Get your notebooks out and get ready to take some notes. My name is Dallas Kline and I am the Student Government Association President here at SRU. I am a senior sport management major and communications minor with three years under my belt. I am a proud Pride Guide and member of the Honors College and have been fortunate enough to work with a wide variety of offices across campus. The past three years have involved a lot of trial and error, stepping out of my comfort zone, and experiencing countless opportunities. I have truly had the time of my life so far at SRU. Here are the best 10 tips that I can give so you all can make the most of your college experience.
- Get Involved
I honestly cannot think of a reason why anyone would not get involved on campus. Because of my organizations, I have been able to make friends, develop leadership skills, attend conferences across the country, make a difference in the community, and have the best years of my life. Each student pays a student activity fee for a reason! Take advantage of the ways to find new passions or continue to develop ones you already have. Head to CORE and search for a club. If we don’t already have a club you want to join, go ahead and make your own!
- Keep Up with Your School Work
Just because there’s a project due on the last page of the syllabus doesn’t mean you should start it the same morning that it’s due. Don’t get me wrong, I’ve definitely done the “due today, do today” thing but it’s much easier to enjoy each semester if you are reading ahead, staying up to date with assignments, and taking professors suggestions when to complete the work. We all have to remember that college is meant to be fun, is a great way to make friends, and find new passions – but the main reason we are all here is to become hotter by one degree, a bachelor’s.
- Find a mentor
Find your person. This person could be an upperclassman, a club advisor, or a professor. Let’s be honest, I don’t think any of us ever know what’s going on. When you find someone who has been through what you are going through, it can make all of the unknowns you are facing a lot easier to handle. You will be able to get an insider’s look on how to tackle challenges. Mentors can help socially, professionally, and academically.
- Use campus resources!
There are so many campus resources that are not always taken advantage of, and truth be told–you are usually paying for them. My favorite resources on campus are the Health Center, Career Education and Development, and the Writing Center. The Health Center, located in Rhoads Hall has the nicest ladies who are always able to get you back on your game when you aren’t feeling so hot. The Career Education Office is great for mock interviews, beefing up your resume, and can help you plan ALL FOUR YEARS. Just head to the back of the first floor of the library to help shape your future. The Writing Center, last but not least, has helped my grades tremendously. Also located in Bailey, you can get your papers looked at for free!
- Attend Free Events on Campus
Sporting Events, Moonlight Breakfast, The Day of the Dead Event, Spring Fling, the Homecoming Parade, the SGA Movie Series, & so many more. There are a ton of events on campus that you do not have to pay a dime to get attend. I know my wallet is typically pretty empty. These events are a great way to stay busy, learn something, and make friends. Most of my favorite college memories are with my friends at these free events.
- Talk to people in your classes. INCLUDING YOUR PROF.
Learn to not be so shy in your classes. Compliment someone’s hair, ask them about their day, start a study group. I’ve met some of my closest friends by just creating conversation before and after class starts. You’ll never know who could be in your class or who could send you the notes if you miss. It could be your next best friend, an awesome research partner, or an upperclassman to serve as your mentor. The only reason that I got involved in SGA is because the girl that sat behind me in one of my first classes mentioned that I should check it out. More importantly, get to know your professors. Sit in the front of class, attend class even if there isn’t an attendance policy, and visit your professors during their office hours. You’ll be surprised at how many interesting faculty members you will meet. You’ll also become a standout student that will receive praise, letters of recommendation, and could possibly score an internship from these positive relationships.
- Get a job (Make that $$$$)
As I mentioned before, I’m broke. We all pay for books, class, rent, and more! The best way to get your head above water is to find a job. There are plenty of opportunities to work on campus. Some of my favorite experiences were working for Residence Life as a Community Assistant and being a Pride Guide for the Admissions office giving tours to prospective students. This is a great way to have fun and keep that bank account above $4.03.
- Take a nap
If you’re still reading, I’m sure all of the other suggestions I have mentioned sound exhausting. It is definitely a lot of work to handle a positive academic and extracurricular career. I get by with a little help from my bed. You ever hear that Drake song? I really only love my bed. Taking a nap allows me to refresh, get my mind off the stress of school for a little, and gives me to energy to power through the rest of the day.
- Find a study group
I’ve found that my peers are have contributed to my academic success. I have spent many, many, many (too many) hours in the library studying and working on group projects. This can only be somewhat tolerable with the right people. Find a group of students, preferably in your major, that you can study with, teach each other, stress eat, and cry with. You’ll learn that sometimes utilizing each other can be more helpful than the overpriced textbook you are trying to study.
- “ROCK” on
It’s easy to forget that college is a time to have fun and find yourself. We all get caught up in our assignments, responsibilities, and personal challenges. The best advice that I can give is to have a blast and make the most of your time at The Rock! Take chances, stop saying no, and step out of your comfort zone. Let loose, have fun, make memories, and ROCK On!
