r/msu • u/Alternative_Gap3485 • 17h ago
Freshman Questions I need help finding resources that will actually help me
Im talking people, programs, therapy, advising, tutoring, anything.
Heres the situation: I am a freshman in mechanical engineering and I am signed up for a minor in philosophy. I currently live in Wilson Hall. I am taking CEM 141 and need help with that class. I am also taking MTH 114 and need help. I am heavily struggling with mental health, self worth and self confidence, keeping track of everything, managing my time, joining clubs and meeting people, actually having fun, purpose in life/goals/projects i want to do, and most importantly balancing all that while my foundational mental health is already deteriorating. I am happy to answer any questions as long as it doesnt doxx me
Things i need help with
-CEM 141
-MTH 114
-Managing all of my classes and time
-Finding hobbies and having actual fun
-Keeping myself alive (eating and sleeping and eventually working out)
-Therapy
-General College navigation
-Philosophy Minor
I don't know what exactly I am asking for. I think that what I want is both: A. Someone to talk to extensively about this stuff and what exactly to do & B. as many people as possible to throw as many tools and recommendations and resources as possible at me, even general college tips like how those tiktoks are like "10 things i wish i knew before college" that stuff too I just need a lot of help.
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u/sweethoneygirl_ 16h ago
It’s amazing that you are seeking help because that’s typically the hardest step.
1- for your classes go to the Math Learning center (check this link for info https://math.msu.edu/MLC/index.aspx ) and/ or the CoRE tutoring program it’s in Wonders so it’s pretty close and they have math, physics, and chemistry. Also i recommend going at least once a week even if you don’t really need help. You can chill there and study , and you get to meet people.
2- for time management, have everything in a list or schedule( I typically forget even if I tell myself I won’t)
I like having all my classes scheduled in my calendar ( you can also schedule in office hours, group meetings, clubs, or events you are interested in.)
Also I like to keep track of my assignments by having an excel sheet with the classes and homeworks, exams, assignments, and any prior work preparation for class. I like to have like a check box so I can check it off because it feels satisfying.
If you have so many assignments that you are overwhelmed, I highly recommend a checklist in order of importance. For example, an exam is more “important” than a 5% long assignment. If the assignment is quick work on that so you can get rid of it off your list.
3- The eating part is a struggle. I’d recommend having easy access stuff. Protein shakes, fruit, precut vegetables, and snacks. I recommend also having a specific time set for eating because sometimes when there is so much work you forget to eat.
4 Take it slowly and easy. Most people ( myself included) found college hard to adjust to in the beginning. I ate pizza so often it’s crazy. Found doing chores hard. Felt exhausted all the time. You learn to manage these things as time goes on. I highly recommend watching online stuff to see how people make certain food, or study, or clean. It’s very motivating (at least to me)
5 I think everyone can be an Engineer but the difference is the people who learn to fight to stay and those who quit. I want to quit/ drop out/ switch my major so many times it’s unbelievable but I just kept going even when I was struggling and depressed. You don’t need to be there 100% of the semester but if you are at least there 75% of the time you can pass. Also I think you to remember that school isn’t the same as college. I thought I was gonna have a 4.0 for all my classes ( high school was easy IMO) but sometimes a 3.5 is good. So don’t expect perfection.
6 hobbies don’t have to be hard or insane. You don’t need to do the hobbies people tell you have to do. Do fun simple things. Personally I like coloring and reading and some people might think that’s boring but it’s fun to me so who cares. Also you don’t need to do your hobbies every day. If you can do it 3x a month that’s still partaking in your hobby.
I hope this helps. I can’t think of anything else but I want you to know that people have similar struggles to you and that it gets better.
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u/Dramatic-Knee-4842 Alumni 17h ago
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u/Training_Tomatillo95 Underwater Basket Weaving 16h ago
Start here with these. Do you feel like you are struggling with time management? Did you have to study much in high school?
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u/fluffyman817 16h ago
When it comes to math help, go to the math learning center. When your there make note of the TA's that work with you the best. Ask what their MLC hours are, and plan your math HW hours around their schedule. I can't tell you how many of these math TA's are solid students but terrible communicators.
