Column by Victoria Hansen

hansenv@findlay.edu

Orientation weekend is just that: a weekend. From Thursday to Sunday, the University of Findlay tries to teach its students everything they need to know about how to be a successful Oiler. Outside of that, a lot of what you learn in your freshman year is learned by living it. These are the eight things I learned during my freshman year that didn’t come up during orientation weekend.

8. Install BetterCanvas

If you use Canvas on a computer with Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox, BetterCanvas and its sister application, Tasks for Canvas, should be installed immediately. BetterCanvas organizes to-do lists in cards underneath each class, sort announcements by course, and allows for custom images and color schemes for more aesthetically minded Oilers. Tasks for Canvas adds a weekly task list to the side of the screen with rings representing all of the classes with assignments due this week. Submitting assignments closes the rings and serves as a visual indicator of task progression. It’s like an Apple Watch for Canvas.

7. But don’t rely on Canvas

While Canvas is helpful at a quick glance (and more helpful with BetterCanvas), the definitive guide to your class is in your syllabus. Canvas may be missing textbook readings, small assignments, and timelines for your classes. The syllabus is always able to change, but it will give you the most comprehensive view of what your semester will look like. Obsessing over your grades in Canvas early on is also pointless, since it’s only calculated on assignments already completed.

6. Explore Findlay!

If you come from a city, Findlay might seem small, and if you come from a small town, Findlay might be larger than what you’re used to. Either way, the City of Findlay is one of the top micropolitan areas in the US, with a thriving visual and performing arts scene, great restaurants, and 21 city parks. Visitfindlay.com has a running list of upcoming events happening in the city.

5. Find a community

Community can take many forms. It can be a Bible Study or book club run by Campus Ministry, a club based around something you love, or an exercise class at the Rec Center. These communities can give you a feeling of consistency when your friend group is all busy one day or just need a consistent social schedule. If you’re looking for a community, the Pulse is always looking for new writers!

4. Start managing your homework at the beginning of the year

At the beginning of the semester, it’s easy to look at Canvas and just do the assignments as they pop up without thinking much about time management. This works when the workload is light, but once work begins to pick up, you can end up swamped with unexpected tasks. Whether you use an app like MyStudyLife or one of the paper planners SGA gives out, it’s important to build a habit of using them before work gets overwhelming

3. Hold your new friends loosely

I know that this sounds harsh and that you’ve just met your new best friend and they’re going to be your maid of honor/best man/platonic spouse/soul friend, and that’s great. Cultivate these friendships and cherish them, but keep in mind that freshmen year brings big changes for everyone, and you might end up in different places as the year goes on. That doesn’t mean that you were never friends or that your friendship was a lie, it just means that you’re growing together and it’s hard to tell where that will lead.

2. The Oiler Success Center is your friend

Okay, people did tell me this one. Throughout orientation weekend, you’ve probably heard this advice more times than you can count. That’s because it’s good advice. If you encounter any problems with academics, student life, or any other issues that might arise during your time at UF, the Oiler Success Center (OSC) should be the first place to go. Whether you need help with general study skills, a specific subject, or general advice, the OSC either has what you need or can direct you to the people who can help.

1. Getting help is not a sign of failure

This doesn’t just apply to academic support, but any kind of support. As a college freshman, this could be your first time with full independence. However, this doesn’t mean that you should be going it alone. When you’re face-to-face with your first major struggle, it can be tempting to try to block everyone out and try to solve everything by yourself. After all, getting help is the opposite of being independent, right? This is a recipe for burnout, plain and simple. If you’re struggling with an assignment, talk to the professor. If you’re struggling with mental health, go to the counseling center. Seeking support is a sign of strength, not weakness.

Everybody has a different college experience so there’s no list or class that can completely prepare you for everything that will happen your freshman year. However, these eight tips will help you get a strong start for your first year. Welcome to UF, and have a wonderful year!