A Freshman's Guide to Auburn

Welcome To Auburn!

Why Preparation Matters

Walking onto campus at Auburn University for the first time can be intimidating, but it is so thrilling. There’s the energy of game days, living away from home, and the excitement of finally starting a new chapter. But with that also comes a lot of unknowns. What should you bring? How hard are the classes? How do you meet people? It’s completely normal to have questions before your first semester begins.

The truth is, freshman year at Auburn is what you make of it, but going in prepared can make all the difference. This guide breaks down the most important things every incoming freshman should know before arriving on the Plains, so you can feel more confident, more prepared, and ready to make the most of your Auburn experience.

Housing and Living Essentials

Whether you are living on or off campus, it’s important to pack essentials to make living away from your house more like home. Choose cozy bed sheets, decorations, and lamps to make your room your own. It can be difficult to adjust to living in a dorm room, but if you add your own personal touches, you will be comfortable in no time.

Many “must-haves” for packing include a woozoo fan, medicine bin, rolling hamper, extension cords, mattress topper, storage ottoman, desk hutch, tool kit, and LOTS of command strips. There are thousands of dorm essential videos on TikTok if you are looking for more inspiration. To reduce stress, make a list of everything you need and everything you’ve already packed, and begin preparing months in advance so you’re not fumbling at the last minute to gather everything.

As a roommate, it is your responsibility to keep shared spaces clean and organized, while also staying respectful of your roommate’s time and belongings. Be kind, considerate, and communicate any issues you encounter, and you could end up being best friends. Your time together is what you make it, so choose to be the best roommate that you can be!

Academics

College will be a fun new experience, but academic success should still come first. College classes feel a LOT differently than high school classes, yet it’s crucial not to get too overwhelmed. Even if some professors are more lenient, that’s not an excuse to slack off. While it’s tempting, don’t skip classes even if they’re not mandatory. Going to class is the most important piece to success, so you will perform better when you truly put in the effort.

Time management is a major part of academic success. It may be difficult to avoid procrastination, but starting early will produce better results. Starting early reduces last-minute stress, poor work, and missed due dates. One of the biggest tips is to write down any due dates, major assignments, and exams into a calendar as soon as you receive them! When a due date passes, there is often no opportunity to make up the missed assignment, and this could cause a major impact on your grade. Be sure to understand the syllabus and deadlines for each class you take.

Throughout the year, don’t forget to take advantage of resources like your advisors, supplemental instruction, Miller Writing Center, tutors, and any other resources that could help you improve.

Campus Navigation

Finding your way around a big campus is intimidating. Take a walk before school begins so you can find your classes early (Google Maps will be your best friend even when walking)! If you are driving to campus, triple-check to make sure you are parking in your designated lots to avoid tickets and towing.

Tiger Transit will allow you to navigate around campus for free. These buses stop at most locations on campus, as well as many off-campus locations. Download the ETA SPOT app to track the routes of Tiger Transit!

Social Life

College is a fresh start to meet new people and build everlasting friendships. Don’t be afraid to put yourself out there! Try out clubs, Greek life, intramural sports, and stop by any events that may pop up around campus. You never know who your next best friend may be! But don't forget that building a strong social life takes time, so don’t feel pressured to find your “group” right away. Just focus on being open to new experiences and connections. Remember that everyone is adjusting too, so small conversations and everyday interactions can lead to meaningful friendships.

Auburn University hosts daily events during the first 56 days of the semester, known as the “First 56,” to help students get acquainted with campus life. If you’re looking for fun activities or ways to get involved, this is a great opportunity to explore and connect.

If you’re still searching for more ways to get involved, check out the blog, “Gathering Season: Building Communities and Connections Around Auburn” to explore real students' stories on how they found a community on campus!

Safety and Wellness

Staying safe and taking care of your well-being are essential parts of a successful freshman year. College gives you more independence, but that also means you must be responsible for your own health and decisions. Although Auburn is typically a safe place, make a habit of always keeping aware of your surroundings, especially at night, and do not walk alone after dark! Utilize campus resources like the security shuttle, and in absolute emergencies, use the blue light emergency buttons located all around campus.

At Auburn University, students have access to health services, counseling, and recreational facilities that can help them stay physically and mentally balanced. Prioritizing sleep, eating well, and managing stress will make a big difference in how you perform academically and feel day-to-day. Don’t hesitate to reach out for help if you’re struggling. Taking care of yourself is just as important as keeping up with your classes.

Gameday and Auburn Culture

Auburn is full of tradition, including the eagle flight before each game, Hey Day, rolling Toomer’s Corner after a big win, and shouting “War Eagle!" These traditions are what bring the community together.

Most students’ favorite part of the year is football season! The energy, excitement, tailgating, and outfits make gameday at Auburn unmatched. Students and fans come together to sing, cheer, and celebrate school pride, making it one of the most memorable parts of college life.

Being included in this atmosphere helps freshmen feel connected quickly and gives them a true sense of what it means to be part of the Auburn family.

Your Auburn Journey Begins

Starting college is a major transition, and it’s normal to feel both excited and overwhelmed at the same time. Your first year at Auburn University will be full of new experiences, challenges, and opportunities for growth, but being prepared can make the adjustment much smoother. Remember to stay open-minded, get involved, and take advantage of the resources around you, whether academic, social, or personal. Most importantly, give yourself time to adapt, because no one has it all figured out right away. If you stay balanced, ask for help when you need it, and embrace the journey, your freshman year can become one of the most meaningful chapters of your college experience. War Eagle!

Be Well, Auburn.