No one understands the college experience as well as someone who lives through it. So I went out and interviewed a handful of student leaders.

Here’s what each of them had to say:

Ryan Cortes

Editor-in-Chief, University Press

Started at FAU: 2009

What would you warn new students about? 

It’s not all sunshine and roses. It’s going to get more expensive every year. The parking is always going to be a problem no matter how many times you hear otherwise. 

Biggest obstacle you overcame as a new student? 

Growing up. When you come to college, there’s an adjustment period. You have to learn to live without your mom, be independent and realize at the end of all this, you have the last call. You have to live with it. 

Favorite place to hang out on campus? 

Out behind the Union, hanging out with the trees and stuff. Whatever I say about FAU, it is a really nice campus. 

One thing you would do if you could start over at FAU? 

I would have gotten involved at the UP sooner. You have a huge advantage when you start early. When you start as a freshman you have all four years to get it done, so you’re better [off]. 

April Turner 

SG vice president, former GPT resident assistant 

Started at FAU: 2008 

What excited you most about coming to FAU? 

Not living under my parents’ roof. The new freedom and opportunities. 

What disappointed you most when you started at FAU? 

Campus was dead on weekends when I first started. At least there’s a little buzz when there’s a game at the stadium now. 

What three tips can you offer to new students? 

1) Use all the resources you have. I didn’t know about the free scantrons, writing center and the dentist on campus. 

2) Figure out what you enjoy doing. 

3) Really enjoy everyday. This is the only time in your life where you get to stay up till 3 a.m. and no one questions it. 

What else would you tell new students? 

My door is always open. 

Michelle Friswell 

Photo editor, University Press 

Started at FAU: 2010 

What would you warn new students about? 

The professors are very hands off sometimes. It gets extremely hot walking from building to building. Be careful what you wear. Get a skateboard or a bike, when it’s hot out, the distance between buildings seems to multiply. And get parked early, you can never rely on parking. 

Favorite place to hang out on campus? 

Out by the food courts, in the back. The open seats. 

Favorite place to study on campus? 

I really like the second floor of the student Union, by the chairs. It’s always quiet, you can get your stuff done. 

One thing you would you do differently if you could start over at FAU? 

I would join a club sooner. 

Boris Bastidas 

FAU alumni, former SG house speaker 

Started at FAU: 2008 

What excited you most about coming to FAU? 

The sense of community here. 

What three tips can you offer to new students? 

1) Read all those financial aid emails and websites. 

2) You have to ask questions and stay on top of people. 

3) Be assertive. 

Favorite place to hang out on campus? 

The Union, the whole building. And as you get older, Coyote Jack’s is a good place to go. 

What else would you tell new students? 

Get involved. Put school first. That’s why you’re here. And this is your school now, so make it your school.