Dear freshmen, this is how to make UO your home

Jumping into the world of college can be stressful, especially when you’re 18 and unsure of where to go. Some people adjust well right away, but then there are those who do not and need some more support. Coming from one of those people, it’s scary to try and find your place in a large pool of students in a new state.

Here are some things Oregon freshmen can do to help solidify themselves as part of the Duck culture.

Join a FIG

Freshman Interest Groups (FIGS) are a group of freshman who take a block of class during the fall quarter. An optional group for students, the groups are headed by professor-student pairs and provide extra study support as well as introductory freshman skills such as navigating the libraries and study abroad offices. Some FIGS like mine also take “bonding” trips to places of interest or that they’ve studied.

Overall, a good way to knock some required classes out of the way while meeting some new friends.

Form a relationship with your roommate

Living in a tight quarters with someone can either be one of the best experiences or your worst nightmare. Even though most of the time each of you will have different lifestyles for how to keep your respective sides of the room clean, it’s not in your best interest to sneak in complaints every other sentence about how messy their side of the room is.

Accept them for who they are and what they bring to the living community, and even if you’re not best friends you still have a support system. All those times you want someone to talk to or need advice from someone? They’re your go to.

Make you room your home away from home

Being away from home can be tough sometimes, and there’s nothing like having your own space to call your own in a new place. Decorations don’t have to be expensive, you can get white lights for cheap and they brighten up the room nicely.

Pictures and hanging canvases are some of the most popular ways of decorating, and give you a reminder of home.

Learn the bus system

The EmX bus system is a lifesaver when it comes to getting around Eugene. While it’s a charming college town with little shops and restaurants, the non-campus food isn’t always walking distance. For those last minute Target runs in Springfield and trips to the Valley River mall but aren’t up for a four hour walk back to your apartment, the bus runs free for students when they show their ID card.

Sit in the front row

This goes for both class and club meetings. Sitting in the front not only shows that you’re interested in what is being taught or discussed, it also allows for professors and speakers to see you.

Another bonus: It helps you pay attention and makes sure you stay awake.

Join a club

Bare with me on this one – it’s hard to put yourself out there but I promise once you do it’ll change your life. The first meeting usually has a couple hundred people depending on the department but getting to know people around you will help ease the experience. Take advantage of club events too, you never know who might be there.

Find your local study spot

Sometimes studying in your room can get a little tiring and you just need to get out of the small brick box. Spaces such as the newly renovated EMU and the cafe on the ground floor of the Knight Library has new rooms open with tables that are made for spreading your books out and making flashcards. These spots have good food too, which will help you get through your all-night study sessions.

Head to the Rec Center

Exercise is a popular activity in Eugene and the Rec Center fosters a fit environment with state of the art exercise machines and workout classes.

Whether you’re in need of a break from the mountain of homework or just looking for some alone time, the Rec is a popular spot to get a run in or expand your interests and take a Zumba class. You can also have a personal trainer help assess your fitness goal and personalize your training to what’s best for your body.

In addition to your workout, you can also study. The Rec provides plenty of seats in the lobby and in the activity areas for you to bring your books and get the last minute math assignment done.

The outside is also beautiful, too. On sunny days it’s worth sitting outside near the water feature and reading a book. No matter what the load, you can de-stress with a workout then get back to work, all in one place.

Get to know the residence and dining staff

Just like it’s important to know your professors, the same can be said for getting to know the residence and dining staff. Just like you, they spend the majority of their time on campus and greet each person with a smile and love it when students say hi.

From Ross at DUX Bistro to Bean West’s custodian Bill, they love to say good morning and make sure you’re comfortable. Here’s to the many conversations about laying out in the sunshine and talking about the football team. These are small things, but can make a big different.

They work long, hard hours everyday with an endless smile on their faces so take the time to say hi and tell them thank you for their hard work.

Explore Oregon outside of campus

Heading outside of campus is a great stress reliever when things get hectic during the week. Hike Mount Pisgah or Spencer’s Beaut to get your exercise in before you go back to hitting the books.

Even though it’s a big change, there are still ways to make college feel like your home. There’s something for everyone with a wide range of interests, and students on campus are always open to helping each other.

Oregon is a wonderful place, and you’ll find your home in no time. Just take a deep breath, you got this!