Think back to your freshman year at Illinois State University. Knowing what you know now, what advice would you give your freshman self?

That’s the question we asked our spring 2014 graduates at their commencement ceremony. Their advice for new students was all over the map, from student involvement to textbooks to getting to know your professors.

Here are some of our favorite bits of advice from our newest alumni. Have your own advice? Share it in the comments below!

Ryan Denham can be reached at rmdenha@IllinoisState.edu. Adam Rahn can be reached at amrahn@IllinoisState.edu.