So you’ve signed the lease or decided on a dorm and the question of what you’ll do about Ohio University housing is taken care of. Perhaps you’ve transferred from another school or are just starting your college experience. If you are new to Ohio University, there are probably plenty of questions on your mind. Not the least of which is, how in the world are you going to survive your first year, let alone the rest of your education?
Athens is a beautiful city with a ton of distinct, vibrant neighborhoods, and a seemingly never-ending list of places to visit in and around the city. Once you’ve found Ohio University housing that’s well-suited for students, whether that’s a dorm or a spacious off-campus rental for students, you’ll have a chance to get to know the area and university better. Here are some of our favorite tips for adjusting to life in Athens as a new student at OU.
Bring Your Car
If you’re a first-year freshman living in the dorms, you might not have much say in this. However, if you’re shacking up in an off-campus Ohio University rental home, we highly recommend bringing your car along. Besides helping you navigate the hills around the city, you’ll also be able to get out of that one-bedroom rental way more often. Bringing a car is a good idea in any small town where you might want the option to road trip or take a drive into the country.
Bringing your own car is always an option if you have a place to park it. Make sure you read up on Athens’ street parking laws, however. Vehicles can’t remain in the same spot for more than 24 hours. Either find an Ohio University rental with off-street parking, play musical cars every day of your college career, or find a private parking spot for rent. Check out our affordable Ohio University parking options, with rates starting at $300 for a year.
But there’s more to surviving your first year at Ohio University than just having a car or having parking at your rental.
Get Involved
Ohio University offers a wealth of opportunities to get involved on campus. From student organizations to club sports to volunteer groups, there’s something for everyone. Getting involved is a great way to meet new people, make friends, and find your niche on campus. The Bobcat student population is incredibly diverse, and you’re all but guaranteed to find a group of people who share your interests and hobbies. If you’re calling a prime Ohio University rental close to campus home for the year, campus is just around the corner, making it even easier to get involved.
Ask your roommates if they are involved in anything. Even if you live off campus, there’s no reason why you can’t be active on campus. When your parents come down for parents’ weekend, you want to make sure that they get to see all the awesome things you’ve been up to!
Don’t Overcommit
While it’s important to get involved, it’s equally important not to overcommit yourself. Understand what your class load is like for any given semester being committing to extracurriculars. Give yourself time to get adjusted to your schedule like figuring out how long of a walk you have between your campus rental housing and classes. Figure out where you can squeeze in an extracurricular or two and call it a day. Be selective about the activities you choose to participate in and make sure you have enough time to devote to your coursework.
If you’re renting a home, you want to be sure you can enjoy that yard you have! Don’t overdo it, and make sure to take time for yourself when you need it too.
Go to Class
It may sound obvious, but going to class is crucial to your success in college. In fact, there are tons of reasons that make showing up to class a vital part of your day. Attend every class, take notes, and participate in discussions. This will not only help you understand the material better but will also show your professors that you’re committed to your education. Of course, if you absolutely have to miss a class, go right ahead. But do your best to both let the professor know and ask if lecture notes are available online. If not, dial a friend for notes.
And if you’re concerned about the time it takes to get to class, consider renting a place next year that’s closer to campus. Court Street or generally anywhere uptown should suffice. It’s the kind of conveniently-located housing around Ohio University that lets you wake up at 7:30am, roll out of bed, do a few things, and still make it to your 8am class on time.
We promise it’s not hard to fit a moving truck in the alley next to your future pad – you’ll make it work.
Use Your Resources
Ohio University has a wealth of resources available to students, from academic advising to tutoring to career services. These services exist for a reason, and the intent is for students to use them when they could use an extra hand. Take advantage of these resources to help you succeed academically and professionally. That also includes advice on future living changes.
If you’re having roommate struggles, they may be able to show you some nice studios or one-bedroom apartments nearby. On the other hand, if you’re looking for more roommates, then they may point out some good three or four bedroom rentals.
Stay Organized
College can be overwhelming, but staying organized can help you stay on top of your coursework and responsibilities. Use a planner or calendar to keep track of deadlines, assignments, and meetings.
It’s easy to feel bombarded with a barrage of things to do and classes to attend while in college. In fact, tons of students frequently report feeling overwhelmed, but there are ways to get your time management back on track.
This sentiment also applies to your college home across the street from campus. Staying organized and keeping your home clutter-free is an effective way to help yourself stay focused and diligent.
Take Care of Yourself
College can be stressful, but it’s important to take care of yourself both physically and mentally. Get enough sleep, eat healthy foods, and exercise regularly. Make time for self-care activities like meditation, yoga, or spending time with friends. The Ping Recreation Center on campus is a great place to get some exercise in, and they have a huge variety of equipment and things to do.
If you have time to take a walk down the neighborhood from your cute off-campus rental apartment, do so. Taking a short walk outside a handful of times per week is all but guaranteed to put you in a better mood.
If the student rental you’re living at has a yard – use it. If your home has parking – use it to travel. If your apartment has a nice view – enjoy it!
Prioritize your wellbeing, always.
Be Open-Minded
College is a time to explore new ideas and perspectives. Be open-minded and willing to learn from others, even if their viewpoints differ from your own. The Bobcat student body is a melting pot with people from all sorts of different backgrounds. As you learn new things either in classes or from befriending someone with a unique upbringing compared to you, your opinions might very well evolve and change.
Athens and southeast Ohio is famously part of Appalachia, and the surrounding areas will look a little different if you’re used to growing up in a city. Again, consider using that parking at your rental to travel and explore the surrounding area! We have some suggestions of the best areas in and around Athens to take in.
Explore Athens
Following up on our last point: Athens is a vibrant college town with plenty to see and do. Take some time to explore the city and its surroundings, from the local shops and restaurants Uptown and on Court Street to the natural beauty of the surrounding hills and parks, like Strouds Run. The best part about Athens is that it’s the perfect mix of cool things to do in town while still having a metric ton of outdoor activities to enjoy. And the best part? A lot of these places are basically right outside the door of your Ohio University rental home.
Seek Help When Needed
If you’re struggling academically or personally, don’t hesitate to seek help. Ohio University has a variety of resources available to students, including counseling services, academic support, and health services.
Mental health is important, and college students and faculty are highly likely to suffer from mental health problems like anxiety, depression, and more. Take care of yourself, and if you feel like something isn’t right, talking with a licensed therapist or mental health provider is an excellent first step towards feeling better.
Have Fun
College is a time to learn, grow, and have fun. Take advantage of all the opportunities available to you and make the most of your time at Ohio University.
Surviving your first year at Ohio University can be challenging, but with these tips, you’ll be on your way to a successful and fulfilling college experience. Remember to get involved, stay organized, take care of yourself, and have fun! And don’t forget, we have tons of tips on ways to have fun at OU.