To all new students at St. Lawrence University, welcome! College may seem terrifying at first, but trust me, you will have the hang of it in no time! To make it easier for you, though, I have come up with a list of advice to make your new life away from home a little better.   

Don’t be afraid to ask for help! This may seem corny, but there is absolutely no shame in asking for help from anyone. Professors, friends, teammates and even your parents! People have your back and want you to succeed. Never underestimate the power of being able to ask for help. There is no shame in needing it.   

Do not feel pressured to do anything. Seriously, if you have even the slightest off feeling about something, don’t force yourself or be pressured to take part in anything. Life is uncomfortable, and we learn from being uncomfortable, but never feel like you need to put yourself in an unsafe situation.   

Try new things! This may mean taking a class in a subject you’ve never studied, joining a club, or attending different events around campus. Who knows, you may meet new people or discover a love for a subject you never thought you would like! Broaden your horizons, and I guarantee you will have a great time.   

Don’t settle or think you’re stuck. The friends you make in your dorm in the first few weeks don’t have to be the only friends you have in college. You also should not have to feel as though you need to settle or be stuck on a set course academically. This point ties in with a few of my previous points, as you should try new things and reach out for help when you need it.   

Find places outside of your dorm to study and do work in. I don’t know if this has any scientific backing, but I am telling you from personal experience that the place you work should not be the same place you sleep. The Owen D. Young Library and the Lauders Science Library are great places to work and study if you want to be in a quiet environment, but anywhere on campus can be used! Herring-Cole Hall, the Sullivan Student Center, and even outside are great places to get work done!   

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