for college students by college students

August 23, 2018/12 Elul 5778

Jewish Life

On Campus 101

The top 10 things
you need to know to
thrive on campus as
a Jewish student.

Nate Strauss
Special to the
Jewish News

RIGHT: Enjoying
MSU Hillel’s Picnic
at the Rock during
MSU Welcome
Week: Tyer Weil
and Annie Kaplan,
both of Danville,
Calif.; Christopher
Back, Chicago;
Stephen Lipshaw,
West Bloomfield;
and Becca Walker,
East Lansing.

P

icture this: You’ve just wrapped up
your best summer yet. Whether you
spent time at camp, studying abroad
or working, you had an amazing few months
free from homework (hopefully) and got to
create the best memories with friends and
family before heading off to college.
If you’re an incoming first-year student,
I’m sure you’re feeling the butterflies in your
stomach, excited to start your college jour-
ney but nervous for what the road ahead
might look like. If you’re returning to campus,
you’ve got some time in school under your
belt, and you’re looking forward to diving
deep into cool classes and hanging out with
friends.
But, regardless if you’re a new student or
a returner, coming to campus in August can
be daunting, and your fall semester can be
tough. Have no fear, though, because here are
the top 10 things you need to know to thrive
on campus as a Jewish student. Don’t worry,
we’ve got your back.
First, a little bit about me. I’m Nate Strauss.
I’m a breakfast food aficionado, Parks and
Recreation super fan and a devoted yogi. I’m
also the director of Jewish Student Life and
IACT coordinator for Israel Engagement at
Michigan State University Hillel. What does
that mean? It means I spend each and every
day working with college students to create
vibrant and innovative Jewish experiences on
campus.

So why am I writing a Top 10 list for
you on how to thrive on campus? Because
when I was in college at Michigan State, I
wandered for a few months before I found
the places I belonged. I would have loved
a few tips to get my fall semester off to
a great start. This list can help lead you
toward the best resources and tips for
your college experience, so let’s get on
with it!
My top 10 tips, in no particular order:

10. You aren’t locked into
your major or minor.

Don’t worry, if you go through a semester
of classes and end up not liking your major
or minor, you’re totally allowed to switch.
Some students wait until the end of their
sophomore year to decide on what they want
to study, and that’s OK. If you want to add a
Jewish studies minor, switch from journalism
to business, or go for the bachelor of science
degree instead of a bachelor of arts, you can
do whatever you need to set yourself up for

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August 23 • 2018

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