Freshmen Hamilton Opinion

Advice For The Freshmen From A Senior

It’s a strange and exciting feeling driving through campus, car filled to capacity, moving into what will be the last undergrad dorm I will inhabit. It’s an even stranger feeling returning to a campus after traveling and living real life for a semester, confronted with the faces of scared and anxious freshmen. I remember my first theater professor telling us (first and second years) that seniors “carry themselves differently.” I could easily spot these upperclassmen walking around campus like they’ve been here and done that many times before.

Now I find myself among members of the 2013 NESCAC Class in that very position, realizing that we as a group have gone through the motions time and time again. Yet here we are: our last official move-in day at our respective liberal arts colleges in the final days of summer. It’s something we as seniors have to recognize and relish…

But we also have to pass on some wisdom to those in the years below us–especially those in the class of 2016; so I’ve compiled a few key pieces of advice for all the freshmen at the 11 New England small colleges this fall.

1.) Introduce yourself to someone everyday.

2.) Help someone move in! (Another great way to meet people).

3.) Buy someone a drink. Great ice breaker.

4.) Give someone a drink. Less expensive ice breaker.

5.) Be prepared for your first day of class. (This doesn’t mean you necessarily have to have all your textbooks bought and handy).

6.) Wear a pinnie. (Doesn’t matter if you’re a guy or girl, this is a must).

7.) Go on a run in and around campus. You’ll learn more about the place this way AND de-stress simultaneously.

8.) Make sure you know where your classes actually are. Don’t be that kid who runs into class 15 minutes late because you had no idea what room G042 meant.

9.) Be excited but not too excited. No one likes that really annoying freshman who thinks they’re all that.

10.) Have some fun! It’s college.

11.) Be yourself. As corny as it is, you’ll find good people this way that you will actually click with!

Again, as a senior I’ve been there, done that, so I’ve had my fair share of friends, hookups, and exams, but college is all about learning about the world AND yourself so enjoy your time as an undergrad.

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