Every Aztec has felt the nerves that come along with starting their first semester of college. It’s a great feeling to finally meet students from around the world, who are studying different subjects and bringing their own unique personalities to the San Diego State community. However, no matter how different every freshman may be, one thing is for certain: every freshman probably feels absolutely terrified. So in this time of new, maybe some of the old can lend a helping hand and try to ease the tension.
Child development junior Melissa Patel shared these same nerves on move in day two years ago. Her advice to freshman would be to relax.
“Don’t be nervous, it’ll get better,” Patel said.
Meeting so many new faces and leaving the comforts of home can be overwhelming. While it may not always seem like it, it’s important to remember that every student new to SDSU is probably going through the same beginning-of-the-year emotions. It takes time, but adjusting to a new environment will work out in the end.
For freshman living on campus, welcome to the wonderful world of surviving off of a meal plan. When it comes to navigating meal plans, plenty of upperclassman have advice for freshman.
Political science sophomore Malia Apelu just finished her freshman year, and naturally, just finished using her meal plan.
“Use your meal plan wisely because you might end up eating a granola bar for dinner if you don’t,” Apelu said.
Meal plans are like mustard, students either love it or hate it.
While some students with meal plans are practically rolling in swipes at Cuicacalli, others are scraping the bottom of the ramen cup.
“Become friends with people who have the good meal plans, and hope they will take you to get omelets,” kinesiology sophomore Hannah Galsterer said.
From eating healthy at the Salad Bistro in East Commons, to pigging out over pizza at Oggie’s, meal plans are both a blessing and a curse.
No matter what kind of person they may be, every freshman is probably wondering about one specific thing, partying. Does SDSU live up to the reputation of being a party school? This answer varies from student to student, but practically every upperclassman has advice to give when it comes to SDSU’s night life.
“My advice to freshman would be that there’s always (going to be) be another party, not another test,” child development junior Kara Bach said.
Every year, literal flocks of freshmen are seen around SDSU looking for their first college parties to attend. It’s almost like a right of passage to being an Aztec. Freshman year is a time to have fun and learn more about oneself. However, many upperclassmen urge freshmen to be careful when it comes to going out.
“Focus on school first and the reason you’re in college, rather than the parting,” Bach said.
Whether a freshman is living in the dorms or commuting from home, making friends and meeting new people is inevitable in college. Many upperclassmen make their closest friendships during their freshman year.
“Make friends with everyone because connections are the key to success in this world,” Apelu said.
So get ready to be lost on the first day of classes, get ready to gain the very real freshman 15 and get ready to be a freshman in college because now, it’s time to be an Aztec.
