This is your time, freshmen.

You’re finally away from home and off on your own. We want you to have the best time you can possibly have while you are here, so the staff of The BG News knocked our heads together and thought of some advice we followed ourselves that made our time worthwhile.

The first one is obvious: get involved and do it early. Many students end up regretting not getting involved earlier. Don’t make the same mistake; start as soon as you find the chance. Becoming involved in a sport, club or other organization can help you find your place here. It gives you access to new friends, memorable adventures and various opportunities.

After being involved for a little while, you will know which ones are the perfect fit.

We know being in a new place can be tough, but leaving your comfort zone will be ideal for you. A big part of that also involves staying on campus and not going home on weekends. Many opportunities can pass you by if you leave frequently.

The University and city are full of opportunities and people; you just need the courage to reach out and take a chance.

Don’t be afraid to reach out to professors, administrators and even people you don’t know. Using these resources can be useful, as many of these individuals can become mentors or references. The Counseling Center is also a great resource if you encounter difficulties while adjusting to your new environment.

Lastly, we strongly recommend starting college with an open mind. There are people here from all over the world. You are bound to see or hear things that you have never encountered before. It can be a culture shock, but it will benefit you. The world isn’t a small place and being exposed to diverse ideas will make you a well-rounded person. After all, you are here not only to attend classes, but to grow as a person. Learning doesn’t happen just in the classroom.

You aren’t here just to attend classes and go home, you are here to have the greatest experience of your life.

If you have any questions or want to learn more about The BG News and what we do, please feel free to contact us. We can be reached through many different outlets. One way is to visit our newsroom in West Hall room 210. There is almost always someone there who is willing to talk to you. Email us at [email protected] or call us at 419-372-6966.

Our Editor-in-Chief Cameron Teague Robinson is always willing to hear your voice if you have a concern or a story idea. You can reach him by email at [email protected].

We are excited to have all of you on campus and we promise to keep you updated on what’s going on in your community.