VIDEO: Tips for new freshmen

Many stresses feed into freshmen anxieties. For example: finding and attending classes, building and maintaining friendships, and keeping up physical and mental well-being. These stresses are inevitable, but pointers from knowledgeable individuals can lessen the impact of stress on a student’s well-being.

Robert Campagnone, freshman history major, is among these underclassmen that has to deal with the anxiety of a new campus this semester. When asked what he feared most about the new school experience, Campagnone said that he was not looking forward to navigating the new campus.

“I just do not enjoy looking lost and vulnerable; ruins my manly image,” Campagnone said.

Amanda Proschold, student coordinator at New Student Orientation, emphasizes that freshmen need to get out there and make an effort to develop a social network.

“Making friends is important because friends build confidence, the confidence to ask questions and be involved,” Proschold said.

Kalyn Coppedge, health educator of the Fitness, Healthy, Eating and Lifestyle Program, FitHELP, said to not be worried about making friends on the first day of school because you can’t force friendships. Coppedge reminds freshmen to focus on finding their classes the first day of school and that they shouldn’t be nervous if they don’t make a handful of friends.

Larry Kay, reservations coordinator at New Student Orientation, believes that clubs are a great way to create a social network.

“Being in a club places you with individuals who are in the same position as yourself and are striving for similar goals. There are over 250 clubs on campus, so finding a group that fits your interests shouldn’t be hard,” Kay said.

Coppedge said Club Rush will take place within the first two weeks of school.

Coppedge mentioned that although students should strive to make new friends and to join clubs, it is important to remember that passing classes should come first.

Nikki Rodriguez, student manager of FitHELP, warned that students should not get in the habit of ditching classes. Even if attendance is not important in a specific class, Rodriguez said that regular attendance will keep you up-to-date with class assignments, which ultimately will save you from a ton of stress.

Coppedge said that one efficient way of releasing stress is to develop a workout schedule that fits easily into your school schedule. To help you accomplish this feat, Sac State offers many recreational classes.

“Signing up for one of these classes would automatically schedule your workout into your day; not to mention you will receive units upon passing the class,” Coppedge said.

She thinks a great way to stay in shape and create a social network would be to join Hornets on the Move. This is a club on campus that brings individuals together weekly to walk or jog.

Coppedge said that at Phlagleblast, the University Union’s biannual open house on Sept. 9, FitHELP will be handing out free pedometers. Phlagleblast is an event held in the University Union every semester. Each of the companies established in the Union hand out free items to students. Students can pick up a pedometer and use it to measure how many steps they take each day or in each of their workouts.

One resource Rodriguez pointed out is every student has three free 15-minute massages at Mellow Me Out, in the Union.

“Ultimately, it is very important to take advantage of your resources on campus,” Coppedge said.

The Student Health Center and FitHELP are available for any student to utilize. At FitHELP, you can meet with an expert who will work in unison with you to establish a personalized workout plan. Information regarding the clubs on campus can be found on the third floor of the University Union in the Student Activities Department.

Katrina Tupper can be reached at [email protected]