Your Ultimate College Survival Guide

The Basics:

New Student Checklist New Student Orientation

How to Schedule Classes Like a Pro

To begin scheduling classes, you will meet with an advisor who will guide you through the process and ensure you’re on the right track.

Pro Tips for Scheduling:

• Balance is key. Don’t stack all your hardest classes in one semester unless you enjoy chaos.
• Credit hours = classroom hours per week = 2x the amount of required homework/study hours per week.
  So that “3-credit” class? It’s basically a part-time job, 3 hours in class and about 6 hours of independent work every week.
• Don’t skip electives, they’re where you find cool classes and maybe your new favorite subject.

The First Semester:

What to Expect on Your First Day of Class

You want to start your first day off right, which means not forgetting anything at home. Here is what you need to bring to feel prepared and confident day one:

• Always have your ID badge; Otherwise, you will be stuck outside the buildings.
• Bring a backpack or bag to hold your things, because you will be walking from building to building.
• We recommend having a laptop to take notes, but you can also bring a notebook and a pencil.
  • See further in the guide for laptop recommendations.
• A light jacket is great to have for cold classrooms.
• Have your class schedule with you, so you know when and where you need to be.
• If you’re a chronic over-packer, you can opt out of bringing a lunch and head to the Fresh Market on the second floor of St. Francis Hall (the chicken alfredo is great.)

Freshman Must-Dos

• Set up your student email (with a signature). Check out our guide to student emails on our page, Email Etiquette.
• Find your classrooms
• Take a picture of your class schedule, trust us, you’ll forget it on day two.
• Student organizations, campus ministry and service opportunities are great ways to meet people and get involved.

Academic Tips

Aka: How to Keep your GPA Alive While Having a Social Life

For more detailed tips, check out our Academic Tips for College Success page.

Classroom Tips

To set yourself up for success in class, it's important to stay focused, engage with the material and be proactive in your participation. For more advice on succeeding in the classroom, check out our guide, Mastering the College Classroom.

How to survive (and thrive) from the front row to the back corner.

Quick Classroom Tips:

Attend Regularly and Stay Engaged

Show up, participate and exchange notes with a buddy if you miss class.

Sit Where You’ll Focus

Choose a spot with fewer distractions, like the front row.

Take Effective Notes

Summarize key points, use bullet points and review your notes soon after class.

Participate, Even a Little

Participation doesn’t always mean raising your hand every two minutes, it means being present and engaged.

Know Your Syllabus

It contains important dates and rules, so keep it handy.

Group Projects

Stay organized and communicate often with your team.

Email Etiquette and How to Email Professors

It’s not scary. It’s just professional texting.

Emailing a professor can feel weird at first. You may wonder things like, “Do I start with ‘Hi,’ ‘Hey,’ or ‘Esteemed Academic Overlord’??” Don’t worry. Here’s how to get it right without overthinking it.

Check out our guide, Email Etiquette and How to Email Professors.

Email Etiquette & How to Email Professors

Social Life & Campus Culture:

How to Make Friends (Even If You’re Shy)

• People will walk in packs the first two weeks. It’s normal. Everyone’s terrified. It settles down.

• Create and join study groups for your classes/cohort: Study groups are low-key hangouts with a purpose. You’ll meet people, share notes and build friendships just by showing up. Regular sessions mean you’ll see each other often, and that’s how real connections start.

• Find a friend at orientation: Everyone there will be in the same boat as you: nervous and new. So, don’t be afraid to find a friendly face and say hi. They won’t bite (most likely).

• Join a club: Joining clubs in college is like adding some spice to your ramen. You get to meet cool people, try things you didn’t know you were into and maybe even look like you’ve got your life together on your resume. Plus, students who participate in extracurricular activities are 50% more likely to graduate on time.

Student Clubs & Organizations

Parking on Campus: What You Really Need to Know

Parking can be one of the trickiest parts of college life, especially during the first few weeks. Here's what to keep in mind so you’re not circling the lot (or worse, getting ticketed).

Read Every Sign

On campus, some parking spaces are reserved. When in doubt, don’t risk it.

Stick to Concrete or Gravel

Do not park on the grass or dirt; especially not on tree roots. Parking on tree roots, particularly in the lot at Brittany and Picardy, damages the trees and can earn you a warning or fine. Grounds crews are serious about it, and rightly so. Keep your tires on designated gravel or paved areas only.

“I parked on tree roots once. Came back to a warning ticket and a squirrel staring me down. Never again.”
— Someone who learned the hard way

Places You Absolutely Cannot Park

Some lots are strictly off-limits, no matter how open or convenient they look:

• SJB Group (next to St. Francis Hall): This is a private engineering firm. Their lot is for employees only.

• BLRB/BR Physical Therapy – 5222 Brittany Drive: Private medical facility. No student parking.

• Baton Rouge Cardiology – 5231 Brittany Drive: Another medical facility that’s off-limits for students.

Early Birds Get the Spot

If your class starts at 9:00 a.m., don’t roll in at 8:55 expecting front-row parking. During peak times (especially the first two weeks), you’ll need to get there early if you want a decent spot. Budget in some extra time so you’re not sprinting to class or circling for 20 minutes in frustration.

Health & Well-being:

How to Stay Healthy (Even When You’re Busy)

Remember when your parents used to say, “You are what you eat”?

Well, turns out they were onto something (ugh, they were right again). Your brain runs better on real food, not just energy drinks and vending machine snacks. Prioritizing healthy meals, staying active and getting enough sleep can seriously boost your focus, mood and grades.

Even small changes like drinking more water or taking a walk between classes can make a big difference. Your body and brain are on the same team, so treat them like it!

Stress Management 101

College can be a lot. Between classes, assignments, work and trying to have a social life, stress is normal. But it doesn’t have to run the show.

Here are a few ways to keep your cool:

• Move your body: Even a 10-minute walk can help (yes, going to get a sweet treat counts).
• Breathe: Try deep breathing or meditation apps.
• Laugh: Watch a funny video, call a friend or scroll memes (in moderation).
• Talk it out: FranU Counseling Services are here for you. It is free, confidential and here to help.

Hydration Station

You’ve heard it a million times, but here it is again: drink more water. Your brain, body and skin will thank you. Dehydration can mess with your focus, energy and even your mood.

Our campus has water refilling stations in every building, and yes, 40 oz Stanley cups fit.

Quick Tips:

• Carry a reusable water bottle (bonus points if it has stickers).
• Set reminders to sip throughout the day.
• Choose water or tea over soda and energy drinks when you can.

How to Get a Good Night’s Sleep in College

Okay, real talk: sleep is the unsung hero of college success. It improves memory, focus and even your immune system.

Here are some tips to help you catch those Zs:

• Stick to a sleep schedule (yes, even on weekends… mostly).
• Avoid caffeine late in the day (we’re looking at you, 5 p.m. iced coffee).
• Create a wind-down routine – dim the lights, put away any and all electronics and relax.
• Nap smart – 20-minute power naps > 3-hour accidental comas.

Tech & Tools:

Moodle Compatibility

Make sure your laptop meets the technical requirements for Moodle to avoid issues with coursework and exams.

Moodle Requirements

Beyond College:

Vocational Discernment & Career Development