For Freshmen

What do you need to know going into your freshman year?

Our advice? Have a great attitude! Meet new people, try new things, join new clubs. This isn't high school! So this is your chance at having a blank slate. Take advantage of that and challenge yourself to find out who you are as a college student, not a high school student.

Freshman Checklist

  • Sign up for orientation. It's good for networking and you have a chance to get your bearings.
  • Find out ahead of time where your classes are.
  • Contact your roommate before you arrive. Not only to say "hi" but also to decide who brings what. No fun trying to fit two refrigerators in one dorm.
  • Do some research on how to buy your books. It's not something that needs to be done as soon as you get to campus, but it's a good idea to find out what books your professors want and where you can find them.
  • Be prepared for signing up for your second semester of classes. You'll usually have an advisor helping you the first time. But the second time, you're on your own. And enrollment sneaks up on you. It's usually at the end of October.
  • Go to the activities fair. Look into what organizations fit your personality. You'll get more out of your college experience if you get involved. Check out the TU student blogs for ideas on getting involved and what TU is like for other students.
  • Figure out your transportation strategy. Are you bringing a car? If so, where will you park? No car? No problem. Just make sure you have a strategy for getting to places that are not within walking distance, like the airport. TU also offers bike rental for FREE. Take advantage of that program.
  • Visit the Alexander Health Center so you know where to go if you don't feel well or you need a prescription. They can help you with those things when you're far away from your primary physician.
  • Don't pack too much or stress out about bringing every imaginable thing you might need. There are plenty of places close to campus where you can find what you need. It's much more fun than overpacking and sending half of it home with your parents.
  • Leave all of your blue t-shirts at home! You'll build quite a collection of free TU t-shirts, believe us.
  • Visit campus beforehand to get a feel for your new home. There's no substitute for actually visiting here before you move here.
  • Find a work-study job by visiting the financial aid website or talking to your department, advisor, or professors. It's a great way to get plugged in to a different side of the college experience. Plus $$$.
  • What to bring:

    Sheets (39" X 80")
    Pillows & Comforter
    Plants
    Pictures, Posters
    Laundry bag/basket
    Laundry supplies
    Shower bucket/tote
    Bath robe, towels
    Multiple outlet strip (w/surge protector)
    Sewing Kit
    Iron/ Ironing Board
    Refrigerator
    Microwave
    Kitchen Supplies
    Alarm Clock
    Computer w/ Ethernet card
    School Supplies
    Stamps
    Reference Books
    1 or 2 storage bins
    X-Box, Playstation, Game Cube
    TV and Stereo
    Bike
    Snack Food