15 things You Wish You Knew
Upperclassmen Tips for surviving your classes & the weather
If only someone had told you these during your first semester!
1. Your parents are just as worried/nervous as you!
All those jitters, anxious nights lying awake — yep your parents are going through it too! Try not to forget that while you’re counting down the days until your first class out of excitement, your parents are counting down the days they have left with you at home for the summer.
So take it easy on them, they’re transitioning too!
2. Planners are your friend
Commit to actually using a planner. Write down all of your assignments the day you get your syllabus. Writing everything down will help you be ahead of your work and stress-free!
3. Sleep is a necessity.
You’ll be tempted to stay up all night hanging out with your new friends, but staying healthy starts with getting those zzz’s every night! Aim for 6–8 hours to keep your energy and spirit up
4. Make time to attend office hours
We’ve all been there — New assignments, new classes, new way of doing things. It’s easy to get overwhelmed.
Fear not — your professors are here for you.
Your professors set aside time to meet with students one-on-one, so take advantage of their time!
Go to office hours with questions, drafts of assignments, and show them you’re prepared — you’ll be sure to excel this semester!
5. You don’t have to eat pizza and ramen
These may be classic college meals, but you have so many options on campus (and off) to stay healthy. Check out some of the campus dining locations here. You can even look at the menus online and check out their mindful options.
Lumberjack Tip: Our Campus Nutritionist holds Healthy Cooking Demos EVERY month and guided grocery store shopping too 👌🏼
6. FIT classes are a great way to get a workout in with your busy schedule
Signing up for credit is a sure way to make sure you actually workout!
Don’t forget NAU Campus Rec also offers FREE group fitness classes during the day and night.
7. Layering your clothes is a must
The weather in Flagstaff can sometimes be unpredictable — rain and snow flurries in the morning and sunny skies in the afternoon!
The best way to prepare for anything? Layers.
T-shirts under sweaters under a jacket will keep you warm in the chilly mornings. When the sun’s off, peel off a layer and stay cool.
8. Thanksgiving break is a great time to bring your summer clothes home (and grab your winter stuff!)
Don’t feel like you have to bring your winter coats and snow boots when you move-in in August, you can always swap them out!
Thanksgiving is a great time to bring home your flip flops and shorts and grab your heavier winter clothes without making a special trip.
9. There are tons of ways to get to class — bike, walk, or bus
You don’t need a car to get around when there are beautiful bike paths, speedy buses and tall pines to gaze at as you walk to class. Want to know when the next bus will arrive? You can see the locations of your bus and estimated wait for your stop here!
10. Ugg boots are not snow boots :(
While your favorite snuggly uggs are warm and cozy in your room, they don’t make for the best protection in the cold slush.
Don’t risk cold wet toes, opt for more functional waterproof boots to get you around and keep you dry.
11. Make time to do what makes you happy
Whether it’s hiking, watching Netflix, playing a club sport, or casual volleyball on the quad, make sure you have time to decompress and relax during your “down time.”
12. Keeping your room door open is a great way to make friends
A poster on your wall could be a great conversation starter for someone walking down your hallway! You never know who may live across the hall and could end up being your new best friend.
13.Enjoy all that Flagstaff has to offer
There is no doubt that your warm, cozy bed is your favorite place in the world — but be sure to take time to venture out and explore #LumberjackCountry.
📌 30 minutes to Snowbowl, 90 minutes to the Grand Canyon, and 45 minutes to Sedona? Weekend road trips are a must!
14. Your professors WANT you to succeed!
Professors are your friend! They are here because they love seeing growth in students and want to make a difference. Attend those office hours, put in the work, and they’ll take notice.
15. You CAN do it. Believe in yourself. You got this. Now go #KickAxe!
