Advice to Incoming Freshman

Top 10 Pieces of Advice to Incoming College Freshman:

1. Get to know your roommate and others in your residence hall. The people you live with, most of whom are going through similar experiences and emotions, are your main safety net. These are the people that will get to know you inside and out and will be there like a family would be. Not only this year, but for all your years. You may change roommates after the first semester or you may stay roommates for all four years -- just take the time to get to know your fellow first-year students. Also learn how to forgive and forget everyone is learning and trying to figure out how to cope with the change so cut people some slack when it comes to being overly emotional.
2. Get Organized. In high school, the teachers tended to lead you through all the homework and due dates. In college, the professors post the assignments for the whole semester and expect you to be prepared. Buy a planner, use your iPhone calendar with alerts and a big wall calendar -- whatever it takes for you to know when assignments are due because they creep up quicker than you think. 
3. Find the ideal place for you to study. It may be your dorm room or a cozy corner of the library, but find a place that works best for you to get your work done while avoiding as many distractions as possible. I found a little booth area in the ILC that had people and a quick coffee pick up so it wasn't overly deserted. Also, make use of the library it will become your one safe haven where you actually feel like you are getting stuff done.
4. Become an expert on course requirements and due dates. Professors spend hours and hours preparing course syllabus so that you will know exactly what is expected of you and when. One of the lamest excuses a student can give a professor: "I didn't know it was due today." Professors stick to the rules and syllabus so make sure you are always following it and have it somewhere handy so you don't make a stupid mistake.
5. Meet with your professors. I can assure you there are only upsides to getting to know your professors, especially if later in the semester you run into some trouble. Professors schedule office hours for the sole purpose of meeting with students so take advantage of that time. It will show you have a genuine interest in succeeding which therefore will do everything on their part to help you succeed.
6. Get to know your academic adviser. This is the person who will help you with course conflicts, adding or dropping courses, scheduling of classes for future semesters, deciding on majors and minors. This person is a key resource for you and should be the person you turn to with any academic issues or conflicts. Don't be afraid of requesting another adviser if you don't click with the one first assigned to you. They are your key to academic success and graduating in a timely manner. There job is to help you succeed to always remember they are there for your convenience. 
7. Get involved on campus. A big problem for a lot of new students is a combination of homesickness and a feeling of not quite belonging. A solution I found was joining a group. You can try student organizations, clubs, sororities or fraternities, or sports teams. You'll make new friends, learn new skills, and feel more connected to your school. You feel like the school wants you there and that it would make an impact if you weren't present.
8. Take advantage of the study resources on campus. Boise State has learning labs and tutors available. If you're having some troubles, these resources are another tool available to you. Another idea: form study groups. Study groups helped me in many of my classes and helped motivate me to try my very best. Also check out the career center, great chap stick and ladies.
9. Make connections with students in your classes. One of my best students said his technique in the first week of classes was to meet at least one new person in each of his classes. It expanded his network of friends and was a crucial resource at times when he had to miss a class. That way it is like a buddy system where you hold each other accountable and often times to better
10. Be prepared to feel overwhelmed. There's a lot going in your life right now. Expect to have moments where it seems a bit too much. In other words, be prepared to feel completely unprepared. The trick is knowing that you're not the only one feeling that way. Stay positive and realize that you can do it. You made the right choice so make Boise State the best experience you can.