12 “Get The Inside Scoop” with Pat

For starting the fall semester, I would have loved to know not to take early classes as you will not want to wake up, but even more importantly, use the tools to check the teachers and ensure they are rated good because that will go a long way. When I came in, I got stuck with a lousy teacher and still have him now, and the class is very dull. There are no grades, and the midterm/finals are the whole grade for the course in which you don’t get suitable study materials.

Get to know your floor for the first couple of days, as it will be very nice when you’re not feeling good from homesickness or boredom. Having people there to see has been very nice, but I learned this halfway through the first semester cause I always left my dorm. This was huge, and now I feel way more comfortable being on my floor and hanging with them. It has helped take my mind off things whenever I need it.

As for making other friends, try to meet as many people as possible those first couple of days. You only know how much it helps once it is too late, which is what I was told, and luckily, I did an excellent job with this. I wish I could have gotten to know more, but I am okay with what I did. The more people you know, the more connections you get for events and opportunities in other realms. Knowing people will help, even older kids. First-year students don’t tend to try and talk to the older kids right away, but having a couple of people who know their way around the campus and can give you insider tips will be huge.

My favorite spot on campus is the IMU since I can do work, eat, and chill there. It has it all for you. Kirkwood is entertaining, and I always go to Canes, but I have to cut back and save money. But I would look around and try all the stores/restaurants.

I also came in undecided and looked into Kelly, and I am now on the pre-Kelly track, which is why I saw make sure you get good teachers first, then focus on the times because, pre-Kelly, you need to do good, so make it easier on yourself if you can. Take a broad selection of classes. I did that to narrow it down to a couple, but I’m still shooting for business.

Name: Patrick Ryan

Hometown: Westfield, NJ

Grad Date:  2027

Current Major: Pre-Business, Finance  (Kelley)