Dear freshman,

Congratulations on choosing the University of Scranton! You made an excellent choice by coming here. Going away to college is a huge transition; it is vastly different from anything I have ever experienced before. There are going to be many new things you are going to have to get used to, so let me give you some advice to help make your transition better.

College is a lot different than high school. There are no parents here to tell you what to do and when to do it. This new freedom and responsibility is one of the hardest things to get used to. You have to wake yourself up for class, do your work on time, and take care of yourself. You have to establish a routine, it will make things much easier. One of the critical skills you will have to learn is time management. You have to make a schedule; you need time to eat, sleep, study, read, go to class, exercise, and have fun. If you establish certain times for each thing it will help you avoid becoming overwhelmed with all of the work.

Finding balance is also very important. College is not only about work, you want to enjoy your time here as well. There is a limit here though. You do not want to party and goof around all the time, but you also do not want to be in the library every waking minute. You have to find a balance between your fun and work. Taking a break and having fun will definitely help you be less stressed, but you do not want to slack on your work and fall behind. Work hard and have fun, learn to manage your time, and overall don’t be scared. Scranton is a great place where you will feel very welcome, enjoy your time here!

Good Luck

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Dear Freshman,

Congratulations on your acceptance into the University of Scranton! You won’t regret coming here! College life is definitely different than high school and although the adjustment period may be difficult, it is very important that you not get distracted from your studies. I know that procrastination might get the best of you as it did for me, but you have to fight it. The first couple of weeks you will want to go out on weekends and enjoy new company, but remember that school work should come first. You should enjoy yourself, but make sure that you at least have a plan as to how you will get your first couple of assignments done. You do not want to start off on the wrong foot and have professors think that you are all play and no work.

Something that I cannot stress enough is GET ENOUGH SLEEP! Once your sleeping schedule is off, school work and early classes may be difficult to handle. You do not want your professor to look and see you falling asleep in their class, as they might think that it is a sign of disrespect towards them. Also, it will be hard to concentrate on your work when all you can think about is going to sleep. After your last class at the end of the day, I would advise that you take a short nap before you start working on your assignments.

Homesickness is something that might not hit you as soon as you step into your dorm, but most students do feel it at one point of their college career. For me, it took until after fall break. Upon coming back, it can be hard to deal with missing everyone back home, but know that you are not alone. Plenty of people around the school feel the same way but do not voice their opinions or feelings of homesickness publically. Someone who can definitely help you with the feeling is your RA. They have been here longer than you have and know how it feels. They can be the ear that you need to listen to you and they can also have some ideas on how to minimize the feeling. There are also counseling centers around campus that may come in handy

This campus is beautiful and there are always events going on around campus. Take advantage of as much as you can. Enjoy the company of new friends and take breaks from studying. Studying for a large amount of hours will result in not being able to retain all of the information that one tries to learn. Go out and see the city as there are events going on all over Scranton, not just in the University. Be careful and go out in groups, especially after dark. Enjoy yourself but know that only you are responsible for your actions. Your parents are no longer here to save you. You are in charge of your grades and your safety. Although the school does help a lot and try to keep you safe, there are some things that only you can control. You have made it this far, do not disappoint yourself by letting yourself get carried away with the college life. Have your fun, but be responsible! Take care and enjoy your freshman year! Good luck!

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Dear freshman,

            Congrats on becoming a Scranton Royal and joining the Scranton family!  You finally made it out of high school and now it’s time to start a new chapter in your life here at Scranton.  The next four years of your life is going to be completely different from your high school experience.  I’m going to give you the best advice I can on how to make your transition the best it can possibly be.

            For starters you should definitely not be afraid to make new friends and relationships!  BE SOCIAL!  It is very imperative to be outgoing and make new friends.  I have made tons of friends and it just so happens that my floor is extremely close so my closest friends live on the same floor as me.  Having friends is what is going to make your time at Scranton memorable and enjoyable.  It is also important to introduce yourself to your professors so they can get to know you on a personal level.  Scranton is a small school so you will not be known as just a number.  Talk to your professors when you need to because your professors want you to succeed!

            Next it is important to be able to adjust to the different sleeping and eating patterns.  Your sleeping patterns will most likely change drastically.  I personally am a fan of naps but I never thought I would appreciate them as much as I do now.  While being a college student you will learn how to take naps if you never take naps, trust me.  Some days you will be up late working on a paper or studying for a test so it’s really important you get enough hours of sleep whether it means napping in between classes.  Your eating patterns are guaranteed to change while being at school.  All freshmen are put on the unlimited meal plan so you will be eating when you’re not even hungry since it’s unlimited!  It is essential to make sure you are eating somewhat healthy because if you are not then your body will eventually shut down and that is never good.  Try to develop a sleeping and eating pattern that will work best for you!

            Lastly it is imperative that you do not take advantage of the freedom that you have while being at college.  Many freshmen I know have gotten themselves into trouble because they thought they always need to go out every single weekend.  Yes the freedom is a wonderful thing but it also comes with responsibility.  Do not put off your school work to go out.  DO NOT PROCRASTINATE!  It is super important to not leave your work until the last minute!  You will not survive if you leave everything to the last minute.  Time management plays a significant role in the college experience!  Try your best to balance your time with your work!  The best advice I can give you is to make a monthly schedule.  Write down when you have tests, homework, and when papers are due because this will help you balance your school work.

            This letter is not meant to scare you!  At first I was nervous and wanted to go home to community college, but by mid September you’re going to start loving it!  Remember to enjoy your time at Scranton, but also keep in mind that you are here to learn and continue your education in hopes of pursuing a career in the future.  Have fun and congratulations on being a part of the class of 2016!

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Dear Freshman,

            Let me first congratulate you on entering the 2016 class at the University of Scranton. You’ve taken the first step into becoming an adult and you’ve chosen a very prestigious and well known school to help you.

            I know that you must be very nervous and worried about entering college. You’re on your own now and this is nothing like High School. You will have deadlines and important dates to remember and long papers to do as well as challenging projects. Don’t be scared though, if you time things out and work hard you will succeed. You also have a lot of resources here at Scranton. First and foremost, you have your professors who set aside time to sit in their office waiting for students to come ask them questions. Second, you have the Weinberg Memorial Library. The library is filled with tools that can help you prosper. Librarians are always there to help you and be of assistance when you’re not sure what to do. Third, you have CTLE, the center for teaching and learning excellence. It offers student tutors to help you in any class your struggling in as well as the Writing Center. The Writing Center is where you can go to have a paper edited, critiqued or if you need help starting a paper. Here at Scranton you have so many resources that there’s no way you can fail, as long as you try your hardest.

            Luckily, there’s more to college then just classes and homework. You have a whole new place to explore and learn about. You have the opportunity to make new friends and even learn more about whom you are. I’ve been where you are now, and I promise it’s never as bad as it seems.

            Work you hardest and don’t skip class just because you don’t feel like going. Turn things in on time and don’t get on your teachers bad side. There are no ‘class clowns’, ‘drama queens’, or ‘most popular’ in college. It’s just students and professors. So be yourself, have fun, and don’t let college get to you. You’re on the right track and you’ve made someone very proud.

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Dear Freshmen,

      Welcome to college. You will find that college is a very overwhelming, exciting and fun experience with many opportunities to succeed and enjoy yourself. The only problem is that there are also many opportunities to slack off and put having fun in front of schoolwork. The biggest thing that most people have trouble with is time management. They have a hard time balancing their social lives and study time. It seems that freshman year students either spend all of their time in the library studying and never give themselves a break (and eventually burnout) or they completely blow off schoolwork and waste all of their time being social.  However, there is a way to strike a balance. You need to be able to set time aside to do your school work. Never put things off to the last minute. Always try to get things done before they are due. This way, you will never have to worry about finishing papers and projects at the last time. Also, review class notes and materials daily. This way you won’t have to be pulling all-nighters every night before a test. It is also very helpful to make use of a planner and schedule all obligations and class times so that it is clear when you have to get studying done. This way, you will use your time wisely and thus have more time to spend with your friends.

