Freshman year…everyone goes through it. Before you know it, the year will end, and the next batch will come in, nervous and unsure like many of you were. There are some definite do’s and don’ts of being a freshman, so here are some tips and tricks to avoid being labeled as “that Freshman.”
1. DON’T take up the hallways in the morning. A lot of the underclassmen like to bunch up and talk with their friends, which ends up clogging up some hallways. Try to keep this to a minimum. On Monday mornings, having to avoid a sea of freshman and being squished against the wall is sure to annoy your peers. An easy resolution? Sit around a cafeteria table in the morning, or meet in an open area like the gym! Mornings will definitely run a lot smoother for everyone.
2. DO walk on the right side of the hallway. When everyone walks on the right, things run very smoothly. Don’t make others weave in and out to avoid bumping in to you!
3. DON’T cut the lunch line. Loudly complaining about the wait and trying to slip past other students will definitely draw some glares. Instead, just wait your turn like everyone else on line. You WILL get your lunch, even if that means waiting a few extra minutes on line. If you really want, there is always the option of pre-ordering your lunch so that you can avoid the line altogether.
4. DO go to home games! This is a great way to show your school spirit, and there really is no excuse. Having a roaring home crowd makes all the difference at games.
5. DON’T get trapped in the breezeway during class. Not knowing your way around the school can end up making you late to class. Remember that breezeway doors are unlocked between class bells, but once class starts, those doors will automatically lock. Be sure to remember this when going from one classroom to another!
6. DO keep your laptop charger in your backpack. Don’t think that your battery will last you to the end of the day, becomes oftentimes, it won’t. Be prepared. “My laptop is dead” is not an excuse to not do work.
7. DON’T forget to check your email! Most of you have figured this out by now, but if you haven’t, a lot of important information is sent out by email. School-wide emails inform you about school events, different clubs, when athletic events are, and sometimes contain information from your teachers (homework changes, extra credit opportunities, etc.) Just be sure to check your email at appropriate times, like during lunch or in the beginning of class when you’re not supposed to be doing something else.
8. DO keep a few dollars in your bag for that unannounced bake sale. Not being able to get that cupcake when you’re starving is a terrible feeling- you don’t want to stay hungry just because you don’t have any cash on you.
9. DON’T forget to keep a spare change of clothes in your locker. I always have sweatpants and a t-shirt in my locker just in case I need them.
10. DO know the general temperature of your classes. Bring a sweatshirt for that one class that is always freezing, but make sure you have a t-shirt underneath for those warmer classrooms; you don’t want to be sweating during class!
