Freshman Advice Thread

[cowgirl836]

There's a lot of great advice about treating college like a job and studying when you don't have class, etc. And all of that advice is good. But don't forget to enjoy some things too. Once you graduate and get a job, you won't have the opportunity for a midday nap or have only 2 or 3 hours a day of classes. And sometimes do stupid things---for example, my roommate who was not a basketball fan before coming to Iowa State, was an engineering major and in the spring of her freshman year had a night test for Chem on the night of a basketball game. She and a friend decided that they weren't going to miss that game. So they rushed through the test in 20 minutes and sprinted to Hilton (on the way she completely biffed it on the sidewalk). They got to the game right after it started. Not the smartest move, but a good memory and she did fine in the class

there are no non-class experiences from college that I regret. Also, no naps that I regret. It may have been different had I not had good grades, but I also never regretted going out for something fun instead of studying. Which is why it's good to utilize those mid-day breaks to get homework done!

 

[stevefrench]

Anyone in this thread who is judgmentally telling someone else what they should or shouldn't be doing with their college experience, go **** yourself. seriously. congrats if you're so proud that you had no fun in college and graduated in 3 years.

freshman kids. go to class, and beyond that do what you want. College is the most fun you're probably ever going to have over a four year period. appreciate every minute, it goes by way too fast. DOn't be in such a rush to enter the "real world", it will still be there after you have a really good time.

 

[CycloneErik]

there are no non-class experiences from college that I regret. Also, no naps that I regret. It may have been different had I not had good grades, but I also never regretted going out for something fun instead of studying. Which is why it's good to utilize those mid-day breaks to get homework done!

I'm not one to hang out a lot, so I never regretted my time studying instead.
Kind of an "each their own" thing.

 

[Bu4ISU]

Just moved into today.. This is weird

 

[cowgirl836]

I'm not one to hang out a lot, so I never regretted my time studying instead.
Kind of an "each their own" thing.

I met my best friends there and they all live hours away now. So I regret the times I stayed in to do homework instead of doing things (not necessarily drinking things) with them instead. Especially now that I see it's connections and who I've met that have gotten me great internships/opportunities. Not a 3.9 vs. a 3.8 GPA.

so for me it's about balance. I spent too much time studying trying to get a perfect GPA. Now someone struggling to stay in school or needing a certain GPA for a major or scholarship? That's a different situation. But if you're doing fine, don't turn down opportunities for fun and new experiences.

 

[cowgirl836]

Just moved into today.. This is weird

how's your roommate seem?

 

[Cy$]

I had the best luck in the early to mid-afternoon. It is a zoo in the late afternoon into the evening, but then gets bearable again later at night. I would not recommend going to either from like 3:00 through 8:00 or so on a weekday.

the first week the place will be busy all the time (Freshmen). By the 3rd week it will be alot quieter though still busy (the freshmen will quit working out and even the upperclassmen are bored). Go in the morning or at 8-9 on the weekends if you want to avoid having to wait for machines to be open, especially in state. Lied is a little bit quieter and easier to get your workout in without having to wait all day.

Or you could be like me and work out in my room using dumbbells and skip the hassle altogether

 

[Dopey]

Anyone in this thread who is judgmentally telling someone else what they should or shouldn't be doing with their college experience, go **** yourself. seriously. congrats if you're so proud that you had no fun in college and graduated in 3 years.

freshman kids. go to class, and beyond that do what you want. College is the most fun you're probably ever going to have over a four year period. appreciate every minute, it goes by way too fast. DOn't be in such a rush to enter the "real world", it will still be there after you have a really good time.

Yeah, seriously, **** everyone who is giving advice in a thread about advice! **** them hard!

 

[Cy$]

Compare and contrast the two gyms, state gym and Lied.


State
----------
Positives

*Best place to lift weights.
*The machines are spread out more than Lied, more room to workout.
*It has a healthy eating place to get smoothies if you are into that kind of thing.
*It has more running machines (treadmills, ellipticals, stair-masters) than Lied.
*Has a pool with a big screen TV and a hot tub I believe.

Negatives

* There are basketball courts, however, good luck getting into play without having to wait in the evenings.
*No turf (no soccer, no touch football, no frisbee)

Lied
--------
Positives

-Has a turf, can play soccer and all those sports on there (besides tackle football, though that would be fun).
-Lots of basketball courts, although it's not a real basketball court, you are playing on a track basically.
-Has badminton courts

Negatives
-------------
State is better for working out, however, there's a better chance to get in at Lied without waiting.

Similarities
-------------
-Both have a running track you can use.
-Both are open at the same time(unless for training, which will likely happen next week for people new to working there).
-Both have similar type of weight equipment, however, I like State more personally for that.
-Both have lockers you can use but I believe you have to pay to use some of them (think you have to pay for a lock, though I usually put my stuff in one and have never had problems with someone stealing stuff).
At Lied there are lockers upstairs by the workout area. At State, there are cubbies by the workout place to put stuff.
-You can rent equipment for both places using your ISUCard.
-You get in with your ISUCard (dear heavens, don't show up without it on your first day).
-If you want to bring a guest in, have them bring $6, that's the day pass. You have to sign stuff but it only takes a minute.

Another important thing is that athletes (generally track) have access to the first floor of Lied until 6 pm so don't show up at 4 o'clock wanting to shoot hoops, you'll be disappointed.

If anybody wants to add or correct something to this, be my guest.

 

[Bu4ISU]

how's your roommate seem?

He doesn't move in till Wednesday. I'm doing the move in crew thing so I moved up a couple days early. Which I can already tell was a fantastic move

 

[ISUCubswin]

Definitely different, BU. You know if you ever need anything you got the three amigos in town.

You're gonna have the time of your life the next few years! It starts today

 

[Rabbuk]

State has cuter girls. Because moreellipticals.

 

[cyfanatic13]

He doesn't move in till Wednesday. I'm doing the move in crew thing so I moved up a couple days early. Which I can already tell was a fantastic move

Hit me up! Im in Ames too

 

[cmjh10]

IM IN AMES TOO!!!

 

[Bu4ISU]

Hit me up! Im in Ames too

Sick! Where you living??

 

[cowgirl836]

He doesn't move in till Wednesday. I'm doing the move in crew thing so I moved up a couple days early. Which I can already tell was a fantastic move

ahh, I thought school started Monday but it must be a week away yet? Definitely enjoy a week of responsibility free time at college then! But don't let Cubs get you into too much trouble

 

[DFWClone]

I'm in Lyon this year. Where's everyone at?

 

[stevefrench]

Yeah, seriously, **** everyone who is giving advice in a thread about advice! **** them hard!

Its one thing to give someone advice, it's another thing to talk down or cast judgment if someone is choosing to do something a little differently than you did.

To be fair though, if you're coming to the CF forums for advice on how you should experience college, well than you're probably already screwed to begin with.

 

[scyclonekid]

Be involved in activities, and practice safe sex.

 

[Bu4ISU]

Rookie ******* mistake #1

So I was walking back to willow from friley. Me knowing nothing about the campus somehow ends up way past the powerplant, and has to walk all the way around university(I think its university) back around the powerplant to willow. fml, shoot me, I was walking all of that in boat shoes, fml x 2