The four years you spend at Illinois State University will be the best four years of your life.

That is… if you make it so.

Get the most of out your time at ISU by following these tips!

Prioritize School

Emphasize your school work.

After all, that’s why you’re at ISU, right? Here are a few ways to prioritize your studies.

First, find a good place to study and do your homework, whether it’s in your apartment, a library, a coffee shop, or somewhere else.

Next, get help from tutors if you need it.

Finally, understand your credit requirements as soon as possible. Don’t wait until your last semester to learn that you need to take a course you hadn’t planned for.

Attend Extracurricular Activities

You should attend lectures if for no other reason than to get extra credit.

But honestly, ISU brings in a lot of speakers you’d probably be glad you went to see. Some of them might even be celebrities, while others might expose you to a new perspective.

Get a group of friends together to go see a lecture soon!

Get An Internship or a Job

Whether you’re drowning in student debt or looking for experience, get an internship or a job while you’re in school.

Doing so can help you pay off student loans earlier and maybe even get experience in your chosen field.

Network

Speaking of getting a job, make sure you network!

Networking helps set you up for career success.

Often, your first job after school will be through someone you know. You may have transitioned your internship into a full-time role, or your teacher might know of an open position that fits your skills.

Networking also provides you with lifelong friends, which are invaluable.

Whatever the case, make sure you meet all kinds of people to help plant seeds for career opportunities and set you up for success.

Be Involved

Illinois State has activities for everyone!

The university has dozens of registered student organizations related to:

• Greek life
• Intramural sports teams
• Religious groups
• Student government

These are just a few of ISU’s many campus activities.

In addition to the RSOs, join the Red Alert section at sporting events. Cheer on your fellow classmates, and you may even win some prizes!

Enjoy Your Surroundings

Just because you live on campus doesn’t mean you have to stay on campus!

Branch out of ISU and find some amazing gems to see in central Illinois.

Plus, St. Louis, Indianapolis, Chicago, and the Quad Cities are all within a day’s drive of campus.

If you’ve already explored the surrounding areas, consider heading to the Bloomington airport so that you can study abroad or venture out on a spring break trip with friends.

Exercise and Eat Well

In addition to your school work, make sure to set aside some time for regular exercise while you’re at ISU.

Exercise has been shown to improve memory and thinking skills, so enjoy the Student Fitness Center, the fitness centers in your apartment complex, or any of the local gyms.

When you’re done, refuel yourself with a healthy meal at any of the restaurants near campus.

Have Fun

Finally, have fun!

You’ll spend some of the best four years of your life at ISU, so find a balance between classes, homework, exercise, a social life, and a job.