Being a new student on a campus of nearly 50,000, chances are you want to do so many new things you get overwhelmed just thinking about them all. But slow down there, newbies. There are also several things you will want to avoid at all costs.
1. Looking like a freshman
This bullet can be dodged in just a few easy steps. First, take off that lanyard. We have all made the mistake of wearing our new Preview handout proudly around our necks. When you remove the jingling dorm key, fob and whatever else is hanging on that clunky thing, you also lower your chances of standing out like the freshman you are. Secondly, try to avoid wearing too much orange and blue. School spirit is great, but if you’re blending into the walls in The Swamp, it might be overkill. Limit two Gator items per outfit. And lastly, avoid getting lost. Never be afraid to ask for directions, but check out where your classes are located the day before school starts, and practice getting to them from the place you will be right before then.
2. Lines and most Turlington handouts
If there is ever a line for an elevator or it seems to be taking a while and the floor you need to get to is a single digit number, take the stairs. You will probably end up getting there faster and burning calories at the same time. It’s a win-win. If you are not aware of this yet, Turlington Plaza is a common place for people to hand you fliers you most likely won’t care about and will end up throwing away. Some of these people are very persistent and will not let you just walk away. You can try to divert the situation by walking around it, avoiding eye contact by noticing you just happened to get a new text (wink, wink) or by making your hands full. Double-fist some notebooks, carry your backpack like a baby — be creative. But also know that sometimes you can get some pretty cool handouts in this area as well as at the Reitz, from T-shirt giveaways to free pizza.
3. Sleep deprivation
Although the college lifestyle is rumored to be a sleep-free zone full of all-nighters, it is important to get rest. Sleeping well helps your memory and keeps your immune system healthy. A Healthy Gators student survey completed in Spring 2013 showed that 43 percent of students woke up for the four to seven days before the survey was taken feeling rested. This advice is not for everyone, but moving into a new environment can alter many habits. Don’t let this be one of them.
“Research shows that teens and young adults need nine to 10 hours of sleep,” said GatorWell Health Promotion Specialist Jane Emmeree.
Emmeree explained that people should be able to tell how they’re sleeping by how they wake up. If having trouble sleeping, evaluate the environment you are in by temperature, noise and light. Choices you’ve made throughout the day can also affect you here, like drinking too much caffeine. But live and learn.
“Protect your sleep,” Emmeree said, “It influences every area of your life: academics, relationships, emotional health, and physical well-being.”
4. Rain
Unfortunately, this one is unavoidable. Always carry an umbrella, even if it looks like it will be a perfect day. Gainesville has a way of pouring down rain without warning, and it can either be a short shower or a few hours of Hurricane Albert. Rain boots and rain jackets are wise purchases, too.
5. Failing
If you are struggling in classes, always go to your professor for help. Sometimes you might be in a class with 300 other people, so knowing your teacher is important.
“On the first day, introduce yourself to the teacher and turn yourself from a number to a face,” First Year Florida instructor Matt Pendleton said. “If you ever need help in a class, it’s a lot easier when you have that personal connection.”
Attendance is also important, even if your class is online. If there is an option to attend an online class in person, do it. It is also a good idea to completely read your syllabus, and during the first week of classes, write all due dates in a planner.
“Clear your mind about what high school was,” he said. “College is your full-time job. You are employed by the university, and your job is to pass these classes.”
This story originally ran on page 26 on 8/14/2013 under the headline "UF freshmen, here’s how not to be such obvious freshmen"
