Zinski

SLIPPERY ROCK — For 18-year-olds who are about to begin their first year of college, the people best suited to give them advice might be fellow undergraduate students who were in their shoes a couple years earlier.

All incoming freshmen at Slippery Rock University participate in a freshmen orientation program in the spring or summer. A big part of that program is learning from orientation ambassadors, fellow students who are encouraged to share their tips for success in college that are largely formed by their own personal experiences.

E.J. Christopher, a sophomore from Uniontown, Fayette County, was a first-time orientation ambassador this year and tried to pass along lessons from his experience as a freshman one year earlier.

One of his tips is to make an effort to be social, to make friends.

Even people who are not typically outgoing should make an effort to meet people their first year.

“You get to be a brand new person. You get to turn over a new leaf. I promised myself I was going to do that, and I made a lot of friends my first year,” he said.

Another piece of advice for incoming students is not to be pressured into underage drinking or drug use, Christopher said.

One of the skits the ambassadors perform at orientation ends with the slogan: “It’s better to be hated for who you are than liked for who are you not.”

Jillian Zinski, a senior from Carnegie, Allegheny County, said one of the most common questions she gets asked as an orientation ambassador is, “What do I bring?” from students who will be living in residence halls.

Though each school has its owns recommendations and restrictions on what items students can have in the dormitories, one thing that is common is storage space is limited.

Zinski offers advice that should be helpful to most students: go through a typical day and keep track of what household items you use.

Zinski said a helpful tip she received as a freshman was to make her bed comfortable by adding extra padding and pillows.

A lot of students overpack and bring furniture they don’t need or don’t have space for, so learning what is essential and what isn’t is important.

“It is difficult when you move away from your family for the first time because you’re used to having everything there,” she said.

Another tip Zinski shares with the incoming students at orientation is “be yourself.”

SRU, like most colleges, has a wide variety of clubs and activities, so students should pursue their interests rather than going along with what they think is popular.

“College is a much bigger place than high school. There is something for everyone there. You’re bound to find somebody who is like you,” she said.