Advice for incoming students

shades_children
Tue, 22 Aug 2006 23:12:55 +0000

As Move In Day and the start of classes approach for new students, I thought I’d start a thread where upperclassmen and their parents could post advice, tips, and things-I-wish-I-knew for new freshmen.

I’d like to stay away from “OMG I HEARD THIS IS IT TRUE?” type of questions - please do your research, consult the NYU website, and call the pertinent NYU offices and residence halls before asking questions. I’d also prefer if people who aren’t sophomores, juniors, or seniors at NYU or their parents didn’t post rumors or things-I-heard-from-my-sister’s-boyfriend’s-cousin.

As for myself, I’d like to offer the following:

1) On Move In Day, it’s crowded, barely controlled chaos. Don’t expect to get a cart to move your stuff, so if at all possible, try to bring wheeled suitcases or even your own little platform-with-wheels instead of big chunky boxes.

2) Take the stairs if you can. There is absolutely no reason for an able-bodied person living on lower floors carrying a few small items to wait for the elevator. Please be considerate of those for whom taking the elevator is not an option.

3) Get to know your RAs. They’re a great resource for everything from making the party down the hall quiet down so you can sleep, getting help with homesickness, recommending great new classes to take, or just being there when you need to talk to someone. My RAs freshman year were great. Without them, I would’ve cracked.

4) Take advantage of all the great programs offered during the beginning weeks. Even if you’re naturally shy, like me, go do things because you can meet new people, get to see new things, explore the city, and maybe even win a few prizes for attendance.

5) Put your best foot forward. Don’t fake who you are, but don’t let your stress and anxiety, which are totally natural, make you unpleasant to be around. People pick up on this, and you know what they say about first impressions.

6) My personal advice on packing? Pack everything you think you’ll need. Then, take half the stuff out of the suitcases, and put it back. The remaining half will most likely all you need. :)

7) Don’t freak out about textbooks. The line at the bookstore checkout will be long, but the staff really try to get things moving as fast as they can. Getting hostile will not help. Also, some shortages of books or lab kits are normal. Just tell your professors, and they will most likely be very understanding. The bookstore will restock as soon as they can. (While you’re at the bookstore, I recommend getting a small stapler. Very useful!)

Anyone else have advice?