“Get here as early as possible when you’re coming here as a freshman; get here five days in advance, get to know everybody in your hall, introduce yourself, be open to putting yourself out there … Be sure you know these are the people you’ll be living with for the rest of the year; show your personality don’t be afraid to be open.”
— Will Goodspeed, Freshman, Undeclared major
“Biggest thing to do freshman year is talk to your teachers, go to their office hours. I didn’t go until this term and it really helps.”
— Jake McGrew, Music education
“Have fun because it’s all about the memories.”
— Casey von Ofenheim, Freshman, International studies and geography
“Don’t really worry about choosing a major too soon; explore a little bit — you have a lot of time. Don’t feel the pressure. When you do decide on a major you want to get into, talk to your advisors keep them informed with what you’re doing and they’ll be able to help you out and get you on your way. Don’t stress out too much because the next four years are going to be hell, so have a good time and relax.”
— Tanner Lacorte, Sophomore, Business
“Don’t procrastinate, do your homework on time; playing catch-up isn’t that fun.”
— Emily Stokes, Sophomore, International studies
“Support club teams, especially Club Rugby; we’re a dominant sport here at the UO and we’d love to have more spectators, as would the other club teams. You should go to the football games where the thousands and thousands of Duck fans are screaming … It’s a big community and we all love each other, so do your part as a Duck.”
— Matt Callahan, Junior, Psychology
“Get involved as soon as possible; it will make the UO 10 times better. There are so many student activities and student organizations.”
— Lex Chase, Sophomore, Journalism: advertising
“Keep your door open in the dorms and go around and visit everyone to make as many new friends as you can.”
— Jacob West, Junior, Journalism: magazine
“Get some shower shoes.”
— Simon Miller, Senior, History
“Get to know your professors because they truly do care about you. Involve yourself in social circles where you can partner up with someone to study.”
— Jason Schnoor, Graduate student, International studies
“I encourage you to be an individual and to truly master in what you are getting yourself into, master in a program, your interests, loves and coursework. Put a lot of heart into your coursework, for it’s easy to just make the grades or slack off in class, but when you get into the real world you want to do as much as you can and do what you love.”
— Lindsey Proudfit, Senior, Family and human services
“You don’t want to develop bad sleeping habits. Go to sleep on time, wake up on time, don’t stay up till 5 a.m.”
— Aaron Nash, Senior, Business administration
“Utilize the bike routes around Eugene. You can get to the Valley River Center faster by bike than by car; I’ve raced my friends. And use the buses.”
— Seth Baker, Senior, Environmental studies
“Networking is essential in college; it’s pretty much what you’re here for. It seems like who you know ends up getting you a job. “
— Alisha Wimberly, Senior, psychology
“Come here, use your time wisely, have some fun and enjoy your college experience.”
— Maytham Abdul-Hameed, Arabic Instructor
“Don’t turn in laptops, if you checked them out, late, because they’re $20 an hour. Reserved books are a pretty hefty fine as well.”
— Michael Weidrick, Junior, Environmental Studies
“Get involved. There are so many things to do on campus, from things like marching band to ASUO to tons of different sports clubs and student unions. If you don’t get involved with something you’re going to feel like you’re missing out because your friends will be involved with gay and lesbian advocacy groups or groups within their majors so stay involved, be proactive, and stay on top of your game.”
— Torsten Staley, Senior, Political science
“Talk to your professors. Get to know them; it’s really really important. You might sit in the back of the class try to slip in and slip out, but if you get to know them face to face and have conversations with them you’ll get a lot more out of your education.”
— Mark Blaine, Journalism professor
“If you’re doing any drinking and an RA knocks on the door, don’t open the door until you make sure everything is out of sight.”
— Scott Fogel, Sophomore, Business