College Life: Tips & Tricks for RIT Croatia Freshmen Students (Part 1)

By Angela Madjer, Croatian gal from Chicago and RIT Croatia alumna (Class of 2018)

Dear Class of 2022,

You’ve probably heard from your parents, older friends and family members that college is going to be the best time of your life; that you should cherish every moment and make the best out of every opportunity and experience that you are given. Well, I am also here to say exactly that! 

The people that you meet in the next four years, the valuable lessons that you learn and the academic achievement that you will earn, will be the foundation of your future. From an individual lecture that you attend to someone that you pass by in the hall, these are little scenarios that will help you build a better and brighter future. So why not make the best out of the next four years at RIT Croatia with these simple tips & tricks? 

1. Get to know your fellow classmates. Remember they’re on the same journey as you are! 

Be there for each other and grow strong relationships with your colleagues. Networking is one of the most important things I can emphasize on. You never know where you’ll end up after college and who you’ll run into that you may have already met and made an impression on! 

Tip: Always remember, once a tiger, always a tiger. There is a strong alumni association that is always at your disposal. That reminds me, if you see a large orange tiger in the halls or at school events, don’t be alarmed and introduce yourself to RIT’s mascot!

2. Enjoy every minute from the beginning. 

These next four years will be the best but also the quickest of your life. They’re not lying when they say, “time flies when you’re having fun”! Make sure that you let nothing pass you by and be sure to take part in all the fun events that RIT provides its students. 

Tip: RIT Croatia’s student government does a great job with planning a lot of events and activities on and off campus to entice students to get to know their fellow classmates and faculty. The RIT community is diverse and friendly. Open your horizons and meet people with interesting cultural backgrounds!

3. Go to office hours and get to know the staff! RIT Croatia professors and staff are friendly and there to help as much as they can. 

RIT Croatia faculty is here to help as much as possible. Like they may have said before, there is no such thing as a stupid question, so be sure to check in with your professors about deadlines and grades or just to stop by their office and introduce yourself. It also will definitely make your academic year much easier to visit your academic advisor, career advisor or student services for any questions that you may have. The support doesn’t stop there! Make sure to get to know your peer mentor and be sure to ask them any questions that you may have

Tip: It is highly recommended that when you get grades back from professors to visit them during their office hours to see what you got wrong and how you can prepare yourself better the next time around and for the final exam. Having trouble organizing your schedule for the next academic semester, be sure to visit your academic advisor to see what requirements you need to fill. 

4. Procrastination bad: Preparation good 

Be aware of the overall opportunity cost of your time. Be sure to achieve all your academic goals throughout the next four years and do this by really taking advantage of the quality facilities and resources that your university provides!

Tip: Procrastination leads to long and endless nights, and cuts down on your beauty sleep. Make sure to start studying for exams on time!

5. To be on time is to be late – Class, class, class 

The most valuable information that you could learn and that will stay with you the longest is the information that your professor presents during lectures. Be sure to be early to class, and attentive during every single lecture. In many cases, the examples and information that your professor uses during their lectures are ones that aren’t written in your textbook and online, and will likely appear on your exams. 

Tip: Try to arrive at least 5 minutes early to your lectures. This gives you time to prepare yourself for class. 

6. Freshman 15 Fear 

The legendary myth of the “freshman 15” isn’t a myth at all. Be sure to stay active and not to fall for yummy junk food that is perfect for munching on when you have a lot on your plate or are in pinch for time! 

Tip: RIT Croatia provides its students with pristine gym facilities on both campuses. Be sure to make it a part of your busy schedule. Even a little time in the gym can be refreshing stress relieving! 

There is so much more to know about starting your freshmen year off the right way. Be sure to check out more helpful tips & tricks next week!  

Yours truly,

    Angela