Summer Session is officially over and Penn State freshmen who have nearly six weeks of experience had many words of wisdom for their freshmen classmates joining them for Fall Semester.

These seasoned veterans are willing to give their advice on all the hot topics, including surviving classes, living with a roommate, getting involved in activities, bringing necessary items, mastering campus and yes, eating the dining commons food.

Kristin Stepnick (freshman-computer engineering) said showing up on time for class and sitting in the front of the classroom are easy steps to take toward academic success.

Athena Hareras (freshman-political science) said managing time and planning ahead are also key.

"Keep up with your work," Hareras said. "It's really easy to fall behind."

Julie Matics (freshman-biology and criminal justice) said she has already endured the repercussions of procrastination more than once.

"Don't pull all-nighters," she said.

Caitlin Peterson (freshman-division of undergraduate studies) issued a general roommate warning to her fellow freshmen.

"Be really nice to your roommate," she said. "If you're not, you'll live to regret it."

Aside from roommates, Joe Budd (freshman-division of undergraduate studies) said other people can also play a key role in everyday life.

"You should find a group of people to eat with every day," Budd said.

Justin Griffin (freshman-division of undergraduate studies) said not to be overwhelmed by the thought of meeting new people in such a big place.

"It seems really frightening at first," Griffin said, "but if you are outgoing and friendly and want to have a good time, you will."

Peterson said freshmen should take advantage of on-campus activities to make the most of their free time.

"If you're bored, then you're just lazy because there's so much to do here," Peterson said.

Kevin Rudy (freshman-astronomy and astrophysics) recommended looking at the signs posted on dorm bulletin boards for information about activities.

"Don't sit in your room the whole time," Rudy said. "Get out and do something."

Everyone seemed to have a different idea of the most important item to bring.

"Bring more than you think you will need because you'll always miss something you wish you'd brought," Ashley Talley (freshman-nuclear engineering) said.

More specifically, Talley said she already e-mailed a friend coming to Penn State in the fall, telling her to bring a new pair of sneakers and a computer.

Budd said the dorm rooms were hotter than he expected them to be this summer and advised everyone to bring at least one fan.

Bikes are always a debate for incoming freshmen, but Rudy said he definitely thinks having a bike on campus is worthwhile.

Many freshmen said their concerns about the size of campus and fears of getting lost were unfounded.

"It's not as big as I thought it would be," Talley said. "I expected hour-long walks to class, but it's only about 10 minutes."

Matics agreed.

"I thought it was going to be a pain finding my way around, but it's not that bad," she said.

And finally, the age-old question of what the food in the dining commons is really like. Matics said it was much better than she expected.

"You can always get cherries, strawberries and blueberries," Matics said. "That's the best."

Talley also said the food exceeded her expectations.

"It's not like a school cafeteria," Talley said. "It's much better than that."

With just a few weeks left before Fall Semester begins, plans to make those last days at home count are under way.

Stepnick said she wants to visit her home and say goodbye one last time.

"I graduated and came up here right away, so I didn't really get a chance to hang out with my friends," Stepnick said.

Matics also recommended being with friends and preparing to begin a full semester of Penn State life.

"Spend a lot of time with your friends, relax and sleep," Matics said. "Definitely sleep."