will last throughout college so you don't have to worry about it in college.

Lauren

Take more college college classes when you can, it saves you money and time in college. Also, learn how to take notes and self motivate yourself to study.

Meghan

I would tell myself to try and get more involved right off the bat. I wasn't the only one new to the school, so I shouldn't feel weird or intimidated if I show up at t club meeting for the first time by myself. Join a club or organization that you aren't use to or have no idea what it's about. Ask questions in class or if you are uncomfortable doing that, ask your TA/teacher afterwards or go to office hours. Talk to people you don't know, they could end up being your best friend. Study, study, study. Watching Netflix or TV while doing hw or studying DOESN'T COUNT. Remember, that while your academics are important it is also important to have a social life. When you are an adult you will want to lookback at all the great times you had, not just how much you studied. Take lots of pictures. Be yourself. There is a group of people out there that will love and accept you as you already are, not who you think you should be.

Hailey

I would give my highschool self the advice to smile and get ready for a lifechanging experience, even though it may seem like everything is falling apart at times. While the first days are tough and you feel like you do not belong, it wont take long for you to meet those girls the floor below you in your dorm, those girls who within a week will become your absolute best friends. It is also important to remember that while you meet these amazing people who will forever impact your life, you may slip away from some of your friends back home. College is an amazing time where you get to develop into the best version of yourself, and the people who do not accept you for the choices you make and mindset you hold may just be going down a different path. Stay true to your morals, meet new people who bring out the best side in you, grow into the intelligent young woman you are destined to be, and never forget to keep a smile on your face.

Rebecca

If I could go back in time and have a talk with highschool senior me, I would rip her to shreds. I would force her to study for her AP exams so that she could get a passing grade. I would convince her that dual enrollment is worth it, and won't take away from her highschool experience, and even if it does, it honestly doesn't even matter. I would push highshool me to get a job, so that she could save up and not worry as much with financials during college. But i think the number one thing I would tell highschool me to do, is to just spend time with her family and friends, to get off her phone and go outside, to interact with those who really matter. If only we could go back in time, things would be much different.

Brandon

I would tell myself to never forget that I am going to school in order to learn and having fun always comes second to that. Be prepared to for a lot more work and much less leniency from teachers. I would remind myself how easy it is to become distracted when at college away from parents and that it takes even more responsibility and will-power in order to excell without parental supervision. Take great caution when choosing friends and try to make study groups with people in classes so that you can have multiple sources to turn to. It is very important to know not only my advisor but remember to not overlook the small things and try to be on good terms with my teachers just in case they feel inclined to give me a bit of a grade boost. The most important aspect to college is not self control, but confidence. Believe in yourself that you can actually do the workload and graduate on time.

Rachel

Apply for more scholarships. Don't doubt yourself, and listen to your intuition.

Daniel

I would tell myself to keep looking forwards. Often, I feel that high school students get stuck on thinking about their past reputation and feel they must fit inside their predefined label. At the end of the previous school year, I started to push out of the label that I had been given in high school, and I realized that I had a lot more friends and acquaintances then I realized. If I had known this before I went to school, then I feel I would have had a better transitioning experience. There are billions of people out there, so it is a shame when someone blocks themselves off from everyone and only speaks to those in a certain group. As a society, our world needs to cast off these labels and start looking at people as other people, not judging by race, ethnicity, religion, or culture. In this past year, so many terrible things have happened because of these labels. The Middle East is falling apart and most recently St. Louis has turned to mass hysteria and riots because of how we see others. As we become young adults, we should work together to bring an end to prejudice.

Ann-Aisha

If I could go back to my younger self, as an adolescent teenager in highschool, I'd tell myself to ignore the strong temptations around me. The parties, the events, the social gatherings could all get so tempting, I would tell myself to stop and remember the reason I am going to college. It's to get an education, as fun can come later on as a celebration instead of a distraction.

