For freshmen and transfer students entering Binghamton University for the first time, the various departments on campus have some advice on how to make the most of your year.
According to David Hagerbaumer, a representative of Campus Life, the most important thing for new students to do is make use of all the resources that are available to them.
BU offers a new student orientation program, first year experience courses, and the services of discovery centers, resident assistants and peer advisers to help new students settle in.
“The challenge is getting students to take advantage of them,” Hagerbaumer said.
It is also important not to give in to the temptation of skipping classes where professors don’t take attendance and to acquire time management skills, according to Hagerbaumer.
“It really is a matter of how to use your time effectively to get all your work done and get it done in the way you want it to represent yourself, not just get it done,” he said.
Holly Horn, coordinator of Counseling Services for the Career Development Center (CDC), also had some advice for incoming students.
“Get involved!” she said. “Not only will involvement help students develop relationships with other students, but it will also provide an outlet for stress and opportunities to develop and hone leadership, communication and interpersonal skills.”
Horn suggested that new students visit the CDC in Library South, room G-500 early to get a head start in career planning or for help in deciding what to do with a major.
“Majors do not limit you,” she said. “If you choose English you are not destined to be a writer or a teacher! You could, but you could also become a director for a non-profit organization, a financial analyst, an academic advisor or a marketing professional.”
“[The] CDC can help students work through the process of identifying their interests and personal values, determining how these qualities relate to occupations and help map out steps for success,” Horn added.
According to Ashley Brisco, a Harpur academic adviser, making a good class schedule is important too, especially for students who are undecided about their majors.
“It is not unusual for students to be undecided about a major and change their direction more than once,” Brisco said. “Enroll in courses which are of interest to you as a potential major. Don’t be afraid to explore.”
Brisco suggested joining the Harpur Academic Advising Facebook group to keep up with important information regarding policies, procedures, deadlines and visiting the office in the Student Wing, room 110.
It’s also valuable to develop relationships with professors and other campus personnel, according to Brisco.
“They can be great mentors and can provide you with a variety of opportunities such as research, field work, internships and jobs,” she said.
Stephanie Adamec, a representative of Off Campus College (OCC), also discussed several opportunities available to freshmen and transfer students.
According to Adamec, there is a local commuter mentor program that matches incoming commuters with BU locals, who provide information on how to get involved on campus, what clubs to join and how to make use of school resources.
“Just get involved as much as you can if you’re a first-year student, whether that be going to a study group or reaching out to different clubs, or even just going to library,” Adamec said.
The OCC, which is located at University Union West, room 204, will also be offering a roommate-matching online survey and a revamped housing list in the coming year.
A final piece of advice from Hagerbaumer: “Turn off your computer, walk out the door of your room and talk to other students.”