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COLLEGE ESSENTIALS

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5 Tips to aid in good health!

Collegiate Showdowns

Most universities have mobile sports student packages! Be sure to order yours as the student section fills up quickly. Make sure to read the rules before you buy. Some schools offer multiple sports within the package. Some only release tickets for students per week. Students bring energy to the stadium! So the athletic department must listen to their needs. Students want the social experience. And universities are beginning to see that. Some universities are incorporating food trucks into game days as well! Visit your university home page for athletics or the ticket office for details on packages!

What to know as a college Freshman

1) Avoid skipping classes. College can be very demanding, but please fight against the urge to skip class. It can quickly lead to troubles, some professors take attendance and others don’t. Both can lead to the downfall of your grades by skipping classes. However, since life can happen, its also wise to know how to handle these situations. Do not wait to contact your professor to let them know about your absence. In addition, coordinate with other classmates to get notes you missed.

2) Have ways to back up every single assignment. Technology is not perfect. Many things can go wrong from internet connectivity to hard drives failing etc. Students should have several places to store files!

3) Spend time networking. Spending time networking starts your freshman year, so make sure your resume and LinkedIn profiles are both up-to-date. College is so much more than just education. It is the time to explore and connect and network.

4) Academic resources are crucial. Please figure out how to get academic help on campus when needed. Every university has student academic resources. Start by reaching out to your professor and then go to the student academic resource center for additional resources. In conclusion, as a college freshman, staying on top of your responsibilities is not just a task, but a crucial skill that sets the foundation for your academic success and personal growth. Embracing a proactive approach, managing time efficiently, and cultivating a sense of accountability will not only contribute to your academic achievements but also prepare you for the challenges that lie ahead.

Quotes From Campus: Syracuse Addition

What advice do you have for new students at SU?
What are the two best things about SU?
What does it mean to you to be "Forever Orange?"

Kaitlyn (Junior) Whitman:

1) Try to get involved freshman year whether that’s organizations, clubs, or Greek life. There are so many opportunities to meet people and you never know where those friendships might lead you!

2) Definitely the friendships I have made that will last a lifetime and the endless opportunities the school provides.

3) The lifelong connection to SU and the shared memories that ties its students together

Sasha (Sophomore) Falk:

1) Don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone and try new things

2) The campus and friends!

3) To always support the school!

Sophie (Sophomore) Maxwell:

1) Get involved on campus! It’s a great way to meet new people and find friends with similar interests

2) The school spirit is unmatched, and the people are genuine and welcoming

3) To always be apart of a community that supports each other in all aspects.

Lizzie (Sophomore) Falk:

1) Learn to balance school and social life. It’s important that you always take a second to breathe and have fun and not stress about school

2) The lifelong friends you make and the number of opportunities to stay involved on campus

3) It means having a forever home at Syracuse, knowing that the relationships you make here last a life time and having pride for being apart of the SU community.

Jaden (Sophomore) Falk:

1) I love how many friends I have across all different majors and how many opportunities there are on campus. I encourage any freshman to get involved right away in clubs, intramural sports etc.

2) Sport Management is very hands-on. The professors bring their real-world experiences into the classroom. There are so many club opportunities to join in the sports management/analytics areas. The professors and advisors at Falk all want to help and support your journey.

3) To be “Forever Orange” means the lifelong connections after I graduate. The networking and alumni support is unmatchable

Kendall (Sophomore) Whitman:

1) Don’t wait to get involved! Use academic resources and career fairs to begin networking. It is a big adjustment but you can do it!

2) Definitely friendships I have made and the opportunities provided by the Business School!

3) To be “Forever Orange” means the strong connections I make with my peers and other alumni even after graduation. I will always have a place in my heart for Syracuse

Jojo (Sophomore) Newhouse:

1) Say yes to everything! You never know when you’re going to meet someone who’s going to be important to you or what club may change your life. Take risks, they will pay off.

2) The people and the energy!

3) It means to be ambitious and to live life to the fullest

Ashley (Senior) Newhouse:

1) Take advantage of all academic resources. They are there for you to use. Go to guidance, do career prep etc.

2) Newhouse and my friends!

