Fall semester is just around the corner, and everyone is preparing for the upcoming load of work that college comes with. At the University of Texas at Dallas, every student is familiar with the norms and traditions that come with being a green and orange wearing Comet. Whether you're a commuter or on-campus resident, there are certain things you know you'll face as a UTD student.
1. Changing Your NetID Password For the 50th Time
We’re all guilty of using the same password for every account, but UTD is determined to change that, even if it means being locked out of Galaxy and your student e-mail for a week.
2. Being Reminded Of How Creepy Temoc Is
Other schools have fierce, intimidating mascots to represent them. While the comet that serves as our mascot may be intimidating, it’s not because a ball of gas and ice is necessarily menacing, but rather because every year it creeps out a fair share of freshmen.
3. Finding New Routes Around The Perpetual Construction
Just when you think you’ve found the best way to get around all of the construction sites, more ensue and you have to completely re-route your way to class.
4. Loading Up On Free Food During Welcome Week
Welcome Week is undoubtedly one of the best parts about coming back to UTD. When you’re not pigging out, there’s other traditions like the Sex Bowl or Silent Disco that are a blast and completely unique to our school.
5. Emptying Half Your Bank Account For a Parking Pass
As if finding a parking space wasn’t already enough of a hassle, you also have to spill what seems like half of your life savings just to have your car on campus.
6. And Then REALLY Giving Your Wallet The Death Sentence By Getting Textbooks
I mean, seriously. Does anyone actually buy brand new textbooks from the bookstore anymore?
7. Being Able To Geek Out With Everyone
Whether it be playing Pokemon Go, participating in the chess team or preparing for Comet Con, coming back to UTD is allows everyone to seriously embrace their “geekiness” together.
8. Remembering How Hot August Is In Texas
Summer break allowed for the lifestyle of a hermit, but those days are over. The refuge of Netflix and AC we’ve all grown so familiar with was the best way to pretend it wasn’t hot enough to fry eggs on the concrete, but now it’s (literally) time to face the heat when walking to class.
9. Whooshing Everywhere
Because let’s face it, this is as close to school spirit as we can get (other than cheering on the basketball team). Don't forget the importance of the mini-whoosh, either.
10. And Of Course, Reuniting With Your Friends
Despite the drudgery that comes with starting a new semester, getting to see everyone you missed over the summer is always worth it.