Emily

When I was a high school senior, I was petrified to leave. This meant attending a university four hours away where I knew absolutely no one. I would move into a dorm with two roommates I had never met, live in a hall with hundreds of the brightest incoming freshmen on campus, and be just one of tens of thousands to call FSU my home. The idea was a little overwhelming for the small town girl who had class with the same forty people for thirteen years. However, if I could go back to that scared girl packing her life into those cardboard boxes, all I would tell her is that everything will be just fine. No “Don’t listen to that advisor” or “Meet Dianna sooner!” Sure specific advice would helpful, but I think I learned the most from the waiting, failing, and discovering on my own. In life, you learn everything in its own time, not before you’re supposed. That’s why if I could go back, assurance is all I would give. Sometimes if you’re scared of rollercoasters, it’s best not to know every twist and turn. Just buckle up and enjoy the ride.

Yuricradedra

Listen, first thing first, stop panicking! No the world doesn't hate you and no you're not failing at life. Trust me, it hasn't even begun! Don't think you have to stick with what you think you were supposedly destined for because life is defnitely gonna be a toss up for ya. Your boyfirend is stupid and won't mean much after while so just give it time! The right one has been under your nose this whole time:) College is going to be just the expereince you need! It's another world that's going to whip you into shape and will help push you to your fullest extent. You're going to trade your sneakers in for a suit jacket and heels (but don'tfreak out). You're going to gain so much knowledge that it'll help land you the internship you will long for! You'll grow out of that timid-ness and your style will shine as bright as your smile. So be brave and work this world like a runway, honey!

Sierra

College is NOTHING like high school. You can't just 'wing' it and get amazing grades. You truly get the grades you deserve in college. This means you have to work hard if you want to get by. Always stay focused and if you are having trouble, never be afraid to reach out. Teachers are very understanding and it is SO much easier to get help than to wait until it's too late and the damage is done.

Anna

I know that the end of high school makes life seem tough what with starting a new chapter in your life. Don’t fret over it. You'll make mistakes in college but don’t worry - you’re there to learn. I don’t just mean that you will just attend classes and become a proficient student; you will meet a new set of people who will influence the way you think, act, and understand the ‘growing up’ ideal. At some point you’ll realize that grown-ups don’t really exist. We are just big children with large dreams and a drive to succeed. Don’t try to slave away at what you do, become the happiest with what you are doing. If there’s ever a moment where you sigh when explaining your major to someone, seize the opportunity to try something different. Nothing is ever set in stone. No one has it all figured out in college. You don’t have to either. Learn about the world around you. Learn about yourself. Take this change as a big adventure. I know you will be fine (and on your way to a new chapter called graduate school.)

Cassandra

Going back in time I would tell myself to take more chances. I would tell myself to join that club I was interested in but ended up not doing. Another thing I would tell myself is to always put in extra time with my studies, spend the extra hour at the library instead in front of the TV. The last thing I would say is to always remain open to new ideas and different people in my life.

Taylor

Never give up! You know your dad pushes you to be the best academic scholar you can be, and your mother supports you through every decision you make. It's okay if you don't know exactly what you want to do with your life. You're not alone. Don't worry about the little things, or stress over not knowing which classes to take. There are people that will be there to help you. Keep your education as your priority and have fun. Don't slack in your school work because you KNOW you'll hear an ear full from dad. Keep your chin up and keep moving forward. You're going to go far, kid!

Leandro

Don't transfer from a community college, go straight into FSU. Apply for more scholarships!

christian

Don't be afraid to get involved, this school offers clubs and activities for almost anything so go join some and you will make plenty of great lfelong friends through that.

Alicia

You don’t know the half of it. You think you rule the school, but soon you will realize that you are just a tiny fish in a gargantuan pond. You want advice? I have been through the all the hoops, and the process is not easy. Start your college applications yesterday! And by that I mean immediately, because they are time consuming and you want to really impress colleges with your essays. So write them, and then edit them, and then get an outside opinion. Now edit them again. This goes for scholarship essays too. As soon as you start your college search you should also be looking for scholarships. I gave up too many opportunities to earn scholarships by not looking in time. And when you do finally start searching, write down every due date and make sure you actually do them by that date. Or truly, way before. Never do something, especially write an essay, the day before it is due. You need these scholarships, because starting next year you won’t always have your parents to lean on. Get a job, even if you don’t think you will have time. Start being financially responsible now.

