Each year, there is an amazing time in Oregon when the sun comes out for long spells and nature invites us to revel in her wonder; this magical time is called summer. But then, as we begin to adapt to the rhythm of free and unstructured time, the weather cools and school comes back calling.

 
Going back to school can be both exciting and scary. For freshmen, it entails moving into a new place, trying to make new friends, and figuring out that class schedule. For returning students, things might seem a little more familiar. But for all of us, we come back as slightly different people with new experiences under our belt. Here are a few tips for coping with the new school year:

 
1. Try new things: I know this sounds difficult, but trying new things is one of the best ways to grow personally and expand your mindset. College is a great place to invest in and develop your own unique interests. So try new things!

 
2. Take it all in: Life moves very fast and before you know it, you will be graduating college. What this means is that you have to take time to reflect on what you have done and where you are going. Going back to school brings a ton of new adjustments and taking time to reflect on life will give you the sense of clarity and focus that you will need to get the most out of your experience at OSU.

 
3. Don’t forget home: Most of us had a little help in getting to OSU, whether that is from parents or some other support base. Don’t forget to check in once and a while with that support base while you have loads of fun. Often times, our families can offer meaningful advice and encouragement that helps us get through tough times.

Ben Petersen