First of all, let me say congratulations and welcome to UMass Lowell! The summer before college is super exciting, but also super stressful because you have no idea what is coming at you in the Fall. I was in your shoes just one year ago, so let me offer you some advice to survive the first few weeks of freshman year.
1. Remember, all freshman are in the same boat.
Everyone is clueless just like you. So yes, it is completely normal to be worrying about making friends and who you are going to eat meals with or who you are going to walk to class with. But remember that everyone else who is new has the same worries as you.
2. Fox Hall will have significantly more fire drills and false alarms. It's just the facts.
So I'm sorry if you are one of the many freshman living in Fox Hall, but it's just a reality. And those living in Leitch Hall will definitely be featuring you on their Snapchat stories. Just saying.
3. We are not UMass Amherst.
You will learn very quickly that us Riverhawks don't really like being compared to the Minutemen. While we are all in the UMass system, there is definitely a rivalry. And who has the superior hockey team? Oh, I think that would be us.
4. The quad buildings on North Campus (Southwick, Pasteur, Kitson, Falmouth, etc.) are confusing.
To be honest, I still don't know exactly where I'm going when I step inside. You are basically guaranteed to have class in one of these buildings, so just follow the signs on the walls and you should be fine.
5. If you have class on South Campus, pay attention to the difference between Durgin Hall and Dugan Hall.
I'm a North Campus major, but Durgin and Dugan are very different, so make sure you pay attention to what your schedule says to avoid a classic freshman moment.
6. Establish yourself as Team Dunks or Team Starbucks, because we have both.
Personally, I am Team Dunks. That being said, we do have multiple Starbucks on campus compared to the one Dunkin Donuts. But choose wisely.
7. GO. TO. THE HOCKEY. GAMES.
I wasn't really a hockey fan before college, but we have a fantastic team. It's a great way to meet new people and have fun on Friday nights. It may not be for everyone, but I highly recommend giving it a chance.
8. This isn't high school, so don't come to college with a high school attitude.
Leave your high school-ness at the door. You're in college now. No one cares how popular you were or how many awards you won. While those are important to you getting here, this is a blank page for you. You are completely starting over with a fresh GPA and record.
9. There is always construction happening, so just get used to it now.
There is always construction because the entire campus is being revamped for the future. Pretty cool when you think about it, but until then, it's loud and a little annoying. But the end product (take the new dining hall on South Campus for example) will be totally worth it.
10. As much as you try to not look like a freshman, you will.
We were all there once. But the truth is you're new and you don't know where you're going. So your "newness" is going to show no matter how hard you try to hide it. That being said, we all know what that feels like, so no one is going to bite your head off if you ask someone for some help.
11. You will learn to really love Lowell.
Lowell you will find is a unique place to live. We definitely have a distinct culture that I hope you will learn to love. Welcome to UMass Lowell, and I wish you the best of luck over your next four years here.