      CTLE is also a great program that you are very lucky to have. Do not hesitate to sign up for a tutor because it will help you. A tutor can help you modify your study habits and explain information that your teacher taught in a different way, making it clearer.

      Another issue is making sure to keep your room clean. Do your laundry often and clean up as much as possible. If you put it off, it will build up until your room turns into a pig sty. You definitely do not want to be living in a dirty and messy room. Also, your roommate will not be happy either.

Most importantly, enjoy your time at the University of Scranton!

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       The first year of college can be quite challenging.  A new school, new friends, and a completely different life style is hard to adjust to. To help ease some of your stress, I have gathered some tips in that I think you will find useful for your freshmen and future years here at the University of Scranton.

      First of all, you will probably be instructed to write down all of your assignments in your agenda in your Freshmen Seminar class.  I highly suggest doing this for your entire college career.  It is extremely helpful and keeps you on top of your assignments.  Other ways to keep on top of your work would be to read through your assigned chapters.  I know the chapters in your textbooks can be dense and timely, but reading a few pages a night can fix this.  I also suggest taking notes whenever you read anything for class.  Having material in your own words helps you to understand it and makes studying easier.

      When studying, try to make outlines of the material.  Outlines are an elaborative way of encoding information into your brain and will help you understand it better.  Flashcards are not as effective as outlines.  Also, it is important to look ahead in your schedule.  Planning ahead for a week of numerous exams and papers reduces the need for cramming.  The best way to study for a test is to review sections of the material over a span of a few days.  This helps you to remember it better than trying to cram it in all at once.  Try doing something recreational, or relaxing after studying before bed.  You don’t want to go to sleep thinking about your schoolwork.  This just leads to a restless night.  Sleep is important! Try getting at least seven hours of sleep each night.

      Some other healthy tips include maintaining your diet.  Make sure you are eating right.  As tempting as those sugary treats in the cafeteria are, it is important for you to set limits.  You don’t want to gain that freshman fifteen.  Exercising regularly is also very important.  Exercising does not only promote your physical health, but your mental health as well!

      The transition of the workload from high school to college may be hard to adjust to.  If at any point you are unclear about an assignment, don’t be shy to contact your professor.  Take the time to stop by their offices.  They are always happy to help you, and having connections with professors comes in handy for when you need future recommendations.

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     Dear freshmen,

            Although this may seem like an overwhelming place, it isn’t at all. Homework may be difficult to manage, but it gets easier with time. When I first arrived here it seemed so unreal and scary. I was afraid of getting lost and being late for class. I made my friends come with me the day before classes to check all the buildings we had to go to, so that I would get where I needed to go. They all thought I was nuts, but no one ever go lost once. As time went on I got used to it my dorm became referred to as “my second home”.  My roommate became my best friend and everything turned out great, but this all took time.

            You will get stressed. You will procrastinate and not manage your time very well at first. Things will change though, stress you will learn to deal with and find ways to cope with it. Procrastination you will figure out, that it never helps you and you only end up angry at yourself for not putting in the effort to study or do homework.  If you have free time in-between classes don’t watch TV or go on Facebook, actually do  some work, you have no idea how much it will help you in the long run.  Managing your time wisely is a big deal, once you have mastered this ability things will get so much less stressful and you will feel far more accomplished.

            Make time for fun though too, you do not want to just focus on academics it will completely make you crazy. Find time for friends and go out and do something, hang out or even watch a movie. Have a little fun, just not too much….Make sure you are responsible and careful. Be smart about what you do and think logically. For example if you have a test Monday then you probably shouldn’t be out all night. Trust me you will not feel prepared and could ultimately end up not doing well on this exam because of it. I’m not saying you shouldn’t go out at all, I’m just saying you should be smart about when you do.

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Dear New Freshman,

            This is going to be a very exciting and scary change from the past years of your life. At this point you are moving away from your family, making new friends, and engaging in a whole new level of school work all at the same time. This can be very stressful but my advice is always give everything you do 100%. When you move in be friendly to everyone, keep in touch with people from home, but the number one thing that I would recommend is be ORGANIZED. I do not know how I can stress this enough. You need to be on top of things in order to have success in college. Try to master balance also, this for me I have found to be the hardest thing. It is one thing to have friends, another school work, and adjusting in itself needs a lot of work. Always have fun and always be you.

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Dear freshman,

            This is the beginning of one of the most important journeys of your life. I am happy to congratulate you on your acceptance to Scranton. The University of Scranton enables you to have one of the most rewarding journeys a college could provide. Because The U is so accommodating to the needs of the students, the transition away from home will not be hard but remember to bring a little bit of home with you on move-in day to remind you of all the things that make you comfortable. The University gives you the opportunity to grow into the best individual you can be and it will be one of the most exciting and rewarding times of your life!

            The first and most important thing that you will hear over and over again is to STUDY! Even if you were an A student in high school, it takes a lot more then fifteen minutes a night to achieve that in college. Do not worry though, with the right study skills and time management it will not be a huge change. Don’t be afraid to meet with your advisor if you decide a class is not right for you, there are plenty of classes here to transfer into. On that note, do not be afraid to speak up in class. Just because you are in college does not mean you can’t ask questions and participate. The class sizes are small enough to get to know your teacher and classmates on a personal level. Be organized!       Be kind to your roommate! On top of the transition of being away from home and the course load of college, it is good to come “home” to a supportive roommate. Remember, be respectful and keep the place clean!

            Last but not least, do not let the party scene become your only scene. There is plenty of time to party in college but your graders freshman year will reflect you as a student for the entire four years. It is very important to be social and let loose on the weekends but don’t let it interfere with your future as a successful student. Don’t be afraid to be-friend an upperclassman, they’ve been through what you have are a great source of comfort and advice. Always remember your family is just one phone call away, but you are creating a new family here and before you know it you’ll be home sick at your real home and will be missing Scranton!

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  Dear Freshman,

            Be calm, relax and take everything step by step. Yes, everything is overwhelming. Your in a new environment, with new friends, and new teachers. It’s a bigger place and there is a lot to do! I promise you will get all your work done and  have time for other activities if you stay healthy and have good study habits. Make sure to eat as healthy as you can, and get sleep! Sleep is major contributor to staying healthy.Try your best to get eight hours a night! In addition to eating healthy, get involved either at the gym or on a club team! It’s a fun and great way to stay in shape. Being healthy and having good studying habits are key for doing well in college. I knew I had to eat healthy to stay away from getting sick. Sleeping helped me tremendously from getting really sick at school. Also my studying habits. I made sure I took the time off that I had in my schedule to do as much work as I could. I tried my best not to procrastinate and stay away from being stressed. Ask for help if you need it. Don’t be afraid to use the resources that the University offers. For example, the writing center takes walk ins and also the CTLE which you will learn all about, offers a tutor for every class! These resources helped me so much during my freshmen year and I highly recommend going for help when you need it! Good luck!

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            Welcome to the University of Scranton! I am the third in my family to attend the University of Scranton and there is possibly one more to come after me. College is what you make of it. You are going to doubt if you made the right decision or not, that is inevitable. I was scared at my orientation that I made the wrong decision. Give the university a shot. I’m sure you will love if just like I do.  One of the most important things to do is make a planner. I didn’t have a planner scheduled out for the first two weeks and I felt lost with my syllabus. Plan all your class work out so you can find time for yourself. Go to class! It isn’t that bad and if you go to class every time the exams are a lot easier to study for.

There will be a lot of reading to do and don’t assume you can find it on spark notes. Stay on campus for the first two months, your friends from home will be still be in your lives but if you spend every weekend somewhere else you will miss out on a lot of things that happened on your floor. Don’t walk by yourself at night especially near Taylor Street. Don’t be so negative when it comes to your roommate. You’re stuck with them so you might as well make the best of it. Try not to fall behind on writing papers. Playing catch up is really hard especially if it’s during the last few weeks of classes.