3) Helping other Syracuse students as an alumni following graduation

Emma (Sophomore) Maxwell:

1) It is normal to go through adjustment periods. You will find the people here that make this campus a home away from home

2) I love the people and the school spirit

3) No matter how long it is after graduation, I will have a special place in my heart for Syracuse University

Erin (Sophomore) iSchool:

1) Join clubs first semester to meet all kinds of friends

2) Social life and Pretty campus

3) To always be connected to the school through the alumni network

Jacob (Sophomore) Newhouse:

1) Create a small circle in a big school

2) The social life and the professors

3) Networking through SU alumni to set yourself up after college

Family Weekend Dates 2024

Spring 2024

Stanford - Feb 23-24, 2024

Purdue Spring 2024 - April 12-14, 2024

Ohio State Sibs, Kids and Family Day - March 23, 2024

Texas A&M - April 12-14, 2024

Virginia Tech - April 12-14, 2024

Fall 2024

Wisconsin University - Oct 18-20, 2024

Northwestern University - Nov 8-10, 2024

Indiana University Bloomington - Sept 27-29, 2024

University of Arizona - Oct 25-27, 2024

Syracuse University - Sept 27-29, 2024

UMass Amherst - Oct 25-27, 2024

University of Colorado Boulder - Oct 24-27, 2024

Elon University - Sept 27-29, 2024

University of Rhode Island - Nov 1-3, 2024

Florida State University - Sept 20-22, 2024

Villanova University - Sept 27-29, 2024

Boston College - Sept 27-29, 2024

University of Miami - Sept 12-15, 2024

Northeastern - Oct 25-27, 2024

UC Santa Barbara - Nov 1-2, 2024

University of Alabama - Oct 11-13, 2024

Gonzaga - Oct 4-6, 2024

Loyola University Chicago - Sept 20-22, 2024

University of Virginia - Oct 25-27, 2024

University of Washington - Nov 1-2, 2024

Washington University in St. Louis - Nov 1-3, 2024

University of Chicago - Sept 24-25, 2024

University of Colorado, Boulder - Aug 20-22, 2024

University of Wisconsin, Madison - Aug 28-30, 2024

University of Michigan - Sept 27-29, 2024

UConn - Sept 13-15, 2024

University of Vermont - Sept 27-29, 2024

University of Chicago - Oct 25-27, 2024

University of Southern California - Oct 24-27, 2024

UCLA - Nov 8-9, 2024

5 Important topics to discuss with your first year college student

Finances

Create a budget! Track your income and expenses! Make sure to set aside a certain amount of money for fun spending yet enough for textbooks, food, transportation, etc. Being a college student without a job or even with one can be tough! Make sure you set a plan on your savings and spending so that you don’t add any financial stressors to your life! Take advantage of financial aid resources offered by your college or university! Make sure to meet with a financial aid advisor to explore all available options, including grants, scholarships, and work-study programs.

Time Management / Responsibilities

Use a planner or calendar to keep track of assignments and activities! Schedule study sessions, classes, work shifts, and social activities to manage your time efficiently. Prioritize your most important tasks and be sure to get those done first. Establish a daily or weekly routine that includes dedicated time for studying, attending classes, working, exercising, and relaxation. When studying, identify what distracts you, and work to find alternative routes to avoid distraction. Allow yourself breaks, don’t overwork yourself. Prioritize self-care activities and dont overcommit yourself by taking on too many activities at once.

Sexual Safety

Make sure to always secure an explicit agreement before participating in any sexual activity. Consent must be mutual, voluntary, and subject to withdrawal at any point. Honor your partner's boundaries and engage in open discussion about wants and boundaries. Use condoms or other barrier methods to protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and unintended pregnancy. Keep condoms handy and familiarize yourself with how to use them correctly. Get tested for STIs regularly, especially if you have multiple sexual partners or engage in unprotected sex. Many college health centers offer free or low-cost testing services, and some may even provide confidential testing options. If a situation feels uncomfortable, remove yourself from it and seek help if necessary. Don't hesitate to assert your boundaries or say no if you're not comfortable with something.

Drinking

College life can include drinking and it is important to know your limits. Understand how alcohol affects your body and your tolerance level. Pace yourself and avoid drinking too quickly or trying to keep up with others. Do not feel pressured to be involved in the same activities of others if you feel uncomfortable. If you choose to be a part of these activities make sure to eat a good meal before and stay hydrated. Keep an eye on your drink at all times to prevent spiking. Avoid accepting drinks from strangers, and if you set your drink down, get a new one to be safe. Watch out for your surroundings and make sure your friends are being responsible as well! Most importantly, not every social event needs to involve alcohol.

