<p>I am a a civil engineering student at Purdue. My first year was great. I want to just point out some things as to what I believe made my time extremely enjoyable (hence, above average) my first year and beyond.</p>
<p>Academics:
I spent a few years at another university, so I can tell you that it doesn’t matter where you are, the classes required of engineering students are always difficult. You are right, time management will keep you doing well. If you’re getting all of your assignments done (and doing them well) and putting a little bit of studying in, you’ll do just fine. That goes for every class. In terms of the First Year Engineering Class (Ideas to Innovation), just get it done. I’ll tell you that it’s a much easier experience than your specialized classes that you’ll eventually take and despite what you might think, you will learn valuable skills needed (I use a lot of the Excel skills I learned in that class to do lab reports). For the other stuff in that class like looking on the Purdue website for answers to various questions about the engineering professional schools or MEA’s, don’t complain about it, just do it. It might take some time, but it’s easy. Just appreciate that you have an easy assignment to do.</p>
<p>Social Life:
Even with all of the engineering courses at 16-18 hours a semester, I managed to find time to stay involved in 5 student organizations and hold many leadership positions and invest a lot of time in one. I also attend a lot of athletic events, including those that are not your typical football and men’s basketball (women’s b-ball, volleyball, baseball, etc.). Attending sporting events really contributes to your college experience. My level of involvement in these varies, but I stay very involved in two of them and one is more of a seasonal commitment. Based on my involvement, I’ll tell you that the busiest organizations and organizations that have smaller membership bases (or require you to be with a smaller group of members) are the ones where you’ll find friends. So, find an organization or two to start out with and if you have time for more, expand from there. My first semester I spent primarily with one organization, then added commitments to two more in the spring and eventually got to a level of involvement that I’m comfortable with. None of these included Greek life. I am an independent student and have fared just fine getting to know people in my residence hall, in my classes, and in student organizations. If you’re looking for like-minded people to meet, find organizations that you’re interested in. If that includes Greek life, then go for it. If not, don’t feel pressured by people saying that you’re going to be lonely because that’s not true. If what you want in a social life is partying, you can find that through joining Greek life or knowing people in it, or you could find it just from your friend base in classes and organizations. </p>
<p>You’ll see that you have a lot of time to spend. With your time management skills, figure out when you’re going to do work, when you’re going to study, when you’re going to have fun, and when you’re going to sleep. The way I managed my time was filling in the one hour gaps I had between classes to study and use bigger gaps to complete assignments. My weekday philosophy is to invest more time in academics (but do keep in mind that many student organizations meet during the weekday evenings). Take time away from sleep and social life to get assignments done as needed. With Fridays and Saturdays, flip your philosophy around and enjoy going to athletic events, go have fun with friends, etc. But, do take some time to study and do assignments. While you’re going to school for an education, you’re also going for an experience, so enjoy yourself, just don’t let it interfere with your academic life.</p>
<p>Sunday-Thursday: 33% sleep, 50% school, 17% everything else (eating, social life, whatever)
Friday and Saturday: 33% sleep, 17% school, 50% everything else
“Everything else” is whatever you make of it. It’s your time to have a good experience to go along with your education. It’s what I’ve done and I’ve had a great time and have a nice GPA too!</p>
<p>Just remember, academics first, social life second, and sleep when you can.</p>