The first few weeks will feel like months, but once you make it through, the time flies. It’s not like high school anymore with four quarters. You only have two semesters and they only last for eight months rather than ten like high school. Get out and be active in your major! Or just be active in community service. The university has found ways to make service fun! Go on the freshmen connections retreat, I made really good friends on mine. Last but not least remember to relax and not stress over classes.

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Dear new freshmen,

Congratulations on your acceptance into the University of Scranton! I think that you have made a very wise choice. I have thus far really enjoyed my experience at this school. It truly is a special school and a great place to spend your next four years. I cannot wait to possibly meet you in the future. Hopefully our paths will cross soon!

Let me start this off by saying to stop stressing now. I went into my first week of school a confused mess. I was very scared and extremely overwhelmed. You need to relax because you well adjust to your new situation very soon. It seems like everyone feels like they will fail at the beginning of school, at first. I was definitely one of these people. But soon enough I found my place at this school and have become very comfortable with everything. It seemed hard at first but as long as you stick it out and get everything you need to get done, done you will be more than fine here at Scranton.

College is never easy and no matter where you go you will face many challenges throughout your college years. But as long as you are willing to do the work and work hard to achieve the goals you set for yourself you will achieve everything you want and more. It is meant to challenge you and you will feel better with every challenge you overcome. I had many breakdowns the first month of school and I wish I had someone to tell me everything is going to be fine and that my freak-outs were stupid and pointless. I had no reason to be afraid of college and neither do you.

The first semester flies and you will be home with your family and friends before you know it. It may seem so far away but you are so busy that you do not even notice the time passing. I try to focus on one week at a time. I set my goals for the week every Sunday night and schedule my days according to what I have to do. This has yet to fail me and I feel like this is a very good way not to get too stressed out. I tend to stress easily so trying not to get stressed is very important to me. Also, try not to procrastinate. Easier said than done, I know, but this really will help you in college and really keeps away the stress of being swamped with work.

I really hope you enjoy your freshman year and really enjoy the University of Scranton. I hope the advice I have given to you can really help you achieve your goals and help you to succeed in college. Everyone here is really friendly and are more than willing to help so do not be afraid to ask questions!

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    Dear freshman,

            Right now you are just beginning your four-year journey, it is a time of transition and great changes. The fall semester for a lot of freshman is either make or break. You should be one that comes out above the crowd both with academics and socializing. When I first started school here there is a lot to learn and I still am learning today but there was one lesson I needed to accomplish on my own asking for help. If you need help in a class go to the professors’ office hours, they really will help you. Do not be afraid to talk to your teachers and classmates, everyone is just as nervous as you are. From being a senior to a freshman it is a weird adjustment, but with time you will be a successful senior again!

            One of the best things you can do to succeed in college is plan ahead! Buy a school planner and write down the due dates for all your assignments. This allows you to see what you have ahead of time. Planning ahead, or time management is vital for a college student. No one will force you to do you homework, or study for your test; instead it is up to you to decide what choices you make.  In high school you were used to studying for an hour or two the night before the test and doing very well, but newsflash that will NOT work in college. To do well on exams you need to study a part of the exam material for a week before the test. For a paper, do not wait till the night before either, space your workload out! There is nothing worse then feeling stressed and cramming for a huge exam. Academics is the reason you are here, so make sure you do well not only for your parents, but for yourself.

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Dear new freshman,

            My name is Sal and I am a student of the class of 2015.  As I am writing this, I am still a freshman who is at the end of his first semester.  There are a few things I’d like to discuss with you. Actually I’m just listing them for you…there’s no real discussion actually.

            First of all, if you’re having trouble saying goodbye to friends and family the university has a great counseling service where you can go talk to someone.  Don’t be ashamed to go, even if it’s for something else.  It doesn’t mean there’s something wrong with you.  You just need someone to talk to.  But I digress.  Once you get that uneasy feeling about leaving home out of your system, your life in college starts to fall into place quite nicely. 

            Your first few days of college may seem a little lonely.  If not, great for you, I’m sincerely happy for you.  But if you are feeling as though you aren’t making friends as quick as you thought, it’s ok.  For the two weeks of school I either went to a meal by myself or with my roommate.  Luckily, Madden 12 just came out and I was the first person on my floor to get it.  People would constantly come into my room because I left my door open while I was in the room (which most people do) and would ask if they could play.  Little did I know but something as small as an interest over a videogame is enough to bring people together.  What I’m trying to say is that you don’t need to be everyone’s best friend on the first day.  Ask some people if they want to get dinner with you.  It won’t be as awkward as just going to eat with one person and it it’s a great chance to make multiple friends at one time.

            Now that you have some friends, you’re probably looking to do something with them on those crazy college weekends!  You DON’T want to get completely wasted.  It’s not a good idea.  It’s no secret that college students drink, even here at our fine Jesuit university. But I’ve seen what happens to the idiot that pregames in his room blasting Skrillex. He gets cited like you wouldn’t believe and gets put on probation.  Hmmm…blackout drunk with a citation and pissed parents or responsible drinking, a hilarious memory of the stupid things your wasted friend did and a happy and unknowing family at home.  You decide.  Being cited isn’t the only bad thing about being completely trashed.  The University may be a great place, but not everyone who lives around it are the nicest people (as with any university campus).  After you get your first campus advisory you’ll probably say, “Oh my gosh! What!?” But after a while it becomes, “What a freaking idiot.”  You don’t want to be that freaking idiot, because that freaking idiot was taken advantage of because they were too drunk.  Nobody wants to see you mugged/rapped/assaulted/killed so don’t be a freaking idiot.  Please.

            Now that the social aspects of college are out of the way, time to “discuss” the important part of college…college itself.  Don’t procrastinate. I did and I spent many sleepless nights kicking myself in the butt for not doing the work when I clearly had time to.  Don’t skip class.  You miss out on so much and it is a waste of money.  It also makes you look bad. If you skip class your professor notices.  Stay on top of your work and go to class.  That’s basically all you need to do for good grades.  Any extra academic ventures are great. But not too many. You need time for yourself.  Don’t go overboard but don’t just skate by.  You’ll know what’s good for you.

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Dear Freshman,

My experiences thus far at Scranton have taught me many things this semester. At first it was extremely intimidating, but with a few tips there’s really nothing to be afraid of. I’m sure by now you have heard the term “time management” as much as you’ve walked in and out of Denaples. Honestly though it really is the most important factor in college, especially your freshman year. Coming into college from high school is such a huge transition because no one is there to hold your hand and tell you when you have to do your work. It is really up to you to set aside a few hours a day to get your reading done. You will probably have more reading to do in your first month of school than you had your whole last year of high school. It’s important not to get discouraged or freak out about this, as long as you stay on top of your work you will be fine. Aside from classes and homework the next most important thing is to get involved. I know many of the things the first two months sound cheesy (magic show, scavenger hunt etc) but honestly me and my roommate went to a different thing every weekend and met so many people it was definitely worth it. Also get to know the people on your floor because you have to live with them and they will be your closest friends for the first few months. Even if you have nothing in common you will be surprised how well different people can get along. One thing I do regret from this semester is not getting to know my professors as well as I should have. That’s also a very important factor to succeeding and helping them get to know you as a student. As long as you work just as much as you play then you will have the time of your life.

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Dear Freshmen,

            You’ve made it to college!  Can you believe it?  Welcome to the University of Scranton where you’ll have the bet four or so years of you life.  And trust me, these four years will go by extremely fast.  My first semester flashed by before I even had the chance to blink.  I can tell you about everything I’ve experienced but I feel like I would go on for days with an endless amount of stories and advice for you, most of which you probably won’t take into account until you’ve experienced it yourself, as I did.  But let’s get started.

