How To Spot a Freshman

By Alex Hider

We’ve all been there before… new school, new friends, new lifestyle, and no parents. There is no doubt that freshman year of college is the most exciting, different and in some ways scariest year of our young lives. To those who have been there before, we can tell whom you are.

For any student in their first year of college, there is always a learning curve: Finding a weekly routine, adjusting to classes, and meeting new people. It may seem daunting, but everyone gets there eventually. For those freshmen still learning the rules of the road, here are some tips to not stick out like a sore thumb (in a bad way).

Lanyards: Put them away! This isn’t high school, you don’t need to let people know you can drive and have a car. I’m quite sure that the majority of students have a place to live, so there is no need to be flashing your room key to everyone that walks by. Yes, I see you swinging your lanyard, that’s pretty cool…I guess? Are you going to yell at me for running on the pool deck?

Spirit Wear: Wait, you go to Ohio University? No way! I’m glad you have pride in your school, but when you go out in an OU t-shirt, hoodie, and hat, it’s a bit much. When you wear that much spirit wear, I expect you to be able to name at least three players on the football team. Yes, we do have a football team.

Know where you’re going: To be fair, Ohio University’s campus is probably quite large compared to your high schools. But by the time week three rolls around and you still have no idea where Morton Hall is, I have no sympathy for you. You’ve had at least five classes there so far; it’s the same place it always was.  Also, Court Street is a one-way street; no need to look both ways when crossing the street. Finally, Baker Center is your best friend… unless you like walking up hills.

Laundry: Like Nike, just do it. It’s not that hard. The longer you wait, the more you’ll have to carry, the less clothes you’ll have to wear, and there is more of a chance you’ll screw up the washing machine. Do you want to be that kid that gets a face full of suds when you open the washer door? If you are, you’re in good company. However, if you still aren’t sure what to do, there are directions on the machines.

Homesickness: We’ve all been there. Almost everyone here is at least two hours away from home. You miss your parents, your brothers and sisters, friends from home, your pets, your house, your car, and pretty much everything from last year. It sucks. There’s no other way to describe it. So get Skype, and keep in touch often, but don’t go home too often on the weekends. There is so much to do in Athens on the weekends, and you don’t want to miss anything. Plus, Christmas break will be that much better in a month.

Don’t take this the wrong way, freshman readers. But, the most important piece of information I can give you is don’t hold yourself back. Even though it is your first year of college, get involved early and often. Find something you like and find others who share your interests. Meet people, make friends, join a club and change the campus. Remember, you wouldn’t be here if you didn’t have anything to offer the university and it only takes one person to influence another. It’s never too early to make an impact at Ohio.