Going to college is a huge transition, but there are things students can do to make it easier.

“The first six weeks of college are a time to meet people, socialize and break out of your comfort zone if you are shy,” said Michael Severin, graduate in biomedical sciences and adjunct instructor at the Veterinary Medical Center. “The initial people you meet at the beginning of the first semester are often the same people you hang out with your senior year.”

Severin had many experiences working with students during his time at veterinary school: he served three years in the residence halls as a resident assistant, two years as an academic resource coordinator, one year as a community adviser and one year as a resident manager. He has also taught a freshmen honors seminar class, was a supplemental instructor for freshmen classes and was a Cyclone aide for incoming freshmen.

Some classes start slowly and review high school material. However, if students have the attitude that they don’t need to study or attend classes, many may fall behind when the class takes off.

“My advice is to be aggressive about classes from the start. Figure out the answer to every homework problem or any question you missed on a quiz,” Severin said.

Severin also said the point of college is that you need to learn this material for your career – it will still be important after the year ends.

Choosing the right major is also important.

“I can’t believe how many people get to their senior year and have a ‘sudden realization’ that either their major doesn’t qualify them for a job or, in some cases, a job they would like doing,” Severin said.

Secondly, the issue of sex becomes a reality.

“When you come to college, you gain so many freedoms – combine that with being surrounded by hundreds of people your same age who are also looking to meet people and are living in very close proximity,” Severin said.

Alcohol also tends to become readily available in college.

“Drinking gets old fast, but students don’t feel there is a real alternative,” Severin said. “I would challenge that, though. The way I tell students is this: would you rather have a photo album after your first year of you drinking weekend after weekend, or would you rather have a photo album of you going to sporting events, getting involved with campus activities, going to local parks, working on your passion or hobby, going to the occasional party and going on fun dates with your friends and your new love?”

Freshmen Council President Emily Culp, junior in marketing, said students should get involved to make their transition easier.

“Try a little bit of everything. Although the lessons you learn in class are very important, some of the best lessons I have learned have been from being involved,” Culp said.

Culp said that if you feel homesick, you aren’t alone.

“There are many people who are feeling the same way, so find those people and do something together to try to make ISU your new home,” she said.

There are many free things to take part in on campus if you’re ever bored or just looking for something to do.

“Freshmen year, and coming to college in general, have been some of the best moments of my life,” Culp said. “It’s definitely an adjustment at first because the living style is different, but soon time starts to fly by and you become adjusted to your new home.”

To find resources to help in and out of classes, visit the ISU Freshmen Council website at www.fc.stuorg.iastate.edu.

Kipp Van Dyke, assistant director for student assistance and outreach, has made helping college students his career.

Previously, he worked for two years as a resident assistant, one year as a community adviser, two years as an assistant complex director in an all freshman building and five years as a residence life coordinator in a residence hall.

“If you hit a bump in the road, don’t be afraid to ask for help,” Van Dyke said, “There are, literally, thousands of other students going through the same thing you are.”

He said many of the students who come to him wish they would have studied harder or gotten help sooner – don’t wait if you find yourself struggling when a short meeting could help you succeed.

Van Dyke said he encourages incoming freshmen to pay attention to the information given at orientation, take some notes, and make a file with all the handouts.

Keep it in a handy place when you get to campus so you can refer back to it later.

Van Dyke said students should be positive about transitioning, because the experience is what you make of it.

“Enjoy every minute of it and take advantage of every opportunity,” Culp said. “Make sure to come to college with an open mind and enjoy the unexpected.”