            To begin with, I cannot stress enough the importance of studying.  I wanted to talk about this first so you realize what a huge part this is in college.  Yes, I know everyone says, “Study, study, study!  It’s not like high school where you can breeze by!”.  It really is the truth though.  Going from a possibly easy senior year to your freshman year in college is one of the hardest transitions you’ll ever face.  And trust me, I learned the hard way.  Being a Psychology major and taking a Psychology class in high school, I thought I knew all the material and I did know a lot of it, but it was only the simple stuff.  The Fundamentals of Psychology class went into a lot of detail on topics that I only scratched the surface of in high school.  And that little knowledge showed its face on exams.  Yes, after each exam you know more and more about how your teacher administers exams and you know what is more important based on what they emphasize in class but either way you need to get into a good studying habit.  You need to actually read the book and try to associate the concepts and ideas into your every day life and not just skim through the words on the pages.  And yet again, I learned that the hard way too.  Even though it tool me a whole semester, I think I’ve found the best possible way for me, myself, to study and grasp the concepts.  That’s what you need to focus on doing early on.

            The second thing I want to bring up is don’t procrastinate!  Not doing homework or giving things in on time is one of the worst things you could EVER do throughout your college career.  Well besides not studying and doing your work HAHA.  I’ve also had to learn this the hard way.  Procrastinating will get you extremely behind in your classes even if its one assignment.  If you’re like me, you’ll want to get everything done whether you procrastinate or not and it’ll screw you over in the long run, so I would advise to just try not to do it in general.

            So I’ve pretty much told you to just get your work done and study.  Although those are probably the most detrimental parts of college, there is one more that is more fun then serious.  MEET PEOPLE!  You’ve been surrounded with the same groups of people since kindergarten.  Now’s your chance to put yourself out there and meet people from all over.  The great thing about the University of Scranton is that the majority of the students here are from a select few states on the east coast of the United States.  That means that you have the ability to experience different ways of life even if it’s only from a state away.  And a major plus for my graduating class is that we have students from Ireland and the Pacific Islands!  How cool is that?!

            College is a time for you to grow and find out who you truly are and who you want to be.  The transition may be hard but it’s definitely worth it.  Your first semester will be hard but it will pay off in the long run.  You’ll make life long friendships even if they live far from you.  And you’ll make memories that will last you the rest of your lifetime (corny but true).  So just as the Greenday lyric states “so make the best of this test and don’t ask why”.  That’s exactly the attitude you need going into your freshman year.

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Dear freshmen,

First I would like to congratulate you, it is truly an honor to be apart of the Scranton family. College is a big transition and also a scary one but I promise you that during your first semester you will get adjusted quickly and will consider Scranton your knew home. One thing that you have to remember is everyone else is in the same position as you so you shouldn’t feel like you are the only one going through this. In college you are placed in an entirely new atmosphere and completely thrown out of your comfort zone but try not to get too stressed about everything. The best advice I can give you is to be prepared for the transition and don’t expect college to be the same as high school.

Academically the best advice I can give to you is not to procrastinate and manage your time. In college you are given so much freedom, you don’t have your parents hovering over you and telling you what to do and trust me it is easily to take advantage of that. It is important that you don’t leave everything till the last minute and make a daily schedule of things you have to do and when you’ll do them. Spacing out assignments will definitely leave you feeling less stressed because as you have probably heard so many times the workload in college is definitely a lot more than in high school.

Another academic tip is to use your breaks wisely. Since you only have classes for a few hours each day and class times are spread out you may have a huge time gap between two classes. Don’t use this time to nap or hangout with your friends. It is really important that you sit down and do work during this time because you will get a lot done and it will take away some of the work that you have to do after class.

Aside from academics you should really get involved on campus. Getting involved makes you feel like you are not focusing all your times on academics. Personally I am on the Scranton tennis team and it helped me make so many friends. Getting involved allows you to meet so many more people and you can get involved doing something that you love.  Also being a part of a team or club really helps with time management and relieves a lot of stress.

Lastly I would like to remind you to not forget about your health. There are so many great options in the cafeteria but it is so easy to go for the unhealthy option. Remember that it is so important to take care of your body because nothing is worse then being sick and having to go to class.

College is a great experience so make sure that you are studying hard but also having fun. You will meet life long friends here and have so many great experience and opportunities so take advantage of them all. Have a great first year at Scranton

Best of Luck,

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During my first semester of freshman year, I was very overwhelmed with work. Coming from a catholic high school, I assumed the work wouldn’t be a struggle to me because catholic schools were always known for their strict rules and expectations. Unfortunately, I was wrong.  During the first two weeks of school, my head was spinning. I didn’t know how to handle the stress and work load. Although I did not lose all hope, I definitely did not have a positive attitude towards my teachers and classes. After the first two weeks, I started to become more adjusted and found my niche. I met wonderful new friends, figured out what foods I did and did not like, and understood my teachers teaching methods. Looking back, I smile because I never thought I would be as happy as time went by.

It was such a hard transfer from high school to college but you can do it.  Don’t lose sight of your goals and get involved! Getting involved is a great and fun way to meet such awesome people. Also, keep in mind that although college is a lot of fun, you also have responsibility. Remember this motto: You work hard, you play hard. Some classes might be easier than others, but put as much time in as necessary in order to achieve the best grade you can.  I always hear people say “this teacher is the worst” or “this teacher fails everyone”. Although one teacher might be a tough grader, that doesn’t mean you still can’t do well. That class might take a little more effort but that’s college for you. You are on your own, enjoy it but be responsible.

I hope you have a great and blessed year!! Welcome to college!!!!!

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Dear Freshman,

     Coming into my freshman year of college I was nervous because I felt that my high school hadn’t prepared me at all for college. I felt I wasn’t going to be able to keep up with the work that was going to be given. When I got my syllabus’ for all my classes I already began to feel overwhelmed. As classes began to progress I actually got behind because I had so much free time in between classes, that I did everything else but my work. I felt I had all the time in the world. My teachers kept reminding us of time management, but I just shrugged it off. Boy was I in for it. I ended staying up so late to do my homework and so tired during my classes. It wasn’t until after midterms that I finally caught up and began managing my time better. I felt that the more activities I had to do during the day the more I was determined to get my work done right away and during my free time. I learned the hard way so when your teachers say manage you time do it, so you don’t make the same mistake that I did.

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            Welcome to college! I know you probably have tons of different emotions going through you head at once right now. College is a huge step for anyone and it is okay to feel a little uneasy about it.  Trust me though after a while you will right at home here at the university. I am about nine hours away from my family and I honestly feel like I gained a second family here. Anything you may need help with, there will always be someone here that will know exactly how to help you. I want to tell you a few things that may help your freshman year here a little easier. As I’m sure you’ve heard before along with the freedom of college comes with tons of responsibility. Parents are not here to make sure you do your homework and actually get up to go to class, that is all on your shoulders.  You are going to need to learn time management. Your professors will emphasize it over and over again and you should listen. Also college meant a lot more work for me in a shorter amount of time. If you can, try to get all your work done as soon as possible. I know I this was a struggle for me. Since you do not have the all your classes each day you think you can just put off the work until tomorrow, but tomorrow comes and you just get more work. Your work load can add up quickly and unexpectedly, honestly try to stay on top of it so you don’t fall behind. College can give you a fresh new start, which you can either take as a relief or a fear. I know it is scary going to a place where you may not know a lot of people. I came here not knowing a single person and I won’t lie it was scary when I first arrived here. You just have to be open and friendly. Get to know the other people on your floor. Everyone is in the same boat. You may be someone who already knows people here, try to be welcoming to people who seem shy. Don’t be scared to strike up a conversation with someone in your class. If you can get involved in anything and everything your schedule allows you do. It is a great way to meet people who have the same interest in you. BE SURE TO GET PLENTLY OF SLEEP!!  There always things going on around here, so I know it can be hard to separate yourself from the excitement.  Seriously though you will not be any use to yourself if you are too tired to pay full attention in class. My last piece of advice is if you are having trouble with anything talk to someone. If you’re having trouble in class, talk to the professor. Many of them are very approachable. If you are homesick, talk to your r.a. It is not good to keep all your emotions inside, at one point you will just burst. Stay in regular contact with your family and friends from back home, it can be really helpful to have them to talk to when you are feeling down. I wish you the best of luck in your years here at Scranton.

