By: Gray Walker, Staff Writer 

Welcome, freshmen, to your first year at VSU. Now, the first year of college is always a little scary, so is starting anything new. But your upperclassmen peers are here to help. We went around and asked some of the more seasoned students things that they wished they knew back when they were first starting out.  Here are some tips and words of encouragement from those in the know.  

Watch your GPA– Listen, grades are important; you’ve probably heard it a thousand times from your parents and teachers alike. But especially in that first semester, it can be so easy to forget about classes and just enjoy your new freedom. Your GPA can be extremely volatile, and while skipping a class or two is fine if you make sure not to miss too many. Otherwise, you may end your first semester with a list of classes that you have to retake.  

  Don’t obsess over grades– That might seem a little counterintuitive given the last one but really, don’t obsess over them. Sure, it’s normal to worry and want to have good grades, but thinking about them should not be filling your brain so much that you can’t go out with your friends. Or even forgetting to do things like basic hygiene and eating just to keep a perfect GPA. It’s ok to relax sometimes. 

  Be responsible– You’re in a new area, with a bunch of new friends, and you’ve realized you can go out and party like all the other college kids. But always remember to be responsible, whether it’s drinking, smoking, even just staying out late. Remember that you may have classes early in the morning, or an assignment that needs to be worked on. Always know your own limits and don’t go out to places that you know aren’t safe or have people who aren’t safe. 

  Keep your morals– This goes a bit with the responsibility one but know that you are the only one who can make your own choices. Don’t go into things just because someone else might say it’s cool. If you know something is wrong, then don’t do it.  

  Clean up after yourself– Living on your own for the first time can be exciting, sure, but definitely hard if you’re still used to living with your parents your whole life. Some of you don’t know how to do your own laundry or clean a sink, and that’s OK, but it is up to you to learn how. YouTube and Google are your friends here. Keeping your space clean and tidy is helpful for both hygiene and a healthy mind. Plus, for those with roommates, it really sucks when your housemate leaves all their trash on the floor and never cleans their room. 

  Don’t isolate yourself– Sometimes with all the homework and excitement of moving to a new place, it can be easy to isolate yourself and never leave your room. Don’t fall into that trap.! Make sure to go out even if it’s only for a little bit, spend time with your friends, learn how to play public games like pool so you’re getting social interaction that isn’t just from your classes. College is hard but doing it all alone is even harder. 

 Know where to go– You may be new to campus but don’t let that stop you from finding anything you may need. VSU has plenty of resources for you, from tutoring to mental health services to food banks, never feel afraid to ask for help. Even if you just want some food, on and off campus there are delicious (and cheap) places to go. Use maps, ask people from the area, don’t let your lack of knowledge on Valdosta stop you from having the best time you can. Eventually you’ll know just where to go without even having to check the street name.  

 Hopefully some of these words from your upperclassmen resonate, as freshmen you’re experiencing the world as a new grown up. You’re having heaps of workloads thrust upon you while also figuring out your place in the world. Just know that those who came before you know exactly what you’re feeling, and maybe their words of encouragement can lighten some of the load.  

 From all your upperclassmen- We hope you have a great semester!