Whether you’re a sophomore, junior, or senior, we can all look back on our freshman year and name a few things we regret doing (or not doing). To all the brand new Wilfrid Laurier baby hawks out there, here are my two cents on how to survive your freshman year with the least amount of social casualties and emotional breakdowns as possible.
1. Netflix will make or break you.
Either way, you’re not going to end up doing your readings. So go ahead, start that Gossip Girl marathon a week before finals. You can study during the 12-second break between episodes.
2. Those that matter won’t mind.
Be yourself! People will always have an opinion, but that doesn’t mean you have to care.
3. Your weekends in university are limited; the amount of readings you have are not.
Time goes by faster than you think. Before you know it, you are walking out with a diploma in your hand and a lifetime of responsibilities. You have the rest of your life to stay in and catch up on work, so go out with your girls and enjoy what is said to be the best four years of your life – before it’s over.
4. That being said, you are in university to LEARN!
Don’t forget why you are here in the first place! As much as you love Thirsty Thursdays, keep up with your classes.
5. Tequila takes your clothes off.
Seriously, whatever you thought was funny last night might not be as entertaining the next morning.
6. Nobody cares how hung over you are. Do not wear pajamas to class.
If you don’t want to be there at 8:30am, chances are nobody else does either. At least try to look like you care.
7. Sleep!
You will either sleep more than you ever have in your life, or not at all. Find a balance or the dark circles under your eyes will suffer.
8. Your professors aren’t the spawn of Satan.
If you are struggling, they will most likely try to help you.Yes, you read that right; they’re not trying to fail you.
9. But they don’t listen to excuses.
They don’t give a sh*t if your printer broke, alarm didn’t go off, car broke down, etc.
10. It’s only a walk of shame if you’re embarrassed.
If you handle the walk with confidence, it’s not really a walk of shame now is it?
11. Leggings are not pants.
Just kidding, they’re practically a uniform.
12. Freshman 15 is REAL.
So is the Freshman 50. Go to the gym!
13. You will almost always run into that guy you hooked up with that one time.
Even if you’re trying your hardest to forget about it, at least be graceful when you run into each other.
14. Take advantage of your resources.
Make the most of resume building workshops, your professors’ office hours, foot patrol, dining hall, etc.
15. Just because you started high school classes early, it doesn’t mean you can start university classes early.
You will sleep through most of your 8:30am classes.
16. DON’T WALK ON THE HAWK!
Don’t mess with tradition.