The Sustainability Stewards at NC State, including CCEE students, share their advice for fellow students on how to thrive during the first week of college and beyond.
Explore Campus Resources- Especially the Academic Success Center
“I think students should be aware of the Academic Success Center and the tutoring it offers. In my experience, struggling to keep up in a class can be overwhelming and isolating, but there are resources on campus to help you.”
— Brynn Capuano, Agroecology and Sustainable Food Systems
“The Peer Tutoring and Undergraduate Writing Center are two great resources in Hill [Library] that help with classes especially early on. There is also a ton of books and technology available for students…Overall, try to use all the resources you can while on campus as it is what your tuition is covering.”
— Jack Voight, Environmental Engineering
“More students should be aware of all the resources the library offers like study rooms, tutoring through the Academic Success Center, Makerspace, etc. because these resources can seriously help you in class and are free to everyone.”
— Harrison King, Biological Engineering
“You need to be aware of the Counseling Center and what they provide…That starts with understanding that we have free therapy sessions, free psychology appointments and many other resources to help you in a time of need. My friends that took advantage of the services really benefited and had a better college experience overall.”
— Brooke Parrinello, Fashion and Textile Management
“If you are a first-generation student, get in contact with TRIO, pronto. TRIO provides academic support and amazing mentors that can talk you through your adjustment on campus.”
— Kamari Herron, Industrial Engineering
How to Manage Your Time at College
“I actually cannot stress enough how important Google Calendar is and how much it saved my life first semester. You can upload your schedule there from MyPack Portal, put in homework due dates and always have it with you on your phone. Most of my clubs also sent event invites there. If you’re a super busy person like me, get comfortable with Google Calendar.”
— Brooke Parrinello, Fashion and Textile Management
“Use Google Calendar. I was skeptical at first but color-coordinating time boxes for classes, homework and events is so helpful to a visual person like me.”
— Charlotte Peele, Fisheries, Wildlife and Conservation Biology
“Just take it one task at a time.”
—Jack Voight, Environmental Engineering
“When you have planned time to study, really crank it out so that you can finish more quickly and then have time for yourself. Focus is important.”
— Willamina Ingle, Microbiology
“Make sure you set goals for the work you do. It’s much better to study or work with a plan in mind rather than just blocking out a lot of time to study and get distracted anyway.”
— Harrison King, Biological Engineering
“Don’t be afraid to say no to plans when you have too much going on.”
— Brynn Capuano, Agroecology and Sustainable Food Systems
“Do your work ahead of time. I know it’s really hard to get everything done early but trying to do at least three assignments a day really helps prevent immense stress.”
— Payton Bell, Environmental Engineering
This post was originally published in Sustainability News.