7 Ways to Know You’re a Boise State Freshman

The “freshman experience” is all part of the college rite of passage. But let’s face it, you’re all too easy to spot: wandering aimlessly around campus, oftentimes with parents in tow; asking politely where and what “the SUB” is with a campus map clenched in their hands. At Boise State, there are a few other tell-tale signs, too:  

1. You’re wearing the orange lanyard– right now. 

You know what I am talking about: the free orange lanyard that ASBSU gives out at BroncoVenture (possibly now looking a little grey). All freshman wear them, dorm keys attached, either hanging out of their back pocket or around their necks. Advice? Don’t. Please go to the BroncoShop and buy a new one that does not proclaim “I am new” for the whole world to see. 

2. You experience frequent acronym confusion (FAC).

Since you are not quite yet part of “Boise Culture”, it’s easy to get lost in all the letters and acronyms: UF, MP, SUB, JRC, DLC– what does it all mean??? 

3. You don’t know the Fight Song. 

You’re at a football or basketball game: the band starts playing, and everyone is cheering and clapping. The upperclassmen all start singing, and you want to join in but… you don’t know the words of our alma mater. Finally, it gets to the part where you get to yell: “Go Orange, Go Big Blue. Fight, Fight, BSU,” like you know what you’re doing. C’mon, just learn the thing. 

4. Upperclassmen use you for BRC swipes.

Watch out for upperclassmen who say things like: “I LOVE the BRC”, or “let’s get lunch sometime.” This is just code for let me use your guest swipes so I don’t have to cook. 

5. Your Bronco Card is attached to your keys. 

When Boise State Orientation Leaders tell you that your Bronco Card is your “key to campus life,” they aren’t kidding. I mean, you have to use it to go pee. Hence, all freshmen have it attached to their unstylish orange lanyard (see above) for easy access. 

6. You still get care packages from your parents.

Enjoy it while it lasts!!! It is a uniquely freshman problem to be “hoping for a care package– in desperate need of snacks.” Later in life, you actually have to fend for yourself. We all secretly hate you for your Instagram pics of boxes overflowing with homemade goodies. 

7. You are seriously short on sleep… 

NOT because you are up late studying, or out late partying. No. It is because you are in a freshmen dorm and live down the hall from a couple fellow freshies with 10+ noise violations. They talk loud, sing loud, play music loud, blast the TV loud… they do everything, and I mean everything, LOUD.