How to Become the Best Version of Yourself During Your Freshmen Year at Drexel

By Ryan Burton

Ryan Burton is a senior studying film & television in Drexel’s Westphal College of Media Arts & Design. He and fellow Drexel film student Noah Taitano started the loveliveserve Youtube channel, which hosts comedic skit videos relevant to college life, societal/cultural topics and much more. Watch their video about “Types of College Freshmen” here.

Before you step foot on Drexel University’s campus, you’ll probably get tons of advice from parents, friends and mentors about your first year of college. But chances are not many of those people in your ear went to Drexel, or at least not recently. Don’t worry, I got you! Here are some important freshmen-year tips from a current student (me):

• Campus: Finding your way around campus may be hard at first, but trust me, after a term you’ll have it down. There are plenty of places to study or hang out between classes, so definitely make sure you take time to explore. To this day I still discover new buildings and nuances about campus that I love. I’m sure you’ll find some, too.
• Dorms: “Keep your dorm clean” and “make sure you get along with you roommates” are probably the types of tips you’ve already gotten, but once you get to college, it’s easier said than done. On my first day at Drexel, my roommates and I had a team meeting where we established ground rules about cleaning, etc. I suggest you do the same! Stock up on air fresheners and trash bags right away — believe me, the last thing you want is a smelly dorm room. Don’t let dishes pile up. Change your sheets often. Stay on top of your laundry and set a timer so you can take your clothes out of the communal washer or dryer ASAP. You don’t want to be that guy. This may all seem like common sense, but cleanliness and organization are the keys to having a successful freshman year.
• Food: You’ll notice once you arrive on campus that there are tons of food options, but most of them aren’t very healthy. Don’t get sucked into eating at the unhealthy food trucks too often, no matter how good those cheesesteaks smell. I’d encourage you to explore those options, but eating healthy is crucial to staying fit, focused and not gaining the freshman 15. I like to go grocery shopping at Trader Joe’s and The Fresh Grocer, or by ordering groceries online from Peapod. Some other great spots near campus are Insomnia Cookies, Han Dynasty and Savas Brick Oven Pizza.
• Philly: Very few students go to college in such a cool city. Make sure you take advantage of it! Go on fun expeditions outside of University City. Learn how to use SEPTA and ride it regularly. Go out, but also be smart. Don’t walk alone at night and know the neighborhood.
• Making the most of Drexel: College is a time to find yourself. Try to become the best version of yourself now, knowing that you will continue to change and evolve once you graduate. Get involved early on. I joined club soccer, and would encourage any freshmen to join all the clubs and organizations you want or have time for. Make the most of your co-ops and explore any and all career opportunities. I started a business during my time at Drexel, which the University supported through an entrepreneurship co-op. Chances are this is the last time you’ll be able to have these types of experiences. Be outgoing. Smile. Find your purpose. Take risks. Go outside of your comfort zone.