My first night on Rowan's campus was what I imagine a typical freshman's first night is like: I stayed up until 3 A.M. with new friends, and we did absolutely nothing. But at first, there was an overwhelming amount of people I needed to meet, and most of them fell into very specific categories. As the night grew later and later, I realized that Rowan's student body could fit into 10 types of people:
1. The Preppy Kids
We all know this type - Sperrys and Polos and Vineyard Vines for miles. They can be seen all over campus, walking to class in their Nautica raincoat or accessorizing with something as simple as a Vineyard Vines lanyard.
2. The Edge Lords
While this might be aimed directly at one of my friends (@asakkestad), we see this type of student often. Dressed in all black (or some other dark color), they're especially pumped this time of year because their favorite holiday is quickly approaching: Halloween.
3. The Partiers
Sometimes you can't help it; everyone's going to go to a party at least once. But, anytime you do go out, you will probably stick out like a sore thumb, and most people will be able to tell where you're going. Why? Because no one is dressed that nicely to go study.
4. The Gamers
I'd like to think it's very rare that a college student spends their last days of summer holed up, playing Xbox all day-- but some do. And there's more than I thought there were before. These guys (because, let's face it, most are guys) like to spend their nights playing FPS games and their days sleeping in late. Despite Rowan's heavily active and enthralling campus, nothing screams a "good time" better than Xbox.
5. The Guy You Kinda Had A Crush On... Until You Found Out He Was In A Relationship
yeah.....
6. The People You Will Never Talk To Again
You talked to them for a hot minute in class or during that awkward floor meeting with your RA, but you know in your heart that it was a one and done situation.
7. The People You Kinda Know, But Not Really
You probably saw them at orientation or maybe they live on your floor. You kinda know their name.. Gabby.. maybe Sarah, you're not really sure. Either way, these people you kinda know will probably remain the people you kinda know. You'll awkwardly wave at each other and maybe you'll invite each other out, but you're friendship status is acquaintances, at best.
8. The Kid With A Secret Talent![]()
There's this kid- let's call him Jeff. He's Rowan's IT MVP, and is kinda secretly a musical genius. Catch him in RoVo as their newest beat-boxer and baritone
9. Your Roommate/Suitemates
Ah, the people that you’ll be living with for the next year. You’ll either love ‘em or hate ‘em, but either way, you’ll be seeing a lot of each other.
10. Your People
These are people you want to spend time with; your friends, your squad... whatever you want to call it. I met mine the first night, but it might take you a while to find your place, which is alright too.
Whether you met 5 or 50 people on your first night, your fellow students are going to fall into multiple stereotypes. If you're still looking for "your people", keep an open mind and get yourself out there. Sit next to someone in the cafe, introduce yourself to people in your class, find people with common interests, and I promise you will be okay. College is all about the experience, and meeting new friends is a big part of that. It could take a little while; you just need to try, and be patient. Everything will work out in the end.
