My first helpful tip for upcoming freshmans would be to explore campus before the semester starts. Knowing where to go is a key factor for finding out shortcuts to classes, including if someone who isn’t a student but a parent asks for directions, you could be able to help them find what their looking for. Another tip is to go at your own pace when taking classes. For me, during high school I wanted to be as smart as my friends, and didn’t realize that we had different levels of intelligence. All of my friends had a few AP classes so I decided to take one just because I wanted to match their level. It was then that I failed my first AP class and had to take the class again in a different year, my senior year. So taking classes at your own pace is best. One last helpful hint to being a successful student at ODU, or at any other college, is to make connections with people in your classrooms. Making friends that could take notes for you when you’re sick at home or stuck in traffic will be very beneficial when the time comes. In addition, your friend could understand a concept in class that you don’t understand. Each of you could teach each other something one doesn’t know, and that way your first semester at ODU will be a breeze in the park.