Student Leaders and Alumni Share Some Helpful Advice with New Students This week, new students at Yeshiva University’s Yeshiva College, Stern College for Women and Sy Syms School of Business will hit campus for the first time to make new friends, learn new things and set out on a journey of self-discovery that will define their college years and prepare them to pursue their dreams. Starting college is an exhilarating experience—but it can also be a little overwhelming. To get new students off to the right start, YU News asked for some tips and tricks to get the most out of your Yeshiva University experience from the people who know best: current student leaders and alumni. Read on to for some helpful and interesting advice.

• We live in the heart of Manhattan—take advantage of the city! Walk to Bryant Park, Times Square or Madison Square Garden, where there are often free or cheap concerts or other cool things going on. – Michelle Levine, Stern College for Women Student Council (SCWSC) Treasurer

• Meet with your Writing Seminar instructor at least twice a semester outside of the classroom. It’s an excellent way to receive personalized feedback on your writing. – Michael Silverstein, Yeshiva Student Union (YSU) Vice President

• Use your breaks wisely and productively. I like using mine to go to the gym in Brookdale a couple times a week, which helps me stay energized. – Chaya Kanarfogel, Torah Activities Council (TAC) Secretary

• Go on Torah Tours. It gives you the opportunity to make chaggim [holidays] incredibly meaningful both for yourself and for Jewish communities across the country. – Adam Zimilover, Yeshiva College Student Association (YCSA) President

• Introduce yourself to everyone you can, students, professors, deans, advisors, administrators, everyone. This University is filled with amazing people across the board—the sooner you get to know them, the better experience you’ll have. – Jesse Nathanson, Sy Syms School of Business Student Association (SSSBSA) President

• It’s never too early to visit the Career Center—they can help you with job interviews, resume writing and general career advice. The earlier you start, the more time you have to develop and pursue your career path. – Jonathan Danesh, SSSBSA Vice President

• Take advantage of the small class sizes and the warmth of the professors here. Part of what makes YU special is the amount of attention each student gets from faculty members—they often become your Shabbat hosts, too! – Sarah Alt, TAC President

• It never hurts to ask. Whether you don’t understand something in class or are trying to register for a class that’s already full, seek advice from a fellow student, professor or mentor. – Irit Greenboim, Senior Class President

• Interested in business? Work for the Seforim Sale—you’ll learn more from it than any class you can take. – @Yehuda via Twitter

• Stay on campus for Shabbat. It’s so much fun and a great way to make friends. – Michal Aish, SCWSC Vice President

• In the beginning of the year, YU runs a Club Fair. Just go and sign up for any club you like. It changes your whole experience. – Moshe Wasserman, YSU Secretary

• The best smoothie on campus is Grandma’s smoothie #5 with apple juice. Trust me. – Natan Szegedi, Junior Class Secretary/Treasurer

• Talk to Presidential Fellows—they’re always nice, friendly and in the know. – Nathaniel Ribner, Junior Class President

• Whether you’re a fan of music, sports, history or even coffee, there’s a club on campus for you. If not, get 20 signatures and start your own. – Shai Berman, YCSA Secretary/Treasurer

• Get involved in @yustudentlife and go to games to cheer on the @YUathletics teams. -@theboywhocooked via Twitter

• The shuttle is a great way to travel—just make sure to book them early, they fill up fast! – Ayelet Meiri, Junior Class Treasurer

• Familiarize yourself with the 20-minute powernap. After lunch or between periods, it’s an awesome and efficient way to reenergize and catch up on some much-needed sleep. – Sam Weinstein, SSSBSA Secretary/Treasurer

• Whether it takes you two hours to write a paper or two hours to come up with the title, the Writing Center is the perfect place to have your written work reviewed by the best writers at YU.  They’ll gladly look over your papers, help you draft an outline, and answer any English-related questions you have. –Alan Avitan, YSU Treasurer

• Take advantages of services like Peer Tutoring and the Counseling Center, which can really be key to your academic and personal success throughout college. – Ariella Rothschild, TAC Vice President

What’s your advice for new students? Tweet it to us at @YUNews using hashtag #YUTips.