Over the last 6 years on campus, completing both undergrad and grad studies at FSU, I’ve learned a lot about the campus. From dealing with administration, to watching buildings being built, to enjoying activities being put on by campus groups, I’ve been fortunate enough to see a lot of events on campus and make a lot of great friends.
For anyone that’s a nervous wreck about starting out on campus, here’s a short list of activities that you can do to ease your transition to college life, and possibly make some friends along the way.
- Attend an FSU Football Game There's nothing like the atmosphere in Doak during a football game- especially one against a bitter rival like UF or Miami. But even for games against lower-tier opponents, you have a chance to hang with 80,000 friends and root for your Florida State Seminoles. Show your school spirit, even if you don't like football.
- See the Circus You're at a college that has 1 of only 2 collegiate circuses in the country. Go out and watch your friends and classmates perform. There are several shows each year for Parents' Weekend, Halloween and the Home Series in Spring. Just be prepared to arrive early.
- Watch A Movie at the ASLC The Askew Student Life Center has not only the cinema but also the Grindhouse, Phantom Theater, and lots of games on console/PC and good old tabletop and card games. Plus, movies are free if you have an FSU ID. With the wide range of genres shown there's going to be at least one that you want to see. Catch the movie schedule at https://movies.fsu.edu
- Hit up Local Restaurants I'm partial to Mr. Roboto's Tokyo Grill and Momo's Pizza on Tennessee Street on the northwestern side of campus, but there's an endless supply of local restaurants that you are bound to love. Go with a group of friends or classmates. Even if your money is tight, spend the $10 or so to enjoy some food not made at a campus dining hall.
- Join a Student Organization There are hundreds of Registered Student Organizations on campus- and probably at least one for your major. Go through the list of them at https://nolecentral.dsa.fsu.edu/organizations and find a few that interest you, then find when their next meeting is. RSOs are a great way to meet friends with similar interests, and if it's an Organization focused around your major you'll likely meet some new study-buddies or sources of advice.
- Catch a Show at Club Downunder Lots of different performances are held at Club Downunder in the Oglesby Union. Take in a show and maybe discover some new acts that you enjoy. It's free for students, and most shows are after your classes will end, so there's no reason not to go!
- Attend Seminole Sensation Week Events- or any other event hosted by the Union Seminole Sensation Week encompasses the first week on campus during the fall semester, and has tons of events for those interested. Ranging from a hypnotist to a comedian to movies on the Union Green (weather permitting), to free food and lots of other events, there's something for everyone. SSW culminates in the New Student Convocation at the Civic Center and Pow-Wow, FSU's fall kickoff concert. The Oglesby Union also holds events throughout the year. Attend Haunted Harvest or Spring Fling, FSU's Fall and Spring semester carnivals for free food, games, and some fair rides. Located in the Union is Crenshaw Lanes, FSU's own bowling alley. Students can rent a lane for about $10 an hour, which means that with a group of friends you can have a fun evening knocking down pins for just a few bucks each. Breakfast for a Buck, held once a month, is a chance for you to grab some of your favorite breakfast foods for just $1. It's held during the Fridays at the Union from 11pm to 2am.
- Go to Pow-Wow and Homecoming events I'll be honest: the last couple years have not been that great. Kathy Griffin (2012) was surprisingly hilarious to me, but Nick Offerman (2013) was especially terrible- almost the entire crowd left in disgust at some point- and Kenan Thompson (2014) was pretty meh. The feeling at Pow-Wow thought regardless of the talent is amazing. A lot of it is celebrating the University’s activities and achievements over the last several months, and some talent showcases from groups on campus or individuals. Plus you get to see the new Homecoming Chief and Princess. Plus, it’s FREE for students. Even if you’re on the fence about the headliner, I recommend going at least once, if not every year. Oh, and line up early. Doors might be at 7 but the line to get in is hundreds of people long by 6:30.
- Get to Know Your Professors Office hours are held by professors to help students that need it, but office hours are also a great chance for you to get to know the professor a little better. I can't stress how important it is to attend office hours if you are struggling, but don't be a stranger even if you've got a solid A. There are some professors that will give a student a passing grade if they are borderline if they are regularly in office hours and are borderline. While I've never experienced it personally some friends have gotten a small boost in their grade (1-2% or so) based at least a little bit on their effort and initiative. If you are struggling but truly trying your hardest, some professors may help you out. And especially in your liberal studies classes, a lot of the professors will be TAs that are students just like you. Often times they're going to be willing to help you out a lot since they were likely in your shoes just 4-5 years ago and know exactly what you are going through.
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