Strategies for Success: From Upperclassmen to Freshmen

Marist upperclassmen give advice to new students beginning to navigate their first year of college.

Your first year at college can be overwhelming, but there are plenty of resources on campus that can help. Photo Credit: Element5 Digital on Unsplash

It’s hard to believe that I am in my final year of college, but I remember my first year so clearly. One thing specifically that I remember? I did not know what I was doing, nor how to use the resources around me. In the spirit of the back-to-school season, upperclassmen share their advice for first-year students at Marist College.

Use Academic Resources

One of the biggest transitions when you come into college is a difference in the workload from high school. You become solely responsible for getting work done on time, managing a full-time course load and keeping up with several different deadlines at once. Many students’ first big struggle of college is figuring out an academic balance. 

Miles Snyder ‘24 majors in biomedical sciences, and he wishes he had taken advantage of the vast array of academic resources on campus.

“I wish I used the resources in the library more. The study rooms, the Writing Center, all of it, it’s so helpful,” he said. “I would also recommend taking advantage of the tutoring programs here. You can now be tutored for free, you don’t have to be an athlete, and I wish I knew that sooner because having a tutor definitely has helped me academically.”

“I would also highly recommend going to office hours,” Snyder added. “Professors are there to help you, they don’t want to fail you. They’re more than likely going to want to give you some help.”

It is common to feel some hesitancy in regards to using academic resources, and when you’re in your first year, it can feel embarrassing to ask for help. However, the resources on campus are plentiful, and for whatever you may need, there’s a department you can go to for help. If you need some guidance, reach out to your advisor or go to the Resources tab on your MyMarist page to find resources for your program of study.

Get Involved 

At a college like Marist, there are plenty of clubs and extracurriculars to join, but it can feel overwhelming to consider your options. Do you stick to a hobby you’ve always enjoyed, or do you try something new that’s outside of your comfort zone? Or do both?

At Marist, there are a variety of academic and extracurricular clubs to choose from. Depending on the department, there could be several clubs relating to your major, such as Women In Business or the Cybersecurity Club. There are also several clubs relating to different hobbies, like Marist Dance Ensemble, Red Fox Films or the Marist Mosaic literary magazine. Whatever your interest, there is most likely a club or extracurricular that would love to have you.

Madelyn McPadden ‘25 majors in Economics and participates in a few clubs on campus, including Marist Singers. She believes that students at Marist will find something they love to participate in, even if it takes a little time. 

“Don’t be put off by the college experience if you don’t find your place right away. As a transfer student, it felt a little difficult looking for my place on campus. It takes some people a longer time to adjust than others, and that’s okay,” she said. “There are so many opportunities to get involved and meet new people at the school, and you will find something that works for you. It just takes effort.”

If you are curious about what activities and clubs you can join on-campus, check out the Student Involvement page on the Marist website, or attend the campus Activity Fair on Friday, Aug. 30 at 3 p.m. on the campus green.

Prioritize Your Health

When you’re on a college campus for the first time, one thing to learn is that you will get sick eventually. Whether it’s interacting with a lot of people, not taking care of your body, or just being plain tired, getting sick or not physically feeling your best is inevitable. However, there are ways to prioritize your health and keep yourself as healthy as possible during your first year.

The Health Services office is located in Room 352 of the Murray Student Center, and it is open weekdays from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. If you’re feeling sick or need a check-up, call the office and, they will schedule you for an appointment. There are no walk-in appointments, so it is important to call ahead.

If you are someone who enjoys staying active as part of your health and wellness routine, there are three gyms on campus: James J. McCann Center (south side of campus), McCormick Hall (north side of campus) and Marketplace (east side of campus). Each of the gyms have weight lifting equipment, machines for cardio activity, free weights and other gym equipment available.

To view the hours for the gym you want to go to, you can visit the Marist Athletics Facility Hours site. Hours change from weekday to weekend.

Your first year in college can be overwhelming, and even scary at times. At Marist, there are so many resources available to first-year students to help along the way. Keep in contact with your advisor, ask upperclassmen for advice, reach out to First Year Programs and most importantly, take your time.