The experience of arriving at college for the first time can easily intimidate new students.

But according to those with campus experience, assimilating can be an easy process. Here is their advice for incoming freshmen:

JEFF TAYLORProfessor of biology at Slippery Rock UniversityJoin stuff here.In high school, students join many organizations but when they get to the university, they think it is too big and there is no room for them. Or students think classes will be harder so they want to keep their time free for studying.Sometimes it helps to get the homework done so they can go somewhere.Also, unlike high school, teachers aren't going to hound you to get things done.

PAM SENTGEORGESRU sophomore, New CastleNo matter how scared you are, you're going to have fun. Expect to work hard.Be open to everything. Be open to new ideas. Don't be afraid to go somewhere.Everybody else out there, the freshmen, (are) feeling the same way.Study more than you think you need to, and turn in your homework on time. It's not like high school where you can come in and turn it in late.

LACY FRELINSRU junior, PhilipsburgYou have to get out and meet all the people you can. Classes are the biggest thing, but meeting people really helps.Be aware that the friends you make at first probably won't be longtime friends; that's why it is important to meet different people.After freshmen are settled in their rooms, they should go buy their books, because long lines at the bookstore make it a time-consuming process.Advice to parents: Try not to be so clingy and let your kids go and be their own person.(New students should) go to every class. Successful students go to every class and arrive prepared. If you miss classes, it's easy to get behind.It's not like high school when they put up all the notes and give you time to write them down. You have to keep up with them speaking. You have to be very focused."If the professor can see you're trying, then you have a better shot at succeeding in the class.

REBECCA HUMESRU junior, BethlehemEverybody gets homesick. Whenever you get homesick, just go out and make friends.Students who aren't very outgoing should take advantage of the many activities and group meetings that make it easier to meet people.The first thing freshmen should do is go take a walk and talk to people. Just smile at people, because everyone's in the same boat.

MORGAN RIZZARDIPresident of the Newman Club Catholic outreach on the SRU campus, WarrenGet to know professors: They have a great deal of knowledge and are there to pass it on to you if you take the time to get to know them.Go to all classesGet to know others in your classes: Upperclassmen especially who might know the professor or the textbook better and can help you along.