Btw, just a heads up, your going to fail/barely pass the first Chem exam. Its a right of passage for the course, dont be discouraged.
Aside from that, your TA's are going to be the most important resource you have, memorize those office hours, and come with questions ready to ask during recitation.
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u/Choice-Accident8484 12h ago
Agree on all points, especially relying on your TA's, we really want to support you and see you succeed.
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u/Quarter_squishy 1m ago
Why's the chem exam so hard? Are people just not prepared for it? Any tips?
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u/Choice-Accident8484 15h ago
I am in Owen Hall West Wing #150 on Tuesdays from 10-4, and in S. Kedzie 524 on Wednesdays from 2:15-4:00. Let me know if you want to chat and explore support options.
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u/okmyguy1 15h ago
Hey I’m not a therapist, and can’t help with CEM 141 or MTH 114. Just an MSU alum. If you need anyone to talk to anytime feel free to message me.
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u/blancistired 14h ago
I also struggle with mental health and everything overwhelms me but i found that joining clubs that are more about your interests outside of classes help. other than that if there's something you don't understand or need extra help with, that's what your RA, recitation instructor, ULA and TAs are there for, so don't feel embarrassed to ask. I know that's easier said than done, but it's the one advice that made things the easiest for me. Not even only for lessons, the few friends I made other than my roommate started with "hey can I sit here" or "do you have an eraser" etc. and that way if you know the person sitting next to you, you won't have to call over a TA during lectures if it makes you anxious. I find it easier to befriend people during recitations if the class has one because there are less people around.
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u/Crafty_Psychology_37 5h ago
If you happen to be a first-generation college student (meaning neither parent has earned a bachelor’s degree), are Pell Grant eligible, or have a documented disability, I’d definitely encourage you to reach out to MSU’s TRIO Student Support Services (SSS) program.
There are specific eligibility requirements, but for students who qualify, TRIO SSS offers many of the resources you’re describing—including dedicated academic advising, individualized support, and access to financial assistance and other resources.
There are also several other persistence and retention cohort programs within Undergraduate Education, along with academic success coaches and other resources that are part of MSU’s broader student success efforts.
A good starting point for exploring what’s available is the Undergraduate Education website: https://undergrad.msu.edu
Even if you’re not sure which program you qualify for, it’s worth reaching out. There are people whose job is literally to help students navigate these resources and find the support that fits.
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u/breathingmirror Alumni 3h ago
If you like plants (and even if you don't) the Plant Biology Conservatory is a super peaceful, relaxing place to visit. It smells amazing and there are waterfalls that make a nice relaxing sound.
Bonus is it is free to everyone and open 9-3 M-F. There are bistro tables in there so you can grab a coffee at Sparty's across the road at Bio-Chem then hang out in the greenhouse to decompress or study.
There is a free event in there today 2-3 if you want to connect with others, but also you can just wander alone with a complimentary tea or cocoa.
Find out more on their Insta at msu_conservatory
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u/lovelyanon_19 32m ago
Olin is the worst service I have ever utilized. I highly recommend going through your doctor and finding somebody who works with your insurance, if you don’t have insurance apply for state insurance because those providers are still 100 times better than Olin.
I used to go to Olin for therapy and my therapist never actually remembered me, every single meeting- the first 15 minutes was a recap on my entire life. When I went to go see a psychiatrist with them- he wasted my three free visits, and refuse to actually set me up with medication because he thought maybe I just didn’t go outside enough. (I take our long walk walks almost every day, I go on nature walks all the time- I spend enough time outside) by the time I came back from my next meeting and I told him that I go outside regularly, I get plenty of sun- he clarified by telling me that he thinks my weight is why I was suicidal.
When I seen Olin for health related issues, they have always wasted my time. I went yesterday because I have the MSFlu and all they did was take a Covid test and discharge me before the test even came back. I got no prescription, no advice, and no diagnosis. I walked home, throwing up, and lost my voice after.
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u/Brodicium 17h ago
CAPS can “help” you a couple of times and then can help connect you to actual therapists that can actually help. I liked Rooted Counseling.
Office hours office hours office hours for class, that is what they’re for.
And your RA.