A Guide to Thriving (Not Just Surviving)
College is about to hit you like a caffeinated freight train, and honestly? That's exactly how it should be. Forget everything you've heard about all-nighters fueled by energy drinks and existential crises over your major. Your first year is actually your golden ticket to building habits that'll make you the person everyone wants to study with (and grab coffee with too).
Be the Scout Who's Always Prepared
Prep your dorm room. Stock up all the essentials, toiletries, chapstick, tissues, and snacks! Be prepared for class. Bring a water bottle, a notebook, your textbook and pens. Help those who didn’t come as prepared.
The night before each day, sit down and plan tomorrow like you're mapping out a treasure hunt. Trust me, Future you will be grateful when you're not scrambling to remember which building you need go to in the morning.
Consistency is Your Secret Weapon
Here's the thing about college: it's not actually chaos if you create your own rhythm. Develop a morning routine that makes you feel ready for learning (yes, even if that means waking up at 6 AM) and a night routine that helps you process the amazing things you discovered that day.
Study regularly instead of cramming everything into panic-fueled marathon sessions before your big exams. Block out time for the things that matter--classes, homework, projects, but also leave time for intramural soccer or exploring Longview. Use a planner like it’s you personal success system, because essentially, it is.
Dive In Headfirst
LeTourneau isn't a spectator sport. Join clubs that make you excited about your time here. Find a local church or campus ministry where you can serve others, there’s something transformative about using your skills and knowledge to serve others and reflect Christ’s love. Hit the gym, join intramural sports, and actually explore the town you're calling home. 
Longview has hidden gems waiting for you to discover them. Be the person who knows the best coffee shop for study sessions, the prettiest walking trail for clearing your head between classes, and where to get the most amazing tacos when you finally finish that big project at 11 PM.
Master the Art of Human Connection
This is not a new idea, but it can be a challenge to many: say hi to people. Introduce yourself to your professors, they're brilliant minds who chose to invest in your education, and they genuinely want to see you succeed in both knowledge and character. Show up to office hours even when you don't have questions. Sometimes the best learning happens in those informal conversations.
Ask your study group to grab coffee and discuss the interesting connections you’re discovering in your coursework. Hold doors for others. Tip your baristas and learn about their stories, you never know when you might discover a calling to serve people through you future career. Be the person who always has extra supplies to share. And please, avoid gossip. Be the person others trust, someone who reflects Christ's character in how you treat classmates, especially when the pressure of assignments gets intense.
Look Like the Professional You’re Becoming
There's something to be said for putting on real pants, good shoes, and looking like you belong in the professional world. You don't need a designer wardrobe, but showing up like you take your education seriously makes a difference to others and to yourself. Plus, you never know when a potential internship connection might walk through that classroom door.
The Real Truth About Christian Higher Education
LeTourneau University isn't about late-night study sessions that leave you questioning your life choices or stressing about picking the "perfect" major. It's about falling head-over-heels in love with discovering how God's world works and how you can use that knowledge to serve others.
Remember that curiosity you had as a kid when you wanted to understand everything around you? College is your chance to ask those "how does this work?" and "why does this matter?" questions again, but now with professors, resources, and opportunities that can actually give you answers. You're not just learning facts and theories – you're discovering how to think with wisdom and integrity in a world that desperately needs thoughtful, innovative problem-solvers.
Embrace the journey of discovering not just what field calls to you, but how God wants to use your unique gifts and growing expertise. Whether you end up in business, aviation, education, ministry, or any other calling, you're preparing to be salt and light in fields that shape our world.
Your first year isn't just about surviving until summer break – it's about building the foundation for four years of growth, friendships, and discovering how your love for both God and learning can change the world. So pack those extra supplies, brew that coffee, and get ready for the adventure of a lifetime. Welcome to LeTourneau. You're going to love learning here.
