Learning the Ropes: CEAT offers sage advice for students adjusting to college advice

Learning the Ropes: CEAT offers sage advice for students adjusting to college advice

Friday, October 3, 2025

Media Contact: Kristi Wheeler | Marketing and Communications Manager | 405-744-5831 | [email protected]

College can be daunting with freshmen worried about everything from finding their classes to learning the Oklahoma State University fight song.

But there are many resources and people in place to help College of Engineering, Architecture and Technology students succeed.

Read what Danielle Miles, coordinator of Prospective Student Services for CEAT, and Landri Moydell, a senior in the School of Industrial Engineering and Management, have to say as they answer questions from Jocelynn Swann, an incoming freshman in the School of Civil and Environmental Engineering.

Jocelynn Swann: As an incoming freshman, what is the best way to prepare for my program/college in general?

Danielle Miles: I feel like getting a good schedule down and really nailing down time management skills are the best things you can do to help. Having a routine helps so much and can help keep time from getting away from you.

Landri Moydell: Make sure you always focus on your studies, of course, but make sure you make time for yourself. Try to treat it like a 9-to-5 job, where you focus on your studies until a certain time of night. Then, make time for yourself and try to relax.

Jocelynn: What is the biggest difference between being a senior in high school and a college freshman?

Landri: In high school, I felt the need to be a little bit more competitive. I wanted to be at the top of my class, and I wanted to get all the accolades. But in college, I'm not focused on being valedictorian or anything like that. I still try my best in my classes, but it's a lot more enjoyable because the classes I am in are classes I am interested in and will help me in my career. The classes are harder with more fluidity, but you do get to make more choices for yourself.

Jocelynn: How do I make the right choices when choosing my classes?

Danielle: We have degree plans that recommend certain classes together for a reason. Certain classes are on the same level or both will be needed before enrolling in another required class. So, it's important to pay attention to that, but it's also important to take classes you are interested in.

Incoming student Jocelynn Swann learns more about CEAT while sitting in the Zink Center for Competitive Innovation. CEAT has dozens of innovative labs, workspaces and study areas that ensure student success.

Jocelynn: What does the timeline look like from orientation to the first day of class?

Landri: During Welcome Week, there will be a lot of things going on for new students. You'll be able to find all the different dining options on campus and where your classes are located. Student organizations will host events for students during Welcome Week, so you can learn about different student organizations at OSU and in CEAT.

Jocelynn: What are ways to get more immersed in CEAT?

Danielle: I would say joining student organizations is a great way to meet people, not only in your major, but in other CEAT majors. I would also suggest going to tutoring, which is a good way to meet people and get involved.

Jocelynn: How can I best prepare for things that students struggle with a lot when starting in CEAT as well as OSU?

Danielle: As far as starting in CEAT, exposure to more math and physics helps, especially as you're coming in. From a social standpoint, really just make sure you're pushing yourself out of your comfort zone and not being stuck in your room.

Landri: It's important to keep your high school connections, but also important to broaden your horizons. Find someone in your major who you are happy to see and go to class with every day. Also, finding those friends who you can meet either at the library or to get food with is important.

Jocelynn: What ways can I start looking for scholarships in a specific major?

Landri: You get access to that portal in December and have all the way to Jan. 1 to put in the application. It's about three essay questions and some other basic questions that ask what industries you are interested in. That way, students can be paired with scholarships that fit their major. All of the ones you are eligible for, you can find different options and what you qualify for. Someone goes through and matches you with ones that you are eligible for.

Jocelynn: What is the best piece of advice for an incoming freshman?

Danielle: I'd say come in with an open mind. There are going to be things over the next four or five years that maybe you're not used to. But just approach every situation with a good, positive attitude. Try new things or opportunities that you haven't done before. Just know that these next few years are going to be a time like no other, so take advantage of it while you can.

Landri: Don't be afraid to use all of the resources on campus. We want students to succeed, and our campus has so many resources that help in a lot of ways.

Photos: Gary Lawson

Story by: Tanner Holubar | IMPACT Magazine