Hi, Taylor Martin here! I'm a second-year student studying Journalism and Mass Communication. Here are some tips and tricks that I learned my first year that I wanted to share with all of you incoming Hawkeyes.

1. Don’t be afraid to try new things

College is the perfect time to explore. The student job fair and the student organization fair are great places to find a job or join a club that can really help shape your time at Iowa. Getting involved in the residence halls -  whether through RA-hosted events or hall activities – is a great way to meet new people. Student organizations are always open to new members, and going to meetings can lead to new skills, friends, and fun. Don't be afraid to take an elective and learn something new! The University of Iowa Mobile App is a great way to stay connected to things happening on campus, and has a wealth of resources to explore. 

2. Routines make you more likely to succeed

Routines are important for adjusting to your new environment and lifestyle. Carrying snacks like protein bars helps keep energy up on busy days. A calendar app is a must for tracking classes, meetings, and social events. Set up regular times to meet friends for studying, play games, watch a show, or enjoy a meal. Be sure to avoid bad habits as they're hard to break, like skipping classes or not checking your due dates.

3. A few safety reminders

The university offers several ways to support your safety on campus. Pay attention to Hawk Alerts - the system is there to help keep you informed. Install the Rave Guardian app which can help you feel safer when traveling alone. Nite Ride and the Hawk Vouchers program are great ways to get safe, reliable transportation at night. 

4. Transportation tips

The Cambus becomes one of the most useful resources for getting around, and learning the routes early saves time. The transit app makes the process of getting around ridiculously smooth. What helped me most was walking around campus and Iowa City to really familiarize myself with all possible routes! Check the weather before you leave – conditions can change quickly. (P.S., its always a smart idea to have an umbrella on hand.)

5. Don’t forget why you're here 

Make note of your professor's office hours, especially in classes that seem daunting. Don't hesitate to visit faculty and ask for help – they're here to help you succeed. When you leave for class, be prepared with what you'll need for the day so you can get the most out of class time. Set up some study times with classmates. 

Finally, and most importantly, take stock of who you are and where you're going. In four years, you'll be the same person, but different. I changed a lot in one year, and I expect that trend to continue. Taking time to reflect on those changes can help you understand where you've been, what you've learned, and where you're going.