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Dear Incoming Freshman,

            For starters I just want you to know that college is a big step from high school, so don’t think that this is going to be easy. I won’t lie to you and say that the transition from high school to college is easy because in truth it’s probably the hardest thing you’ll ever do. I don’t mean to scare you; I just want you to be prepared. Don’t worry about making new friends either. I mean I know that you’ll probably be afraid cause this a new atmosphere but don’t stress it. Just go and talk to someone, it couldn’t hurt. Now moving on to classes and work.

            First thing that you need to know is study. STUDY!! This isn’t high school, and by that I mean you can’t study right before class and expect to pass a test. You have to study a lot for quizzes and tests. You cannot slack off at all; you can’t afford to. This is the big leagues and if you fall behind it’s going to be hard to catch up. Which brings me to my next point. DON’T SKIP CLASSES. You may be tired and feel like you don’t want to go to class but you’ll most likely regret it. You’ll regret it because there will be a good chance that you will fall behind, and you can’t afford to do that.

            Lastly, I just want you guys to manage your time. Manage your time between classes and when to get stuff done. You’ll find that you’ll have a lot of spare time on your hands after classes, so use that opportunity to get your work done. Don’t forget to exercise too because the freshman 15 isn’t a joke. Good luck!

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Dear Freshman,                                                                    

      At first it is hard adjusting to college. You’re in a different place with new people. The first week of school is great. The classes are easy and your meeting so many people. But then going into your second week of college you start to get home sick and miss you family and friends. College is a big adjustment from high school. You have less classes. However, you have to study much more. School is like a full time job. Overall college is great. You’re on your own and you get to make your own choices. Your with people your age all the time. It takes some time to adjust to this new environment. But overtime you are going to be so happy you came here. The University of Scranton is a great school to attend. Everyone is so friendly and kind towards others. Freshman year is very fun you will love it. Good luck with your first semester.

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           Welcome to the University of Scranton and to the Psychology major!  This is an exciting and terrifying time for incoming freshmen, both socially and academically.  You are basically free, no parents, a whole new environment, and a lot to take in at first.  Hopefully this letter helps you get a handle on your current situation and deal with any problems you may face as efficiently and easily as possible.

            One problem I faced coming into college was sleep.  I could never get enough, regardless how much I got done during the daytime.  Even if I wanted to I could never get to bed at a reasonable hour, whether I’m hanging out with my friends or just on my computer wasting time.  Getting enough sleep is essential in college, as it helps you retain information you get while you’re awake.  Not getting enough sleep before a test or big assignment can really hurt your chances of getting a good grade, regardless of the amount of hours you put into studying.  Sleep is essential for your health; if you get proper sleep, you will succeed in college.

            Another factor I had to deal with at first is finding friends.  This simply requires you keep and open mind and be as open as you can be.  The more reserved you are in your first few weeks of school, the harder it will be for you to find friends now or in the future.  Another tip is to join clubs, sports teams, and/or campus events; you never know whom you will meet and potentially grow to become good friends with.  One small bit of advice for when you’re in your room is leave the door open, it lets other people know they’re welcome and that you are open to meeting new people.

            Finally, managing your time is huge freshman year, as it will shape how you do so for the rest of your time here at school.  Take some time out of your day to go to the library if you have a substantial amount of work or studying to do, set some time apart to go to the gym, and spend some time alone or relaxing with friends.  Relaxation time, while it may seem like a waste, is crucial to studying and working to the best of your ability.  All work and no play will cause you to be unfocused during long blocks of study and homework time.

            These tips should aid you in achieving your goal of being the best you can be in college.  The beginning of freshman year is a little intimidating, but if you just relax and take it slow, you will be succeeding in college in no time.  Just remember to get enough sleep, be open to new people, and manage your time according to your workload.  If it becomes too much, there are plenty of people around campus, such as your teachers or RA’s, that are willing to help.  Good luck and welcome again to the U!

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Dear freshman,

            Welcome to the University of Scranton! The next four years are going to be filled with tons of great memories! I am sure right now you are feeling a little overwhelmed, at this time last year I felt the same way. Let me tell you, college is so much different than high school. No one is going to tell you when to go to bed or when to do your homework. You are responsible for yourself and the decisions you make. Although having freedom to make your own decisions is awesome, it is important to make sure you are making the right ones. I have a few pieces of advice for you to help your freshman year be successful!

            The first advice I can give you is to make sure you get enough sleep. It is always important to try and make sure you get at least six hours of sleep on school nights. Sometimes that is not possible, but definitely try to avoid pulling all nighters all the time. They usually just cause more stress and you probably won’t get a very good grade anyway (if you’re studying for a test). Next, it is important to make sure you eat healthy! The food here at the U is amazing and with an unlimited meal plan you definitely have no excuses not to eat. Finally make sure you exercise at least a few times a week. Working out is such a nice stress reliever and also makes you feel good about yourself!

            Second, DON’T PROCRASTINATE! Everyone is going to tell you this and I advise you to take his or her advice. Time management is also so important. The smartest decision I ever made was buying a planner and writing down the due dates from my entire syllabus in it. I learned quickly that professors are NOT going to remind you when assignments are due. They expect you to know from the syllabus. Don’t lose easy points because you did not write down an assignment and forgot about it. You also will no longer be able to get away with studying for a test for only an hour. So far the minimum amount of time I studied for a test was around five hours.

            As much as you should try to get along with your roommate, they don’t have to be your best friend. I was lucky that my roommate and I are best friends, but that does not happen for everyone. If you are not friends, you should try to be civil. You don’t want to live with someone you hate.

            Finally, have fun! Reach out to the other people on your floor. They are all going through the same thing you are. Leave your door open and invite people in. The best decision I made was not going home for the first six weeks. You will probably be a little home sick, but it will definitely help you get situated here. It is also important to get involved on campus. Go to the student activities fair and choose a few things you’re interested in. Picking just a few activities can help you find your niche on campus! It is weird to make new friends again, but everyone here at the U is so nice!  Good luck with your first year!

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Hello freshmen! First of all I want to say welcome to the University of Scranton, and I hope that all of you enjoy your next four years here! I know it is a big change moving from being the oldest in school to being the youngest. Some of you may find this difficult to adjust to; but don’t worry it takes time. You may find it difficult to adjust to a new area if you moved from somewhere far away e.g. Boston or New York or, like a guy I know, from Virginia. All I can say is you should have no trouble adjusting to a new place. I myself had to adjust to a different culture completely because I come from Ireland. I am going to be living here for four years and after the first month I started to get used to the University and Scranton itself. I will admit the first month was kind of difficult e.g. sleeping in a different bed, getting used to hearing the accent all the time, being asked by nearly every second person “Are you Irish? I love your accent”. However once you get used to it you begin to love the place. In the first semester there is a load of stuff going on to look forward to: the Italian festival, Halloween, Thanksgiving and obviously Christmas is the big one. It is a lot of fun however, be prepared to work. College is a lot of study but if you stay on top of it should be no problem. All of my professors are really nice and approachable so don’t be afraid to go to your professors if you are not doing well in a class, they will be more than happy to help. That’s all I can say. Enjoy your four years here!!!!