Mental Health

Establish a routine that works best for you! Have your routine include regular sleep patterns, healthy meals, exercise, and relaxation time. Consistency can help reduce stress and promote overall well-being.Fuel your body with nutritious foods that support brain function and energy levels. Aim for a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats. Find activities that help you reduce your stress! Many campuses have activities such as pet therapy, hiking, art and much more! Set goals that are manageable for you to reach! Be realistic about what you can accomplish and prioritize tasks based on importance and deadlines.

Final acceptance decisions are being made!

As families are doing last minute tours, what could be better than a UniCompass Guide to help you get around!

Guides Include:

Hotels

Parking

Restaurants

Urgent Care/Medical

Transportation

And much more!

Top Amazon picks for dorm move in:

4:

Become a tutor in a subject that students struggle in such as math and science. In addition, you can create tutoring videos.

Legal Forms Every Parent and Student Need for College

FERPA Waiver

HIPPAA Authorization Form

Medical Power of Attorney

Durable Power of Attorney

Copy of student health insurance policy

Copies of all student medication prescriptions and any medical records they may need now that they are away from home

5 Ways to earn money while at college

1:

Look for on-campus jobs as soon as you commit to a school through work study programs on campus. Some will start interviewing before school starts. So don’t procrastinate.

2:

Start a blog! And once you establish an audience you can seek out affiliate programs

3:

Internships are not just for summer. Companies are looking to hire ambitious students. If they see your value they may keep you on for more than just a semester. And best case, is they offer you a full time job once you graduate.

5:

Look for small companies that could use your services. Whether it’s helping someone with their social media, website, emails…

Dorms/Apartments Renters Insurance For College Students

If your student is headed to college, you may want to consider dorm insurance. So let’s discuss your options. The first thing is to make sure you ask questions regarding the different policies that are offered at these companies. Such as, does it cover theft of the following items:

Bicycle

Laptop

Smartphones

Wireless speakers

Musical instruments

Cameras

Sports equipment including golf clubs.

Where to order the best college gifts

Find the following vendors on Instagram:

The most important things to know when you get to college :

Building Relationships:

Building relationships are crucial for first-year college students. Seize every opportunity that comes your way. As the saying goes, if someone offers you an opportunity, accept it, even if you don’t know how to do it—you will learn. Embrace challenges without fear, as college is one of the most impactful times for networking.

Academic Preparedness

-Time Management: College requires balancing classes, studying, and extracurricular activities. Develop a schedule and prioritize tasks.

-Study Skills: Effective note-taking, critical thinking, and research skills are essential. Be proactive in seeking help if needed.

-Corse Load: Depending on your major, be sure in understanding the credit system and be mindful not to overload yourself!

24 Tips to prepare for college move in day

These are a list of recommended companies. Please do your due diligence before making a decision to see if your current homeowner’s agent has dorm options. As at times making a small claim on your own personal policy will make your own rates go up. So please remember to ask questions.

NSSI

Gallagher

Lemonade

GradGuard

State Farm

All State

Mercury

@hypeandvice

@blingbottlescollege

@dormify

@creativejawnsllc

@fanatics

@xosweets_bymichelle

@suzokiart

@fromlandwithlove

@collegeblingbottles

@gamedayluxe

1. Get Rid of Packaging Before Packing for College

2. Wash New Bedding and Towels

3. Pack Using Clear Plastic Storage Bins or IKEA Zipper Bags

4. Be Sure to Pack Like Items Together

5. Tip to Protect Your Make-up When You Move

6. The Best Way to Pack Necklaces So They Don't Tangle

7. The Best Way to Move Hanging Clothes

8. Pack Cleaning Products Separately

9. Tape Lids and Drawers Closed

10. Why You Should Label Everything!

11. Essential Tools to Bring for College Move in Day

12. Don't Forget to Bring a Fan

13. Bring a Dolly or a Cart

14. Don't Forget Command Strips & Hooks

15. Bring a Door Stop (or 2!)

16. Pack Some Snacks & Drinks

17. How to Load Up Your Car for College Move In Day

18. Should You Bring Some Toilet Paper to the Dorm?

19. What to Wear for Dorm Move In

20. Bring a Change of Clothes for the Ride Home

21. What to Set up First and What to Set up Last

22. Arrive Early/Coordinate with Your Roommate

23. Budget Time for Some Shopping

24. Tips for Saying Goodbye After College Move In