Freshman are often left to their own devices. Upperclassmen often laugh when they see a freshman doing or saying something embarrassing, as they pretend they have never been in the same predicament. However, the greatest thing about time, is once a little passes, your embarrassment turns to nostalgia and hilarity.
In good Spartan spirit, the upperclassmen lent their wisdom to make the freshman experience just a little bit easier, and save you the trouble of learning their lessons the hard way.
-It’s not Morsani, it’s always Stadium.
-Don’t walk back from the pool in your bathing suit, no one wants to see that, especially professors.
-Don’t eat in Stadium more than once per day and breathe between bites of your Salsa Rico burrito.
-Go to class and appreciate the fact that they’re still easy.
-Join clubs and avoid the ones in Ybor. They’re kind of sketchy.
-Walk in groups as much as possible when walking at night even if you’re just going from Straz to Stadium.
-Don’t take the elevator to or from the second floor. People will hate you with the passion of 200 fiery suns.
-Don’t be the kid who walks into class 45 minutes late. It’s rude and yes, the professor notices.
-Don’t have sex in the laundry room or anywhere else public. Stick to the bedroom area.
-Having a class in Plant Hall is a full body workout, it’s OK to be winded after three flights of stairs.
-It is always a good idea to reward yourself with Dairy Queen. Doesn’t matter what you did.
-Befriend your neighbors. You share a bathroom so you might as well be friends.
-Don’t park in the upperclassmen or commuter parking spots. It’s the quickest way to earn a 2 for 1- ticket, and a fight.
-Be smart when dealing with older guys or all guys for that matter.
-Don’t knock on random doors at 4 A.M. It’s not funny, and you’re no
longer 12 years old.
-Don’t go to class hung over.
-It doesn’t matter how cool you might have been in high school, the way people think of you is determined by how you carry yourself.
-Be nice to Tony.
-Do not ride around campus blasting music. We get it, you have a car. It plays music. Turn it down.
-Pick up your laundry on time. Other people need the machines, people are not above putting your clothes on the floor.
-Don’t let Tony find your next boyfriend. Spoiler alert: it will be the guy next to you.
-Be nice to maintenance. They will save your life many times over throughout the year.
-Clean up after yourself in the cafeteria, you don’t have a maid.
-No one cares what kind of car you drive, just make sure you park it between the lines.
-Remember why you’re here, hint: it’s not to waste $37,000 per year of your parents’ money.
-Drink the chocolate milk. It’s the first thing to go from Jazzman’s and the grocer. There’s also some in the cafe!
-Don’t walk by the train tracks, or over the bridges at night. It’s just not safe and the Hillsborough River is not the cleanest thing to swim in.
-There is no pool in Vaughn…only a hot tub.
-If you have a question, don’t be afraid to ask. Not all of the upperclassmen are snarky.
-Don’t ever try to take a 20 minute nap before class. You will oversleep.
-If you are a commuter make sure you leave with enough time to find a parking spot. At least 45 minutes.
-Take advantage of the career center. They can really help you land a job and create a killer resume.
-Don’t be afraid to eat meals alone. Only you think people are judging you.
-Take CLEP tests to get out of some classes. It’ll make your life a lot easier.
-Make friends with your professors. You may need their help at the end of the semester.
-Join an organization.
-Take other classes outside your major. You may learn something new.
-Balance fun and school. You will need to stay sane.
-Take advantage of the fitness classes at McNiff fitness center.
-Go to the dock to clear year mind.
-Take walks in Plant Park.
-You will have to dodge skateboarders when you’re walking to class.
-Don’t put Bob Marley posters on your bedroom wall.
-Go to Panache at least once.
Brianna Kwasnik can be reached at brianna.kwasnik@spartans.ut.edu