Alexandra

As college acceptance letters start filing in, everyone starts checking with each other to see who’s going where and who got into what. As you sift through your choices, it becomes difficult as you argue with your friends about which college is better and which you should file into. Feelings are hurt and jealousy flares when “friends forever” are on the verge of splitting when one got a chance at Duke and the other’s top college is Broward Community. Relationships strains over the thought of distance. It shouldn’t be like this. College is a place to learn about yourself and discover new things. It’s okay to branch out and make new friends. Go out of state, go abroad, go somewhere where no one knows you and recreate yourself. You will never get this chance again. Do not be the person who sits in the hallway on the phone all the time. Be the person who is going out and making a new name of yourself. Join clubs and take weird classes. Don’t make decisions based on other people. Be your own person.

Kevin

Focus on school early on and make the right choices. You can make mistakes but everything has a price. Know what you want to do and do not let social activities make you lose focus of what you want in life. Keep your values as motivation. This will be a hard road but just think about that road less traveled and the difference it will make in the future.

Summer

Summer, Prepare yourself emotionally, now, for the upcoming year and the changes you are about to experience. I know that you love high school and you love the friendships you have made, but be completely open minded to starting a new chapter in your life without these friendships and allow yourself to get to give the people in Tallahassee a chance. You are going to be just fine academically. Yes, there will be some courses that require you to pull "all nighters" and make you think you won't ever get by, but you are completely ready to take on those challenges and you will succeed. What you do need to realize, however, is that your social surroundings are about to change drastically. The lifestlye in Tallahassee in NOTHING like what you are used to at Southside Christian School and you are going to feel lost and alone at times. Don't ever adjust your morals and values in order to please the students that you meet. Remember that there is nothing wrong with you for staying true to yourself, and believe me when I say that you are going to be just fine! Love, your future self.

Luke

Right now you know everything. You have a car, a job a girlfriend and a wonderful place to live with relatively no responsibility. This will change. You only think you know it though. You will put your life at risk in the coming years in the way you drive, behave with others and spend your money/time. Now is not the time to rest on your laurels, now is the time for an attitude ajdustment because what you will experience in the coming years will lay the foundation for the literal rest of your life. Make it count. And dont be scared of what im telling you either, you will have plenty of opportunities to make mistakes mostly because you have mom and dad to pick up the bill. Thank them. You will make friends, have the roughest days and nights,and laugh the hardest you have ever, but the end result is a bank of memories and experiences to put under your belt and venture out into the cold real world. Also, apply for scholarships, there is literally free money just waiting for you to take it just because youre attending college and are young, how awesome is that?

Michal

Dear Michal, I happen to know so much about the person that you become, the dreams you sacrificed for and the ones that you had to abandon. You are leary about college and you don't understand what you are jumping into. It all looks so intimidating and prestigious from where you stand and it's alright to be apprehensive. It's ok to be nervous when you first go in to your classrooms or take your first exam. Nervousness makes you press forward in your goals and do all that you can do. Just remember that nervousness has a flipside to it with the same jittery, butterfly-in-the-stomach feeling and it is called, excitement. But if there was just one piece of advice that I would leave to you, one thing that means more than all else pertaining to your future, then I can tell you this: It isn't about your destiny or what you choose to do; your heart already knows what it wants, or what to avoid and what not to, because all of that made you wiser and stronger. It is that you find happiness on the otherside and nothing went to waste.

Taylor

Highschool is fun and will be something to always remeber, but college is ten times better. Focus on your studies because that will really help to make college easier and more enjoyable. Don't worry about how popular you are, or how many friends you had in highscool, most will become memories. College is the time to build true friendships with people who share the same intrestets and morals as you. Just enjoy it and remeber you have so mucb to look forward to.