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Dear Freshman Psychology Student,

             Welcome to the University of Scranton, and congratulation on choosing a fantastic major.  As I write this essay to you, I am preparing for my final exams and last weeks of my first semester in college, and boy has this semester flew. I want to first start off by saying that not every freshman is in the same boat as you, because you are a psychology major, and no matter how much you hate going to Freshman Seminar, you learn more then all of your friends that are not psych majors.

            First off, I hated going to Freshman Seminar, and I hated doing the busy work they assigned. However after the second week of school I found that the homework was not busy work and found myself knowing so many things going on at the University. I was no longer an uninformed freshman, all because of the fantastic work the Psychology Department provides.

            With that said you should know that by choosing Psychology as your major, you are entering into a family like no other.  My first advice is to put yourself out there in the department, ask to do research and join the psychology clubs they offer here at the U.

            Also, at the this point in your journey at the U, you probably have a close group a friends. GREAT! However, branch yourselves out their and be outgoing. One tip that always works is leaving your dorm room door open for visitors this is a great way to make friends, and it shows that you are welcoming. Making a great group of friends will help you not stress about the work load here.

            Your health here is very important and one of the most important things you can do is sleep. Try extremely hard to get eight hours of sleep a night. It will be difficult but you must try, especially before nights of exams. You will find that sleep is gods gift to college students, next to chicken finger sundays at the downstairs food court.

            Get involve, study, make friends, and be thankful for having such a great major who help you with anything, and everything. Have fun, be safe, and NEVER WALK ALONE(at night, up on the hill).

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       Congratulations on your decision to attend the University of Scranton. You have made a great choice: you have chosen to attend an institution that will change you in more ways than you can imagine—if you let it. Yes, even I, a freshman nearing the end of his first semester at the U., can attest; a new, more open-minded, and perspicacious person is formed out of the independence and freedom of college. And while it’s fine to have fun every once and a while, you must not forget the main reason for which one comes to college in the first place: education—a maturing, both mentally and physically, of oneself. There will be times this semester when you are discouraged, and I say to you the following: don’t be. It takes a true, strong student to fight through self-created discouragement. Simply put: don’t let your doing badly, should you ever do so, on a couple of tests or assignments discourage you from wanting to learn or allow you to think pessimistically: there will always be another day. Never let the fire in you—your curiosity, that is—die.

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Dear upcoming freshman,

This is your first year at college, and believe me it’s the time of your life. However, it is also the time where you make the transition from being in high school to college. High school was such a breeze, but college is beyond different.

First thing I struggled with the most my freshman year was time management. You’re probably thinking you have so much time on your hands to do so many different things. That’s not entirely true. You need to study and read for each class to keep up with what you are learning. In high school, for me, I didn’t need to read or study for tests, and I just showed up and listened in class. College is completely different. Here, the library is your best friend. You will be there almost every night, and trust me, that is not a bad thing. It keeps you concentrated and you will get work done.

Next struggle is being home sick. You have lived with your parents your whole life, and now transferring over to a whole new environment is hard. Some kids adjust differently then others. So it is important that you make a solid good group of friends that you can talk to if you are upset or uncomfortable with something during your time here. In the beginning you are so caught up with the idea of being on your own and not having your parents hovering over your shoulder every second. But soon enough, whether kids admit it or not, were all home sick. Don’t fear though, because there is so many things you can do here to help you keep your mind off it, and eventually you will grow, and not have the problem anymore. Although it’s still a good idea to call your parents every once in a while!

Lastly, make good choices. This is college, where parties happen, and of course drinking. Now you are all clearly underage and shouldn’t be drinking in the first place. So be smart about the situations that you put yourself in, and make sure you are never at risk of causing harm to yourself or others. Also, the area around campus can get very dangerous at night, so it is important to stay in a group that you trust and know. The university also provides transportation around areas off campus; so if you ever find yourself in a situation, give them a call.

Welcome incoming freshman to The University of Scranton! I hope your 4 years are the most memorable times of your lives. Be smart about the choices you make, and study hard. In the end you are here for you and your future, make it count. Good luck!

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Dear Class of 2016,

            Welcome to the U of S! I am sure you re having a grand time getting to know your roommate/ dorm mates, all your teachers, and learning the in and outs of the U! I just want to shed a bit of light on what you should expect from this year and how you should consider preparing. I am by no means telling you that you MUST do this yet I merely am providing suggestions that I have found helpful and that I use to deal with the day-to-day aspects of college life.

            My biggest piece of advice is to stay ahead in your work. What I have found is that you will find yourself with weeks where you hardly have any assignments due, and then BOOM the following week have multiple assignments due. In order to steer clear of stressing yourself out it is best to plan ahead and spread out your assignments. I also found that it is often difficult to sit down and make yourself do your work because there is always something going on somewhere on your floor which you would much rather be doing than your homework. Sometimes it is just best to shut your door and block out any distractions so that you can finish your work diligently and as soon as possible. I definitely found it hard to get some work done at times because people always seem to gravitate toward my room and they would not leave me alone, but I also found that when writing a paper, because music for me is a stress reliever it is best to get a good pair of headphones and knock it out, it really helped me.

            One last thing I would like to get across to you I to GET INVOLVED! There are so many different things to do at the U it’s amazing. I sing in the concert choir, I am also involved with the Scranton Players, The United Colors Organization, Criminal Justice Cub, and I have been thinking about many more groups that are geared for Psychology majors such as APSSC, Psi Chi, and the Psych Club. For me this s essential to enjoying your time especially since I don’t go out to party I need something to do and with these activities I am always busy and I feel that am improving myself and doing the things that I love to do.

            So I hope that you all love it here and enjoy your time, get your work done because it all moves by very fast so just make sue you do your very best, and that you will/ can be proud of YOURSELF!

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Dear Incoming freshman

             Well congratulations on making it far! This is only the beginning. So start it off by first taking a deep breath and letting all sink in. Yes you may feel a bit homesick, especially being someplace strange all by yourself.  Don’t worry this feeling passes it happens to all of us. That’s why you should branch out, and get to know the people, and surroundings well. Also get to know your professors they are one of the best resources here. Scranton also offers many different recourses like the library, and the CTLE department. They both are great sources when you need help with you assignments. If you have problems the school has a counseling office you could go to if you need someone to talk to. They are there to listen to you and help you to move forward.

            Aside from schoolwork Scranton provides a great environment to be involved in. Many of the clubs offered here are very involved in the community. Also The USPB organize many different and fun events to attend when its time to have fun. There are also intramurals sport teams if you’re interested.

            One piece of advice I would suggest for freshman year would be get involved in any way you can, but not too involved. Get to know your professors well, because they can help you if you just ask. Don’t be afraid to ask for help and if you feeling overwhelmed in a subject go to CTLE they can help to understand the material. But most of all sleep and balance! Sleep is one of the most important things to survive, just as much as balance.

            So be you’re self, keep contact back home, be involved, ask for help, and give it your all and trust me you’re bound to be great!

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Dear Freshmen,

            Congratulations on deciding to join the Scranton family! I hope that you are just as excited as I was when I finally committed to coming to the University of Scranton. There are many things that you will experience and overcome while you are here at the university. Although most things you will need to experience first hand, there is some advice that I can try to give you.

            The biggest thing that I could advise you on is that you should never procrastinate! It is so easy to fall behind in your schoolwork since you are loaded with it throughout the months. Although there could be weeks that you don’t have a lot to do, you should take that time to get ahead of your work if you can. You will also notice that you will have a lot of free time throughout your day while you’re not in classes. I know that you’re going to want to be able to take this time to relax, but you should really take this time to get through your work so that you aren’t staying up late in the night to finish it. Trust me, it always feels great when you can relax before you go to sleep since you’ve gotten your work done.

