The first year of a freshman’s new life is beginning right here at Mississippi State University. This student probably has some questions, and is quickly learning the Wi-Fi is not going anywhere fast. Here is a list of common questions freshmen have, and the answers (good and bad) I have to give.
How do I find my way around this huge campus?
Some people will insist this campus is not too big, but as a student from a town with less people than MSU’s roster, I disagree.
First thing is first: accept the fact that getting lost is part of the process. I spent my first two days here wandering around not unable to get back to my dorm room. The best thing you can do is find people to get lost with. Most importantly, try to find your classes, food and a dorm. I am not saying it has to be your own dorm, but you will probably be unable to get in others.
I found the building, now where is my classroom?
Classroom numbers always start with the floor it is located on. If a student’s Biology I class is listed in Harned 102, the classroom will be on the first floor, somewhere. In this case, Harned 102 is located right in front of the entrance, but it hardly ever works out this way.
Pro-tip: most of this campus follows some sort of number system, even classes themselves. A class number beginning with a 1 is a freshman course, 2 for sophomores, 3 for juniors, and so on.
What is the difference between dorm rooms?
Some dorms are gender-exclusive, like Critz and Sessums, while others like Griffis and Nunnelee are only accessible to honors students. Certain halls house Living-Learning Communities (LLCs) for groups like engineering students and Day-One Leadership participants.
While these specifications do not apply to everyone, here is something everyone can be interested in: new construction vs. traditional dorms. Traditional halls feature community bathrooms with only a sink and mirror to call your own, whereas new construction has private bathrooms all around. The cost difference between the two is just over $1,000, something else to think about.
Am I required to live on campus freshman year?
Yes, yes and yes. Look on the bright side, though, if a student leaves their room once in a while, it really is not too hard to make friends who may want to split an apartment in the future. It gets better! And if this does not happen, a sophomore can live in one of the upper-classmen dorms or in a single room. In this case, better luck next year.
Where can I eat, and how do I pay?
Freshman are also required to have meal plans. Meal plans are composed of block meals and Flex dollars which can be used across campus restaurants. Chains like Chick-fil-a and Pizza Hut accept Flex dollars at all times, and block meals after 4 p.m. each day. Cafeterias like the Perry and Fresh Foods take block meals, but not Flex. This is the sort of concept which takes time to get the hang of, but it will soon be second nature.
How do I get my grades up—and keep them there?
MSU has loads of resources for freshmen and upperclassmen to use. The Writing Center will read essays, the library will help research and Supplemental Instruction (SI) sessions are available for a number of classes. Whether new students know it or not, they have a ton of people in their corner. Real talk, though, do not let the first few weeks of class catch a freshman off-guard. Needing over a 100 on the final to pass a class is not an enjoyable (and likely impossible) task.

How often should I go home?

This is another aspect of the college transition varying for each freshman. Before I moved out, I was given the advice to spend at least the first weekend in Starkville, and I pass on this advice now. At this point in time, everyone is out scouting for friends, and it is a much easier time to approach people and to be approached. Plus, a lot is going on at MSU, especially at the start of the semester! Going home often is not feasible for every student. However, it is important to trust your gut—and schedule.
How can I make the transition easier?
This process is different for every freshman or transfer student. Most people join clubs, get jobs or focus on full-time studying to ease into college life. This may be cliché advice, but be sure to get involved! MSU offers something to everyone, and a quick search through OrgSync is sure to reveal a future passion—or at least a time-taking hobby.
To branch off this question, here is another cliché tip: have fun. Be open to new experiences, new people and a new place to call home. No matter how often a freshman visits home, campus is still where they will spend the most time. More than anything else, college is about change—embrace it!