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You've packed your bags and reviewed your move-in day list. You've attended summer orientation, checked your class schedule and met with your advisor. You're ready to start college. Congratulations!

At Opportunity U, we asked some of our current and former students what advice they'd give to incoming college students. Here's what they said: 

Use the resources at your university to succeed

• Don’t procrastinate. Write down test dates a week early in your planner so you start studying sooner. Talk to your professors, they have so much knowledge about the things you are interested in. - Alexis Reel, Economics Major, Class of 2020
• The College of Engineering has so many resources to help students succeed and it can’t be emphasized more to go to those help sessions or visit the Engineering Tutoring Center! A great thing about our University is that all new and existing resources have always been communicated to me so that I’ve never had to go out to look for them.  - Nikhil Sharma, Computer Science & Engineering Major, Class of 2024
• I would say that the Reynold's School of Journalism is a goldmine of opportunities. What you put in is what you will get in return and then some. Do not be afraid of looking into journalism and embracing the incredibly diverse and essential art of the practice. I have networked and listened to professionals in many different fields via the PRSSA. It is always surreal to hear first-hand experiences of the people I want to become in the future. - Fabian Moreno, Journalism Major, Class of 2024

Explore new classes and opportunities

• Enroll into different classes, but more importantly take that class or join that pre-med fraternity where you are unsure if it is really for you because it just might surprise you. The only way you will know what you like and don't like is if you do. - Bianca Sandra, Social Work and Psychology Major, Class of 2024
• Go to graduations to stay motivated during your time here. You’ll hear great advice from student body presidents, ministers, professors from other universities, and more. They’re giving out free life skills. - Alexis

Find things you are passionate about

• Join five clubs your freshman year, then shave off three, leaving two clubs you're passionate about. Don’t be afraid to try new things! Spend the money to travel or go on an exotic vacation. It is so worth it. - Alexis
• To the incoming student who may not know where to start or what to do: At 18 years old the world is your field and there is truly so much to do in it. It's okay. Take a breath and think about what you are passionate about. What gives you a sense of purpose? Really think about this because if you love what you do, you'll never work a day in your life. Your undergraduate career goes by so much faster than you think so take that leap of faith and exceed your limits; you just might love the thing you would never image yourself in. - Bianca

Don't forget to take care of yourself

• Take care of your soul. Read for fun, paint, get ice cream, sleep, meditate, go for a walk, see free movies in the Joe. Take care of yourself because if you don’t learn to do it now, that unhealthy habit will continue after graduation. - Alexis