PTLF Guide to First-Years

Welcome to Stern! So - you're a first-year, huh? You've read all the packet information, read through the websites, and probably even read a book on Stern. You met with current students and now think you know all there is to know about Stern. Don't count on it!

Since we have all been there, here are the top 10 pieces of advice that we, the current part-time students, wish to impart on you, the Spring Class of 2006:

1) You're a part-time student. This means you have to balance work, school, and a life. You'll quickly find out the balance will probably be in that order.

2) Pre-Term is 48 hours long. Yes, you get a lot of information. Yes, it will be more than you can handle. Yes, by the end of the first day you will want to go to the Pre-Term Happy Hour and probably have more than one drink (Whoopie for our drink specials!). However, once there, try to remember that while you may have superb dancing skills, you do not want to be remembered as the "person who danced on the bar at Pre-Term."

3) When you create your study groups, choose members based on compatibility, not geography. There is nothing worse than working with group members with whom you do not get along. Create a strong study group as well. This will help you as your classes become more difficult (or work takes up more time!).

4) Core Group gossip remains within the core group. 'Nuff said.

5) Take ownership in your study group. If you travel a lot, there is a chance you will be away when your study group meets to prepare a presentation (especially if you are in the Red core group). While your classmates will almost always be willing to step in and help out, do not leave them to do all the work. If you cannot make a meeting for some reason, find another way you can help out in the group - whether it is on this project or the next project.

6) Beer Blast is Stern's weekly Networking Event. It takes place every Thursday night from 6 - 10pm and is for both full-time and part-time students. You can order Beer for the Semester which gives you free access for the entire semester. This is a great way to meet your fellow full-time and part-time students.

7) Career Switchers - You need to be completely focused during this process and the time to start is NOW. Read Diego Lomanto's article (PTLF's Career Services Chair) in the Oppy this week for more information. If you wait until it is too late, well, we told you so.

8) The PTLF Annual Core Group Games Scavenger Hunt is the most attended core group event. Not only do you meet up with many people you have not seen since pre-term, but it is a great way to meet new people in a relaxed environment. Keep an eye out for the date, scheduled right now for April.

9) Which is more important? Grades or Networking. We will let you figure that out on your own.

10) We get tired of hearing, "Oh, I don't know how to do that and I don't know who to ask."

PTLF is here to answer all your questions and address all your concerns. If you have any questions, concerns or comments, please send them to us at ptlf@stern.nyu.edu. Congratulations again, and welcome to Stern!