Starting college can be a pretty scary thing. At this point, you’re expected to be a full-fledged adult and have it all figured out, but guess what? No one really ever has it figured out. By the time it all goes by, you would’ve progressed from a not-figured-out freshman to a not-figured-out adult with a degree. Until then, follow this student guide to starting at Cal Poly Pomona (CPP): Freshmen Edition to begin the process with ease.
- Take the time to explore campus prior to the beginning of the quarter; familiarize yourself with the buildings and rooms your classes will be in and save yourself from an otherwise anxiety-induced, chaotic morning of finding classes. Don’t be that person who arrives late on the first day, drenched in visible sweat stains under your armpits and wheezing heavily, all because you had to bolt from the other side of campus.
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- Was U-hour ever thoroughly explained during orientation? I don’t recall it ever being brought up during my orientation. Perhaps it occurred during a time of distraction (you have a one out of 20 chance of ever seeing that attractive person from orientation around campus, by the way) because for the longest time, I had no idea what it meant and didn’t quite know how to ask at that point. I’ll save you the confusion: U-hour is the hour between noon and 1 p.m. when students have a break between classes to unwind and grab lunch.
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- It’s okay to be alone; in fact, it’s normal. This isn’t “Mean Girls” – you don’t constantly need to be surrounded by others for validation. I think one of the biggest apprehensions young people deal with is the prospect of eating alone or just being alone in general because it was so frowned upon in high school. Here are some words that will ultimately set you free in college and in life: no one is judging you. In a sea of vast, different courses and class times, you’d be lucky if your break times aligned with your friends. Learn to be okay with being alone.
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- Learn about all the available resources already built into your tuition and registration fees. Visit the Student Health and Counseling Services on campus and discover the available resources. Take advantage of the Bronco Recreation and Intramural Complex (BRIC, Bldg. 42). Why would you pay for a gym membership at some 24 Hour Fitness in a weird part of town, with some meat head giving you creepy bedroom eyes as you’re on the treadmill? Okay, that might be an over exaggeration, but nevertheless, membership for the BRIC is available for enrolled students and offers multi-activity courts (MAC), workout gear, strength and cardio machines, lounging areas, a 10-lane lap and leisure pool and so much more in a clean, open space. Seriously. You could probably eat off the floor. But don’t.
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- Don’t be afraid to ask for help; it’s part of the adult process. Building your class schedule and academic plan can be overwhelming. I still get headaches from having to look at courses and plan my schedule sometimes. Talk to your professors. Talk to your advisor. This will ensure that you’re on the right track and alleviate those headaches.
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What are some of the freshman apprehensions you have or remember having? Share with us using the hashtag #CampusCropChat on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram, and remember to follow us on Snapchat @asicpp! Be sure to check out our transfer and international students edition!
