From first-year to fifth-year: Advice from a graduating student

When Josh Elkotiwz imagined starting school at Miami University, he did not envision online classes and being confined to a dorm room.

Elkowitz, a fifth-year student studying engineering management with a specialty in manufacturing, started classes at Miami during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. For him, Miami was only as big as President’s Hall (now Marcum Hall).

Now, as he wraps up his final semester, he has some advice for the next generation of Miami graduates.

“For me, the hardest thing when I came to Miami was getting out of the dorms and doing things other than school,” Elkowitz said. “It was hard because of COVID, but in general, it is something people need to focus more on, especially at first. It’s nice to be good friends with your roommate, but if that doesn’t work out, then you must go outside of your comfort zone.”

Olivia Adams, an incoming first-year marketing major, will start at Miami under a different set of circumstances. While she won’t have to worry about quarantine or virtual classes, she said she’s still concerned about college life.

“The thing I am the most nervous about when I get to Miami is meeting new people and adapting to this new way of life,” Adams said. “I’m moving into a dorm that will be a very different style of living than what I am used to; learning to live with a roommate in a small space is my main concern right now.”

To combat this, Lielyn Mercer, a senior chemical engineering major, recommends staying as friendly as possible with your roommate.

“Even if you aren’t the best of friends, you have to live together,” Mercer said. “Even if it gets hard, just don’t make things weird.”

Another bit of advice Elkotiwz gave was how to structure the academic day, because that was one of his main struggles when arriving at Miami.

“College is a big change from high school,” Elkowitz said. “In high school, everything is laid out for you. You must be there by this time and do this and that. There is more free time in college. You have to be on your own schedule.”

Similarly, Adams’ biggest concern relates to managing her time and schedule.

“I’m worried about procrastinating and getting my work done,” Adams said. “I want to use my free time productively instead of staying on my phone or swiping on TikTok.”

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From a seasoned professional, Elkowitz suggests students utilize different study spots on campus.

“Go to the library … go anywhere other than your dorm,” Elkowitz said. “The dorm is your sleeping area … if you work in your room, you are going to get distracted by friends and all sorts of other things. I feel like I didn’t do it as much as I probably should have.”

Mercer also emphasized the importance of staying ahead on your homework whenever possible.

“Life can get really chaotic, so if you have the opportunity to get ahead on your schoolwork, take it,” Mercer said. “It will give you a little more cushion for when things get crazy.”

Elkowtiz added that a big change for him was managing his grades, as well as his previous expectations.

“People say that C’s get degrees … as long as you pass, you are one step closer to graduating,” he said. “There are so many more fun things to do in Oxford than sit in the library for 18 hours a day trying to get an A.”

Mercer also offered advice on staying healthy.

“It’s not fun to be sick in college,” she said. “Drink lots of water and take vitamins, even if you didn’t take them at home.”

Even though Elkowitz changed majors his first year, he recommends all first-years join clubs related to their field.

“I joined the engineering fraternity my junior year,” Elkowitz said. “If I had been in engineering my freshman year, I would have joined then; you see all these people that joined freshman year become really close friends. You also get to know so many people in your classes and ones that will be in the same academic buildings as you. It is a good way to build a community of people that know what you are going through academically.”

Outside of meeting people and adapting to a college environment, Adams’ biggest questions surround textbooks and school supplies.

“It’s specific, but what school supplies am I going to need?” Adams said. “I’m used to bringing notebooks and things, but what other supplies am I expected to have for class? Do I need to buy textbooks?”

“Notebooks, pens, pencils and a calculator.,” Elkowitz said. “And scissors, no one ever has scissors.”

Overall, Elkowtiz’s biggest piece of advice is to enjoy the freedom that college brings.

“You have this newfound freedom, and within reason, you can do whatever you want,” Elkowitz said. “Go hang out with your friends on Cook Field, go Uptown. Part of the fun of college is exploring and doing whatever comes to mind.”

reieram@miamioh.edu