August 27, 2021

Drexel University senior and School of Education Co-Op Aleena Naqvi shares her tips for first year students who will be coming to campus for the first time this fall.

Being a first-year student at any school is challenging enough but being a first-year student during a global pandemic is almost unimaginable. Everything you knew before college changes in a blink of an eye. Whether it's your favorite foods, how you spend your free time, your friends, and even the degree you thought you would be graduating with at the end of your college career. I know that sounds scary, but in all honesty, that is the best part. You get the opportunity to mold yourself into the person you want to be and no one else deserves the credit for that except for you. So, to make it a little easier, here are 10 tips you need to know as a first-year student at Drexel.

1. Stay organized with a weekly calendar/planner so that the transition into 10-week terms goes as smooth as possible. The quarter flies by, midterms and finals will be here before you know it!
2. Introduce yourself to your professors on the first day of class. Building rapport from the beginning can be very helpful throughout the term.
3. Sit outside to do your homework. Sometimes you need a break and some fresh air to regroup so walk to Northside, Saxby’s, or Drexel Park for a change of scenery.
4. Make friends in your classes so that if you have any questions, you can reach out to them.
5. Utilize the Dragon Shuttle while living on campus. You will save so much money on Ubers just going into Center City.
6. Go out for recruitment! Greek life can be intimidating, but this is the best way to make friends even if you don't end up in the same chapter.
7. If you are walking home late from somewhere and you are by yourself, make sure to dial the Drexel Public Safety number, 215-895-2222, for a walking escort.
8. Use the library! This is not stressed enough to students. Between the amount of space inside and the private study rooms, it is the perfect place to work alone or on group projects. A huge plus is that there are multiple food trucks and carts parked right outside the whole day.
9. Check out the DAC, also known as the Drexel gym. It is free if you are a student and is located at the center of campus. There are multiple levels of free weights, machines, a basketball court, a rock-climbing wall, and even an Olympic size swimming pool!
10. Be yourself. Drexel is one of the most diverse universities and there is room for everyone to feel at home and find their most true version of themselves. If you do this, you will find your home whether that is in a sorority/fraternity, a club, or working on campus.