Danielle

If I was given the chance to go back in time and talk to my high school self, there wouldn't be much that I could say. My transition thus far hasn't been too drastic compared to how life was as a high school student. It's been different when looking at the 'home-life' aspect, but when it comes to the schooling aspect, not much has changed. I had one of the best high school experiences and went to one of the top 10 high schools in the nation, so I was prepared to come to a state university with rigorous academics and one with a lot of school spirit. Talking to myself, I would only remind me to stay on top of everything and remember to keep myself organized. I could also teach myself how to do laundry just so my first day of doing laundry wouldn't have had to happen while at my dorm, but everything here has been easily adaptable. So pretty much the exact words I would tell myself would be, "Danielle, keep on doing what you're doing and have no regrets. You can do anything you set your mind to."

David

I would say this, start applying for scholarships right now, don't wait or you're going to be in debt for a long time after college and it's going to suck. Also, make sure you kill it your last year and make great grades that will be attractive to colleges as well as getting involved in clubs at your highschool to better college application. If you really want to spend the money to get a college education at a 4-year university, start finding out now how you are going to pay for it and where you're going to get the money. Try your best to not take out loans, and save whatever money you have. When you come to college it will be hard the first year because you won't know anyone and you'll be in an unfamiliar setting, but if you put yourself out there and get involved, you'll find people just like you and you can make life long friends so don't be afraid to get involved with an organization, or to just ask to join a frisbee game. College is a great experience as long as your prepared.

Sarah

There are so many things that I would tell my high school self if I could go back, knowing what I know now. I would tell myself to apply for more scholarships than I did, and to save my money. I would also tell myself to save up for a car and not to spend my money on trivial things that I don't really need. I would tell myself not to waste my time practicing piano, because I will quit anyways, its not worth the stress. I would say "Hey, stop being so shy, get out and experience life so you won't experience culture shock when you leave your parents' tiny house in the middle of nowhere to live in the city". I would also tell myself to get involved more in my campus ministry during freshman year, because I would be a whole lot less lonely if I would've. Finally, I would tell myself that getting out of my comfort zone is the best way to succeed in college.

Shana

Be open to everything at FSU. Take a bunch of chances and never give up. You will learn so much about yourself and gain so much confidence. Don't be nervous about coming from out of state, you'll make a bunch of great friends and you will even come to find the love of your life. You'll appreciate your parents more than you ever have for being able to give you this chance. They will also support all the decisions you make. Don't worry about any B's you might recieve. Your gpa will be fantastic so don't be hard on yourself. You'll get so close to a 4.0 so don't let falling short stop you from working hard. Never be hard on yourself for any difficulties you might incounter. You will make it through. Florida State will give you everything and anything you want all you have to do is look them and try.

Rabiya

My words of encouragement for my past self would remind her that attending Florida State University is truly living a dream. Not many people get the gift of education due to monetary reasons or because of their lack of freedom and it is a privilege to attend a university. The reality of the situation is that there will be hurdles in college and at times they will seem near impossible but they are not. They are the foundation that sets one up for the future and helps one overcome struggles to achieve success. Enjoying college life is important but so is your GPA. College is difficult academically but not impossible. It is important to focus on your goals but it is okay to fail as well. Perfection isn’t expected and the only way to learn is to fall. FSU will take you to your lowest of lows and your highest of highs. Soak in EVERY moment you can and learn from it. The next four years will be a completely unique experience but by the end of it you won’t want to change a thing.

Allison

Be prepared for anything. Although it may seem like everyone is there to make friends and get an education, it can be easy to lose sight of what you are there for. Not everyone is as dedicated to getting into medical school as you are and it is easy to be persuded into going out instead of doing homework. It is very important to have an incredible time, but, don't forget about your studies, it is okay to just stay in the dorm and relax some nights. Surround yourself with people who have the same mindset as you, other biological science majors, and study study study! But, also, go out, try new things and talk to EVERYONE! You never know - maybe your new best friend will sit down next to you in your monday class! Most of all, don't be afraid to put yourself out there! :)