Going away to college is one of the biggest life decisions you’ll ever make. It’s the first time that most of you will be living on your own, sharing your space with strangers, supporting yourself and (hopefully) making smart decisions. But there’s levels to this.
We asked Steve Orisakwe what inspired the Twitter thread below that bestowed so many words of wisdom on the class of 2020. He mentioned freshmen followers who were persistent with questions about classes, dating and most importantly, managing their money. “I know how critical advice and basic college knowledge is going into the year as a 17, 18-year-old young adult,” he said.
And honestly, truly, no one goes away to school knowing all there is to know about how to navigate through their freshman year. But leave it to Orisakwe to come through with this grade-A Twitter thread:
“When I was a child, I spoke as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child; but when I became a man, I put away childish things.” Let the church say amen.
@CCLXXXI Rule#1 freshman PLEASE realize you are in College now … Every new stage in life requires a new level of maturity…
— Steve Orisakwe (@CCLXXXI) August 12, 2016
Get excited about college by learning more about your school.
@CCLXXXI learn your schools history and traditions ( especially at an HBCU) they take it very serious and will embarrass you if you don’t ✊🏾
— Steve Orisakwe (@CCLXXXI) August 13, 2016
Participating in freshmen week is a tradition…
@CCLXXXI Have fun but remember one day you’ll want to Run for something or Pledge.. And trust me people in college will bring up your past
— Steve Orisakwe (@CCLXXXI) August 12, 2016
But more importantly don’t lose sight of what you came to college for in the first place, to continue your academic career.
@CCLXXXI Freshman take your first 3 semesters VERY VERY serious ..those entry level ( Gimme Classes ) will be the foundation to a Great GPA
— Steve Orisakwe (@CCLXXXI) August 12, 2016
Get in the habit of checking your email…
@CCLXXXI Check your school Email every morning before you get out of bed. In college it’s nothing for your professor to cancel class on ya ✅
— Steve Orisakwe (@CCLXXXI) August 14, 2016
Come to classes prepared…
@CCLXXXI School supplies in college is a backpack, a notebook , and a pen… THATS IT don’t go overboard and use unnecessary money ✅
— Steve Orisakwe (@CCLXXXI) August 13, 2016
And take classes seriously, at least for the first week or two.
@CCLXXXI first impression last a lifetime.. Go to your first classes early sit at the front, Don’t text, just learn at least for the 1st week
— Steve Orisakwe (@CCLXXXI) August 13, 2016
Ask around about the classes you signed up for…
@CCLXXXI Books are Very Very expensive.. Figure out which ones you actually need and buy them off of Amazon for 75% off 🙃
— Steve Orisakwe (@CCLXXXI) August 13, 2016
Build a good relationship with your professors…
@CCLXXXI Repeat everything your professor says, but in a question. They have a some type of secret grading sheet, you’ll get credit for it😂😂
— Steve Orisakwe (@CCLXXXI) August 12, 2016
And classmates.
@CCLXXXI Make friends in every class.. You’ll miss a few days but if you have someone present to sign you in technically you miss nothing 🙃🙃
— Steve Orisakwe (@CCLXXXI) August 12, 2016
But don’t make a habit of not attending classes.
@CCLXXXI Make sure attend every class possible don’t be lazy just get up and go… Save all your skip days for Homecoming & Springfest 🙃🙃🍾🎉
— Steve Orisakwe (@CCLXXXI) August 14, 2016
Build a solid study group, and I’d suggest downloading GroupMe
@CCLXXXI Look .. There is absolutely no shame in helping eachother in class .. It’s Students Vs Professors use your “resources” wisely 🙃🙃🙃
— Steve Orisakwe (@CCLXXXI) August 13, 2016
But when it comes to group projects, there are no friends.
@CCLXXXI if you need something done DO IT YOURSELF.. Youre an adult now the school doesn’t care if you’re taking care of business you should
— Steve Orisakwe (@CCLXXXI) August 13, 2016
And while we’re on the topic of making friends…
@CCLXXXI If you can’t count on them to fake call you &act like it’s an emergency to get you out of a situation.. They’re not your friend.
— Steve Orisakwe (@CCLXXXI) August 14, 2016
It’s college, don’t try too hard…
@CCLXXXI 🔑🔑🔑 don’t do anything permanent for or with temporary friends ..
— Steve Orisakwe (@CCLXXXI) August 13, 2016
The same can be said when it comes to cuffing season, trust…
@CCLXXXI 9/10 if he’s a freshman male he’s not trying to be In a relationship with you .. Don’t get heartbroken and end up dropping out 😅
— Steve Orisakwe (@CCLXXXI) August 12, 2016
For all the guys recruiting for the team…
@CCLXXXI Freshman guys, figure out who’s in her crew b/c if u unknowingly shoot at her &her friends at the same time.. They’ll embarrass you
— Steve Orisakwe (@CCLXXXI) August 13, 2016
And the girls who came to college to find their husband…
@CCLXXXI ladies the quickest way to lose a freshman dude you’re interesting In is smothering him …
— Steve Orisakwe (@CCLXXXI) August 13, 2016
But truly, honestly…
@CCLXXXI Be careful who you curve the GlowUp ratio in college is like 2:3 most “nerds” end up being Lit Af around their Junior year..
— Steve Orisakwe (@CCLXXXI) August 14, 2016
And when it comes to funds…
@CCLXXXI Always remember YOU’RE BROKE … There’s no need to flex up all your refund money it’s college we all know the truth ..
— Steve Orisakwe (@CCLXXXI) August 12, 2016
Instead…
@CCLXXXI If you REALLY want to flex .. Save all your Dining buck/ Swipes until the end of the semester& buy the girl you like something 😂😂
— Steve Orisakwe (@CCLXXXI) August 14, 2016
We asked Orisakwe what the best piece of advice was that he’d received from an upperclassman when he was a freshman, to which he responded, “preparation is the key to success, and if you want something done on a college campus you have to get it done yourself.” These are wise words to which the young entrepreneur and marketing guru can attribute his success for many years to come.
