As baby Gators begin their journey in Gainesville, it is an exciting time on campus. From Convocation in the O’Connell Center to the CALS Loves You a Brunch! event, the first few weeks are full of new things. A few CALS students have shared their advice on how to survive freshmen year:
1. Get involved
“I knew that moving to Gainesville was going to be a big adjustment for me, so I wanted to meet people and get involved quickly. Whenever there was a club meeting I was interested in, I was there. CALS Kickoff is a great way to find ways to get involved in CALS, so make sure to mark your calendar for that.” – Savannah Bailey, food and resource economics sophomore
2. Step out of your comfort zone
“There are so many opportunities that UF and CALS have to offer, and I made sure to take advantage of those my freshmen year. As an introvert, I have grown a lot as a person by stepping out of my comfort zone and trying things I was interested in.” – Savannah Bailey, food and resource economics sophomore
3. Take advantage of office hours
“Office hours have been one the most helpful things for me. I was never the student who asked for help, but I realized how important it is when you are struggling. When you go to office hours, you can develop professional relationships with your professors. They are more than willing to help you, as they want to see you succeed.” – Savannah Bailey, food and resource economics sophomore
4. Create a balanced academic schedule
“UF is known for its rigorous courses in areas like chemistry and other sciences. Listen to your academic advisor when they tell you to only take one or two of these courses a semester, especially during your freshmen year.” – Taylor Worbington, biology sophomore
5. Immerse yourself in UF and Gainesville culture
“There is so much to do on campus and in Gainesville. One thing that is a must-do for every Gator is to attend a football game. The energy in the stadium is like no other and makes you feel like a Gator too! Outside of campus, there are plenty of walking trails and state parks to explore.” – Perry Johnson, animal sciences sophomore
6. Create a routine for yourself
“Creating a routine allows you to have rhythm about your day and helps manage any coursework or social activities. Using a physical or digital planner is a great way to ensure you are staying organized and on track with everything.” – Laney Mulhollen, natural resource conservation senior
7. Find your community
“Starting fresh in a new place can be difficult. Finding your community, whether that be in a sorority, fraternity, club, major or religious setting is important freshmen year. These are the people you are going to rely on throughout your college career, so make sure to find one that feels like family.” – Kalista Netzley, marine sciences sophomore
8. Don’t overwhelm yourself
“You will be overwhelmed by the number of clubs and activities you can get involved with. As exciting as these are, don’t overload yourself. Pick 2 or 3 things you are really interested in and dedicate yourself to those.” – Kindall Johnson, nutritional sciences sophomore
9. Explore your academic interests
“Don’t be afraid to switch classes or majors. You learn a lot about who you are in college, and you may learn about new things you’re interested in. Nothing is set in stone, so don’t be scared to take that jump.” – Kindall Johnson, nutritional sciences sophomore
10. Be prepared
“Always have an umbrella on hand, a good pair of walking shoes, and your student ID to get on the buses or campus connector.” – Madison Johnson, family, youth, and community sciences sophomore
ABOUT THE UF COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURAL AND LIFE SCIENCES
The College of Agricultural and Life Sciences (CALS) administers the degree programs of the University of Florida’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS). The mission of the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences is to deliver unsurpassed educational programs that prepare students to address the world’s critical challenges related to agriculture, food systems, human wellbeing, natural resources and sustainable communities. The college has received more total (national and regional combined) USDA teaching awards than any other institution.
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