How to Spot the Freshman

    There are a few things freshmen do  that make it very obvious to the school (especially small schools) that they are indeed freshman.

    First, freshmen travel in packs, "The Freshmen Heard" is what the upperclassmen at my school call them. They walk in groups of at least five everywhere on campus. To the caf, to town, back to the dorm, etc. 

     Another give-away is that freshmen are the only ones to wear their lanyards around their neck for the first week of school. While many college student have lanyards they don't carry them around their necks nor do they let the lanyard hang from a pocket. It seems cool I know- I did it my freshman year as well. 

   

Freshmen Orientation

   First weekend at college is always exciting! Meeting new people and exploring the place you will be for the next four years. Here are the do's and don'ts of freshmen orientation

Do's

•   Be outgoing! Talk to people meet as many people as you can during this time. Now is not the time to by shy (because half the group will be). You will thank yourself the rest of the year. Many people limit their friendships because they aren't outgoing and they miss out!
• Have a FaceBook or AIM account AND texting. College kids barely talk on the phone, they communicate and get to know people via these social sites. FaceBook is a great way to connect with people you just met and stay in touch with them. AIM and texting are the ways freshmen talk with each other!
• Go to at least half of the scheduled events for orientation. Again, a great way to meet everyone and make friends! Now, nobody goes to all the events and thats totally fine. But if you skip it you miss out!

Don't

• Drink the first weekend you are there. Face it. You don't know how to get away with drinking, and as an RA on higher alert (trust me, I have been an RA for 2 1/2 years).
• If you decide to drink go slow- you might not know your limit and that leads to all kinds of troubles.
• Trust your gut- don't hang out with people that make you uncomfortable or try to get you to do things you don't want to. There are plenty of people at college that will not peer pressure you- find them!

Hope these help!

Welcome!

Hello there and welcome! This is the real deal guide. What happens at college and what to expect. This will be a guide to the do's and don'ts on college campuses across the country. As a senior I have seen it all and want to share my experiences with you!