8 Things I Wish I Knew As A First-Year Student

Developing a routine is crucial

As silly and straightforward as this sounds, it’s crucial to develop your own routine. Throughout the week I like to make sure I’m doing at least one if not all three of these things: moving my body, schoolwork and spending time with friends. Making time for friends can be difficult, especially as the semester progresses. Prioritizing making genuine connections and finding a good circle of friends is equally as important as studying/doing work for your classes!

Finding a quiet study place makes all the difference

Finding a quiet place to study/complete homework is essential. There are private study rooms to reserve all around the library! My favorite study spots would have to be the private rooms in either the Innovation Lab or The Loft located in the North Reading Room. Seeking a quiet place is extremely helpful in improving my focus!

Communicating with your professors is key

Attending office hours, reaching out through email or talking to your professors after class can all be super useful if you’re struggling in your classes. Creating a relationship with your professors, especially in larger lecture settings, can help your studies tremendously.

There are plenty of ways to get around town

Need to make a quick Walmart run? Our OCCT Bus System is really easy to get the hang of! Taking the bus off campus can help with the separation of your home and school life, whether that’s going to Target for a sweet treat or heading downtown to grab dinner with friends. Additionally, our campus shuttle is great for on-campus endeavors! If you don’t want to trek up the hill to Mountainview, you can easily grab the shuttle instead. Download the SPOT App to know when and where the buses are!

We have a super-helpful career center

A great resource for career help is the Fleishman Center located in the Union! Student advisors can help you with your resumé, cover letter, applications for internships and provide general career guidance. Additionally, I would recommend the course CDCI 200, offered by Fleishman, especially if you’re unsure or undecided about your major. I took it and it really helped me narrow down my options and figure out what I wanted to do. I ended up declaring my major the following semester!

Gymtime is a mood booster

Joining the on-campus gym is a perfect opportunity to meet new people while moving your body! I love taking group fitness classes such as pilates and barre. Going a couple of days a week can really help to improve your mood and establish a healthy routine for yourself before it starts to get cold.

We have a beautiful Nature Preserve!

Taking a walk in the Nature Preserve solo or with friends can be a great way to unwind and manage your stress. As the weather transitions to fall, it’s a perfect opportunity to check out the beautiful autumn trees and scenery. Check out exciting wildlife or hiking trails without having to leave campus!

Help is there when you need it

If you need additional professional help regarding mental health concerns, there are campus mental health resources such as the University Counseling Center and the Dean of Students Care Team. The Binghamton Support Network is a useful tool to refer to for a multitude of different campus resources. Choose the category related to your issue, conduct a search for the issue in question or consult the alphabetical list of concerns.

As you navigate through your first year of college, keep in mind that it’s okay to not have it all figured out. Your first year is the perfect time to make mistakes, face challenges and sometimes feel overwhelmed — which is all part of the process. The way you adjust and grow from each moment of difficulty is what ultimately matters! Embrace the uncertainty and try to be as present as possible because these four years truly fly by. Good luck and most importantly, have fun!

Gabriela Cafaro is an intern for the Office of Media and Public Relations, and an English major with a minor in writing. She is from Brooklyn and enjoys creating short-form video blogs. After graduating, she aspires to work in marketing.