Advice for new freshmen: heed advice and just relax

Libby Moore

Hello to all. I hope everyone had a wonderful summer and you are prepared for another exciting semester.

For those of you who are new here (and we know who you are because it doesn't take a genius to spot a scared and clueless freshman), feel free to relax. Some of the best years of your life are going to be spent right here on this campus.

If you're a sailor on the boat of newbies, I'm sure you're having advice thrown at you left and right. Everyone from your parents to your neighbor's uncle seems to be a fountain of knowledge when it comes to major milestones in your life.

Having spent the 2009-2010 school year as a freshman myself, I'm here to dispense real advice that actually works.

1. Get involved. Join a club, Greek Life or anything (within reason) that will force you to meet new people and make new friends. Friends you make in college may remain friends for the rest of your life. Pick an activity you like so you meet people with similar interests.

2. Don't be afraid to ask questions in your classes. You're not stupid if you do not understand a concept. It costs money for you to be here so you might as well make sure you're clear on what's being taught.

3. The all-night-study-thon the night before a test is NOT a good idea. Read over your notes and other class material for an hour every day. This will help information stick in your long-term memory and you will perform better on tests. It may also help to organize a study group among people in your classes so you can compare notes. This will also save you from stress and turning to prescription drugs to help you study (which is illegal and expensive).

4. Don't start off your college career with a police record. If you're under 21, don't drink. Don't smoke anything you wouldn't smoke in front of your grandma. Don't waste your Ramen Noodle fund on illegal substances. No matter how great the high, long term you are safer to avoid such things.

5. As long as you set the washer on a cold setting, you don't have to separate your colors. But always wash your towels and underwear in hot water. This will kill bacteria that can lead to potential infections.

6. If you disregard the advice in #5 and an infection does appear, don't be too proud to visit the University Health Clinic since most procedures are free. You're not macho if your body is suffering. Don't let something antibiotics can fix kill you.

7. Learn to cook. There are many things you can cook that require few ingredients and take little time to prepare. Fast food at every meal is only fine if you are very rich and can devote five hours of your day to exercising.

8. You are a student first. School is the priority and your course work always takes precidence over whatever fun venture your friends are planning. If you know you need to devote time to a class, then no, you can't go out to play.

9. But don't study your life away. You need to have some fun to stay mentally stable. Even the most studious people need a break every now and then. Don't believe me? Watch Steven King's "The Shining" and see what happens when you remain in the same place doing the same thing for days at a time. It's called cabin fever and it is a proven phenomenon. Don't fall victim to it when such a state can be prevented with a trip to the movies.

And there you have it. Just a few basic pointers that can help you survive year one. I wish all students the very best in the coming school year. Go Patriots!