            Another thing that I can advise you is that you will always need to stay on top of your sleep. It will not only help you stay awake during the day, it will help you from getting sick. Freshmen tend to get sick in the first couple months of school since they don’t know how to keep up with their sleeping and eating, so if you get the right amount of sleep, you can help yourself by staying healthy. Also, speaking of eating, you really need to keep a balanced diet while you are here. I know that none of you want to gain the “freshmen 15”, so if you are eating throughout the day, breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and staying away from the junk food throughout the stores and cafeteria, you will be able to avoid this. Another way to stay away from gaining weight is staying active. The University just recently opened a new gym across the street, which has a lot of different choices of exercise that you can choose from.

            One other thing that you need to think about is how to balance your freedom and your work. I know that many of you are going to want to get caught up into the social scene, but you should really learn how to keep under control of how many times you go out throughout the week or the weekend and how much work you are getting done. Many people that I’ve seen have been too caught up in the social scene, and have fallen greatly behind in their work. So, I’m not telling you to stay in your room all the time, but get your work done, be able to have fun and make new friends, just don’t get too caught up into it that your work comes behind your social life.

            Have a great time throughout your freshmen year and always remember that any upperclassmen will always help you with whatever you need!

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My first semester at the University of Scranton has taught me a lot of things. It’s taught me to be responsible, to take my responsibilities into my own hands and be an adult. When you’re in college there’s no one there to encourage you to do your work or reprimand you when you don’t do it. It’s your grades that will be your reprimanding. No one is to blame, but you. But you don’t have to be put in this predicament. There are some tools to help you succeed, don’t procrastinate, use the library and your teachers for help and time management.

Procrastination is the biggest downfall of most college students. They believe that they can coast by and put their work off to the last minute. But good work takes time, you need to give yourself time to do your work and look back at it. Whether it’s studying, writing a paper or just doing regular homework; to do your best you need to give yourself time and stay on top of things. It’s not like high school anymore where your teacher will give you an extension, here you need to have things in on time or you’re going to fall behind. You don’t want to play catch up, and then you’re going to lose focus of all the new things that’s being taught in class.

The library and your teachers are your biggest aids; your teachers know the quality of work they want you to hand in. The library has seen most of the assignments that you have to do because of past students. Going to them for help doesn’t mean you’re cheating, they want to help you and it shows that you are interested in doing well. Students seem like their afraid of their teachers sometimes; it’s intimidating to go to your teacher for help because you don’t want to seem like you don’t know the material. But sometimes you just don’t, but your teachers are paid to help you, use them that’s what they’re there for. There’s no better source about what you should do your work around then your teachers. The people in the library are the nicest people, if you need any help finding a book or anything they will help you. If they can’t help you the library has a great source online for looking up the materials you need as well.

When I entered my first semester at the University of Scranton I was taught one thing about time management. It was either that I was going to spend my time socializing, chasing girls or doing my homework. You can pick two, if you try to do all three or chose the wrong two, then your time here at the U will be very short. I chose to do work and chase girls, but even with that you need to learn how to space your time out. If you’re too caught up doing one over the other you’re going to suffer. The majority of your time has to be focused on work; the weekends will always be there to have fun.  This also goes along with procrastination; you need to give yourself enough time to do your work to the best of your ability. The best way I can put this is make yourself a schedule on what you want to do with your days, leave room to fill in spaces for work, exercise, time to yourself and other things you’d like to do with your day.

The first semester is your time to show what you can do away from home. Being so far away from home with no one to motivate you is very hard. It takes all the blame off other people and put’s it right on you, if you don’t succeed then you have no one else to blame, but yourself. But this doesn’t mean that you have to fail, the tools you need to succeed have been taught to you your entire life. College is about taking all those tools and building yourself a great foundation for yourself to succeed. All it takes is motivation, using your teachers and the library for your aids and finding time for your work and spacing out your other activities.

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 Dear Class of 2016,

     As you may have heard, college is a huge change from high school, and a huge development in most people’s lives. You’ll be away from your friends, your family, your parents, and sometimes it will feel like you’re all alone. But it’s ok! Your parents and friends are just a phone call away, and it’s easy to make new friends if you stay involved with activities on campus. Sometimes, you might feel overwhelmed with all the work you need to get done. I can’t even begin to tell you about how many times my friends and I have freaked out over upcoming exams, papers or projects we’ve had to work on and have had difficulty with. Just manage your time wisely, plan ahead and stay focused. Easier said than done, right? Not to worry, it comes easier with practice, like most things. Be sure to keep a planner with you at all times so you can keep track of all the different things that need to be done. In addition, don’t be afraid to try new things. Try joining a cool club and get involved in activities on campus. For example, if you’ve always wanted to try to learn how to sing but never really had the time, you could try joining choir! It’s important to study, but it’s also important to take a little break every now and again. Don’t be afraid to meet new people, either. Sometimes, especially in the first few weeks of the first semester, you may feel a bit lonely, because you’re away from all your friends and family and everything is new and scary. I remember a close friend explaining to me that it was ok to feel a little bit lost and lonely at first, because that’s how all of the freshman felt in the beginning of the semester! We were all in the same boat, but it became easier once we all got involved and met new people and tried new things. So with those things in mind, I wish you the best of luck and happiness in your freshman year! Stay safe, stay positive, stay you.

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Dear freshman,

            Welcome to the University of Scranton!  In the next few weeks, you will be dealing with the transition for high school to college, and for some it may not be easy.  I know for me, the study habits I had in high school did not cut it for the college work I have received here.  So a few pointers I can give you for making your freshman year count are:

1)  Do the readings:  Here at the University, reading is very important.  You will be teaching yourself most of the work through the reading you do.  A semester is very short, so the professor will not have time to go through the whole book. In this case, you must stay on top of the readings because you must be your own teacher for the material that is not covered in class.  From experience, it is best to pre-read a section before your professor starts to talk about it, so in class you already have some background knowledge and know what you have questions on.

2)   Sleep: You must make sure you sleep.  The work load might get heavy at certain points but that is why you must prioritize your time. Sleeping is very important, because it keeps you more focused on the next day of classes and you will interpret a lot more.   

3)   Be Outgoing: Be outgoing!  Everyone is in the same spot you are.  They may be shy, but everyone at the University is friendly, so when you are confronted with people, strike up a conversation.  Being social will make your time at the University much more special! If you can spend every day with people you talk to and be friends with you will enjoy going to class and hanging out much more.  Make sure you enjoy school because Scranton is a fun place to be! 

I know many of you may be homesick already, and I was too!! I still to this day get upset when my family leaves after visiting me!  But I promise, it does get easier.  This is why you need to socialize, because the more friends you have, the easier it is to say good-bye to the most important people in or lives.

Good Luck!!

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Dear freshmen,

As you get settled to your new life here at the U, there are some things you should keep in mind. It is okay to be homesick and to feel overwhelmed during the first semester. It is important to always remember that there are other people who feel the same way you do and that you are not alone during this process. Personally, I was fortunate to not experience the homesickness to the same extent as others did, but you will always miss some things about home. However, the most important thing to do is to get yourself involved in clubs or sports. They are a great way of meeting new people and keeping yourself busy. It is always nerve-racking to think about making new friends, but it does take time and you will make friends.

The next thing I would like to highlight is time management. You aren’t at home anymore and you basically have enough time now to do whatever you want when you aren’t in class or studying. Do not fall behind or get used to procrastinating within the first semester. Unfortunately there will be times where you feel stressed due to exams, but if you manage your time well and study in a way that actually helps then you will be fine. Be sure to address any studying issues you have and go to the CTLE or try different things since studying in college is not like studying in high school.

Overall, making friends and having to be away from home isn’t easy. I recommend that you try and stay on campus as much as possible and try to make friends rather than going home when there aren’t breaks. It really is worth it and it will get better. If you’re having a difficult time you can always talk to your RA or someone at counseling. There is always someone to help you. Best of luck!

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Dear Freshmen,

            For many of you, this is the biggest step in your life. Some students have went to boarding schools and been away from their parents for extended periods of time, but I was not one of those people. I had lived in the same house for 18 years and never experienced a change as big as going to university. Here are a few things I've learned so far in my first semester.

