Welcome to Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady University, or as we like to call it, FranU! You’re officially in college, which means you’re about to learn a lot, both in class and in life. Spoiler alert: only some of it is in the syllabus.
This page? It’s your cheat sheet, your survival guide, your “hey, no one told me that!” handbook. Think of it like advice from an older sibling who’s been through it all, we made the mistakes so you don’t have to (you're welcome).
From avoiding the dreaded 7:30 a.m. class to figuring out where the best campus bathrooms are, this is the stuff they don’t cover in orientation. We’ll help you navigate scheduling, studying and yes, how to look like you have your life together when you definitely do not yet. We're talking real-life tips, small wins, things to avoid and everything in between.
So take a breath, scroll down and let’s get you through this thing like a pro. Or at least like a pro-in-progress.
We’ll guide you through the process, deadlines and everything you need before hitting “submit.”
Step 1: Visit apply.franu.edu and create an account.
Tip: make sure to use a personal email (not a school email or a parent email) for your account
Step 2: Choose your school year and start term.
Step 3: Complete the application and hit "submit."
Step 4: Have all transcripts and test scores sent directly to FranU or to admissions@franu.edu.
Step 5: Complete the reply to offer form that you receive.
Step 6: Pay your deposit.
Step 7: Sign up for an advising appointment.
Check out our New Student Checklist for a full breakdown.
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:
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:
For more detailed tips, check out our Academic Tips for College Success page.
College isn’t about grinding 24/7. Study strategically.
Study in short, focused sessions
Take breaks, hydrate and definitely don’t pull all-nighters unless it’s unavoidable. (But was it really?)
Want a deep dive on study hacks? Check out our full page, How To Study.
Office hours = free academic power-ups. Use them to ask questions, understand material better and build relationships with professors.
We won’t lie, exam week is the scariest week of the year. Lucky for you, we’ve created tips on how to help you stay sane and prevent crashing out during finals and midterms. We’ve got your back!
Want a deep dive on Academic Tips? Check out Our Academic Tips page for a deep dive.
Step 1: Don’t panic. Step 2: Let’s fix it.
We’ve all been there. You studied, showed up and gave it your best shot, only to get your test back with a lower score than you hoped for. It’s disappointing, maybe even overwhelming. Relax. Even geniuses have off days (Einstein probably flunked a quiz or two).
Want a deep dive on recovering after a disappointing test score? Check out our full page, When a Test Doesn’t Go as Planned.
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.
Show up, participate and exchange notes with a buddy if you miss class.
Choose a spot with fewer distractions, like the front row.
Summarize key points, use bullet points and review your notes soon after class.
Participation doesn’t always mean raising your hand every two minutes, it means being present and engaged.
It contains important dates and rules, so keep it handy.
Stay organized and communicate often with your team.
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.
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.
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).
On campus, some parking spaces are reserved. When in doubt, don’t risk it.
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
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.
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.
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!
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:
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:
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:
Make sure your laptop meets the technical requirements for Moodle to avoid issues with coursework and exams.
Always. Be. Networking. Networking builds valuable relationships that can greatly impact your professional career. These professional relationships can help provide opportunities later in your career, connect you with employers and even serve as references on your resume.
You wouldn’t start a group project the night before it’s due (at least we hope not), so don’t treat your future career that way. Start early, even freshmen can visit the career center, we promise that they are nice.
Polish up that profile, and get to posting (professionally). You can post about class projects, courses you have completed, your internship and more.
Internships are for you figure out what you don’t want to do as much as what you do. Also, they look great on your resume.
Some of your peers will get job offers during their finals. Others might take a while to find their career path. Both of these paths are valid. You’re not behind, you’re just on your own timeline.
It’s never too late to take the first step, unless it’s the day before classes start (we don’t recommend that). If you are thinking of college, now’s the perfect time to apply and set your future in motion.
We’re proud to be named one of Baton Rouge’s top choices for higher education. This honor reflects our ongoing commitment to academic excellence, student success and community impact.
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