How to survive Rowan: juniors and seniors tell us advice they want freshmen to know

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A student dons Rowan gear, including a Rowan lanyard. Photo courtesy of Nicole Mingo
A student dons Rowan gear, including a Rowan lanyard. – Photo courtesy of Nicole Mingo

Etiquette

  • “Having a bad attitude as a freshmen isn’t a good look.” – Liz Reuter, junior, health and science
  • “Don’t wear cargo pants and lanyards.” – Elihu Valentin, junior, chemical engineering
  • “Don’t wear your lanyard around your neck, it’s like a neon sign that says ‘I’m a freshman.'” – Steven Schwartz, junior, chemical engineering
  • “Don’t smoke weed in your room.” – Zach Howard, senior, law and justice
  • “Be sure to refer to them as professors, not teachers.” – Celie Austin, junior, human performance in a clinical setting

 

Rowan agenda planners help keep students organized. - Staff photo/Amanda Palma
Agenda planners help keep students organized. – Staff photo/Amanda Palma

Organization

  • “Organization of a dorm room is key.” – Ryan Juechter, senior, chemical engineering
  • “This is probably the most freedom you’ve ever had with your time, so figure out how to balance it in a way that works for you and helps you to grow and succeed in as many aspects as possible.” – Sarah McCullough, junior, economics
  • “Try to plan your days ahead of time, it will make studying easier.” – James Hambor, junior, physics
  • “Don’t procrastinate on assignments. Always start them early so you can have time to review it afterwards.” – Jordan Lowe, senior, health promotion and wellness management

 

Eating

  • “Don’t share food.” – Joseph Tronlone, junior, political science

    Prof's Place is home to both Jersey Mike's Subs and Grill Nation. - Staff photo/Amanda Palma
    Prof’s Place is home to both Jersey Mike’s Subs and Grill Nation. – Staff photo/Amanda Palma
  • “Call it ‘Prof’s Place’ and not ‘Grill Nation.’” – Paul Bayruns, junior, computer science
  • “Only eat Jersey Mike’s.” – Jaclyn Fraioli, junior, psychology
  • “Don’t drink the water.” – Tyler Mellan, junior, business

 

Socializing/Alone time

  • “Time alone is just as important as time with your friends.” – Taylor Pankiewicz, junior, biochemistry
  • “Be open to learning about other people. College is a place where people feel free to express themselves. Embrace who you are and embrace everyone around you.” – Tyler Higgins, junior, health and exercise science
  • “Make friends with as many people in your major as you can, including upperclassmen. You never know when you’ll need help learning something or a partner for a project/lab.” – Andrew Getler, senior, electrical and computer engineering
  • “Freshmen honestly shouldn’t be afraid to start conversations with strangers… I met my best friend because we were waiting in line to get a free goldfish and when he told a dirty joke to his friends, I turned around and laughed.” – Bridget Silhol, senior, secondary education and English
  • “Sit in your lounge for a few hours and you will most likely meet the nicest people and bond over the whole course of the year.” – Angelica Ritorto, junior, finance

 

Getting involved

  • “Joining clubs is the best way to find friends who have a common interest.” – Liz Reuter, junior, health and science
  • “Get involved in things, particularly things that look good on a resume. It’s especially important for freshmen engineers to get involved with their branch specific clubs ASAP, like I’m with American Society of Mechanical Engineers.” – Tom Mosolovich, junior, mechanical engineering
  • “Commuters: get involved in RAH (Rowan After Hours) or anything on campus in general. It makes your time in college more enjoyable and less like continued high school.” – Bree Hummel, junior, sports and exercise science
RAH (Rowan After Hours) is one way for students, especially commuters, to get involved. The RAHcapella singing group is one activity offered by the organization. - Staff photo/Amanda Palma
RAH (Rowan After Hours) is one way for students, especially commuters, to get involved. The RAHcapella singing group is one activity offered by the organization. – Staff photo/Amanda Palma

 

Succeeding

  • “Take risks. Don’t be afraid to do things out of your comfort zone. You’re in a new place full of new people to meet and new experiences to have. Don’t waste opportunities.” – Melinda Ballard, junior, radio, television, and film
  • “Get to know your professors. Go to their office hours, make sure they know who you are.” – Amanda Isaksen, senior, psychology
  • “When dealing with issues involving credits and registration, contact your department chair. Don’t contact the advisor or registrar.” – Molly Brusser, junior, public relations
  • “You get out what you put in. Some kids just go through the motions and skate by with B’s and C’s, other kids connect with their teachers on a personal level and get job/internship opportunities offered to them. With that said, don’t forget to have fun. College is the time of your life, but it’ll be over in the blink of an eye.” – Nick Hand, senior, computer science
  • “Don’t be afraid to change your major if you’re really unhappy. I switched and it was definitely one of the biggest decisions I’ve had to make, but I don’t regret it for a second and I’m happier than ever.” – Sarah Bearint, senior, public relations

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