            The first day of class as you get your syllabus, try to write down every assignment in your planner and reference it often. This is a great tool for you to always know what's going on in what class and when assignments are due. I know that there's nothing worse than going to a class and realizing that you forgot to write an essay. Thankfully, because of my planner, that hasn't happen to me yet in college.

            Getting enough sleep is important. I consistently stay up late because I'm an insomniac, and I feel the consequences. Getting sick is not an option in college though. When you miss one class, it's the equivalent of missing a few classes in a row in high school. It's not worth it. Keep your immune system ready to fight off any viruses and bacteria and maintain good hygiene. This way you won't be scrambling to catch up on work at the last minute. Staying up late and refusing sleep is not worth getting sick and ruining your grade. If you're like me and can't sleep, try seeing a doctor or a counselor. The university has plenty of resources such as the Wellness Center and Counseling Center which are both available to students.

            Don't party, but if you absolutely have to because it's “your style”, please do so in moderation. Many close to me have failing grades in classes because their hedonistic desires overcame them too many times. Going out once a week can often turn into three times a week, which means it WILL affect your grade. Remember why you came to college. Learning should take precedence over everything else always.

            Friends are important though. Even guy dorms can have drama. Make sure that you become friends with a good amount of people on your floor, especially around you. These are the people you will be living with for the rest of the year. It would be best to have little or no animosity towards anyone this early.

            Campus activities are a great way to meet people. If you're into music, I greatly recommend the band programs or the music ministries. The directors are absolutely outstanding. But if you're not into that, there are many great clubs that you will find on display all throughout campus.

            There will be less class time, but for every hour that you are in class, it is recommended that you take two hours for studying just for that class. This is unreasonable to ask the typical student who has other activities going on, but just remember that this doesn't mean classes are going to be easier and less demanding. More freedom means that more of your grade is dependent on you, and not your teachers wanting to give you a passing grade.

            Good luck and don't be afraid to say hello to a stranger on-campus. They could end up being your best friend for the next four years.

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Dear Freshman,

Welcome to The University of Scranton congratulations on achieving one of life’s milestones. In college you will learn much about yourself and the world around you. College might be a difficult adjustment at first, but you will have fun here, even though it might not seem like it at first. In college you will face a few challenges but you will also have many successes. You need to learn how to effectively use your time in order to be happy and to succeed here. In college you need to study and prepare more for your classes than you needed to in high school. In Freshman Seminar you will learn study skills that will help you to, try to use those skills.

 Try to enjoy your time at college it might not feel like it at first but the semester goes by fast. Make sure you do not procrastinate you will feel stressed and might not get the grade that you could have gotten if you started an assignment earlier. If you have an assignment try to get it done early that way you can enjoy the weekend and go out with friends. Join clubs or a team you will make friends with so many people. Make sure you get enough sleep.  Do not let all the drama going on affect you too much, remember the real reason why you are here is to get an education. In college you will find out who you are meant to be and gain knowledge that will help you in your profession.

Best of luck.

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Dear freshman,

            I have learned a lot in my freshman year and I am writing you this letter to help you adjust to your first year of college. The first thing I would like to emphasize is your roommate situation, my freshman year; I requested my roommate and it turned out to be a disaster. She was messy and loud and very selfish, I suggest you find someone that you are comfortable being yourself around because sharing a room with someone for the first time can be very hard. The second thing I would like to talk about is homesickness, I became very home sick right around parents weekend in the middle of October. This is funny to me because the only reason I came to the University of Scranton was to get away from my family. I suggest that no matter how bad they are, don’t take your family for granted, you will miss them. The next thing I would like to bring up is getting to know your friends before you make any commitment to them as a person. My first experience with the first friend I met was a really nice person, until she stole something out of my room one day, is careful how you act around people because you never know who you can really trust. The next thing I want to stress is time management, this wasn’t a problem for me but I think that it is a problem for many college students and they get too busy for their own good and everything goes downhill for them. This also goes for your classes, make sure you are interested in your classes before you commit to them, my rule is that if you don’t like your class within the first week, it isn’t something that is worth perusing, and that could change the whole outlook of your college experience. My final thing and something on a lighter note is, use ratemyprofessor.com, it will change your life and help you get some fun out of college. That is my academic side of advice; my next section is for campus life and being safe. I’m not telling you not to have fun and enjoy your life but be sure you are going out with people you trust and people you know you will have a good time with. Don’t drink in college; it will lead but nothing to but trouble in college. I can’t emphasize enough being safe, I would hate to hear about one of the class of 2016 members being hurt because they were stupid with alcohol. Be safe and have fun, but pretty much, be safe.  

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To the Up and Coming Freshmen,

            As I sit down to write this letter of advice to you, I realize how strange it is because I was in your shoes not too long ago. I still don’t know everything about college, but I hope that the little I have learned will help you out. You will probably be scared and nervous as you enter into this next phase of your life, but that is okay. What isn’t okay is letting your fear or nervousness keep you from trying new things or taking chances that come your way. After all, college is the time for you to figure out what you want to do in life; no one expects you to know as soon as you set foot on campus. And if you do know what you want to do, pursue it wholeheartedly. Keep your mind open, however, to other opportunities because you never know what they might teach you. I suppose that is my first piece of advice: keep your mind open and take advantage of all the opportunities offered here in college.

            Well, I guess the advice I have for you is random and relevant to different areas of your college life. First is the roommate. First impressions are important, but they aren’t everything. Give your roommate the chance they deserve, and they will most likely do the same for you. Common courtesy goes a long way. You don’t have to be best friends with your roommate, but it is possible to be friends. Even if you don’t get along, that’s okay too. Just don’t let drama get out of hand and remember that there are simple ways to amend the problem, such as transferring to another room. You want to be in a comfortable, safe living environment, and getting along with your roommate will be important.

            Next is the classes and coursework. The classes are a great size for getting to know the teacher and other students, so take advantage of this. Make friends, exchange numbers, ask questions, and form study groups. These are not just ways to help succeed in the classroom, but they will also help form friendships and a network of connections throughout the Scranton community. Study groups are helpful, and the library is a great resource. Use it! If the library is not for you, then try the new science center. I personally love getting one of the small rooms and being able to sit and concentrate on my work. Don’t go in thinking that the coursework will be too hard and that you won’t be able to cope before you even try. On the other hand, don’t go in expecting it to be so easy that you won’t have to study or try as hard. Some will have to work harder than others, and you may or may not be that person, but just know the challenge is worth it. Good grades are possible, and you can work hard enough to get them. The only way you can fail is to not try. It sound cliché, but it is true.

            Miscellaneous advice that I can offer is to get involved with what interests you. If it interests you, even if it isn’t involved with your major, then do it. Have fun with your work because there is no reason why you can’t. Use your meal plan wisely both upstairs and down in the food court because unlimited is perfect for stocking up on snacks in your dorm room. If you do eat upstairs, don’t go at 6:30 unless you don’t mind a huge crowd waiting for food. Get an agenda to keep your assignments in and keep your desk organized. Have a system to get rid of stress in a healthy way; I like going to the gym and showering after a long day. Attend the activities that the university hosts because they are entertaining and you will have fun. Hang lights in your dorm if you want the room to feel homey. Make friends with people in your building, especially on your floor. Some of your lifelong friends may be there. Explore the city, take a shuttle to the mall, or go to the park for the day. Study hard, don’t forget to eat, and most importantly, have fun here at the university. This is where you will form the foundation of your future, so make sure it is a well-rounded one with no regrets. My last words to you are to remember that it’s not what we do that we regret most, but what we do not do. Don’t leave this campus after four years wishing you had done anything more, but go away knowing that you did everything you wanted and learned all that you could. Be safe and enjoy your time here. I know I am, and I wish you the best of luck here at Scranton!

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