Congratulations, you’re officially a freshman here at Tarleton State University! We are so excited for you to start this journey and to see you thrive during these next four years! Your first week is going to be jam packed with activities, classes, late night snack runs, and meeting new friends. As a senior here at Tarleton, I want to give you some helpful tips to prepare for your first week!
- Be on time
This is most likely your first time on your own and being responsible for yourself, so that is a big change! Your first week in college will set you up for the rest of your Tarleton journey and that starts with going to class on time. Making this a habit will allow you to never miss parts of the lecture, lab, or exam. It also shows that you as a student are accountable and focused!
- Don’t stay in your dorm too much
Your four years here are a short time compared to the rest of your life so you will want to make the most of it by participating! Especially during the first week of school is when you should try to go to events on campus and meet some new friends. These events are for you to get involved with organizations, have fun, and find your perfect fit here at Tarleton. Another thing you could do to get out of the dorm is to drive around Stephenville. While driving you can check out local restaurants and shopping centers! Getting comfortable with the town you are going to college will help you transition more smoothly!
- Workout
Make sure you stop by the Rec or the Aquatics center to work those muscles! After a long week of classes or participating in events your muscles will for sure need to be stretched and strengthened. One of my favorite classes the Rec offered is their Yoga class. I would sign up for the evening yoga group class after a long day and get a good workout in while feeling relaxed. It’s the best of both worlds and the instructors are the best! If you are wanting to cool off from this Texas heat but still workout, go to the Aquatics Center in the mornings to swim a few laps! It’s a great way to start the day and feel wide awake before your day starts. Having some sort of workout in your week is not only healthy for your body but also for your brain! Working out releases a chemical called “Dopamine” which makes you feel accomplished for being active. You might even meet a few new friends during your workout so be sure to introduce yourself!
- Meals
I am sure you are going to miss your mom’s home cooked meals while you are away but there are plenty of options on campus to fill you up during your time here. The Dining Hall offers a variety of food styles, and you can never go wrong with a burger and fries from The Grill. Since it is your first week expect the student center to be packed during all hours, but if you are really craving Chick-Fil-A I would completely understand waiting in line! One of my favorite spots to eat on campus is the Study Grounds Cafe in the library. This is a great place to get pizza, paninis, quesadillas, and burritos! All of the dining options on campus take dining dollars so you can use your Texan card to try each one and find your favorite!
Your first week of college will be something that you will look back on multiple times in your life to remember all the good times you had. This is going to be a new transition for your life, and you can make the best of it by getting involved, trying new things, meeting new people, and making good habits! Cherish your time here at Tarleton because it goes by fast!