August is officially here, which means that move-in day is just around the corner. As a rising sophomore, I've learned so much during my first year on the hill, and I felt the need to share some of those wisdom. Incoming freshmen of Denison, I hope you're excited for this upcoming journey. We can't wait to welcome you here.

1. Whit's frozen custard is so much better than "normal" ice cream.

There's an undeniable difference that you just have to taste to believe.

2. The TJ Evans running trail in Granville is the greatest thing to happen to nature-lovers, bikers, and XC runners alike.

It extends from Newark to Johnstown and works as the perfect escape from classes and everyday life. With an entrance point right in Granville, it's my favorite place to go if I feel like I need a few minutes (or even a few hours) to walk, run, or bike with friends. There are cows, a riverbank, bridges, and it's all under cover of a beautiful green canopy.

3. You'll have to work hard.

At a place like Denison, there's no easy or fool-proof way to ace your classes, stay in shape, join 13 organizations, and make a ton best friends by the end of your first semester....but I think that might just be the beauty of this place. You're forced to learn the art of working hard to achieve what you want. To be patient with yourself. To go out of your comfort zone. But, if you're willing to work at it, this place is one that is conducive to massive successes. Some of your biggest lessons and triumphs may come from your (seemingly) most catastrophic failures.

4. Winters at Denison are the greatest kind of magic.

Putting the frigid temps aside for a moment, there's something about the way the trees and the buildings look with the dusting of snow on top of every surface in Granville. It feels like living in a snow globe, and there's always plenty of hot chocolate to go around. Although every season at Denison is beautiful for its own reason, the views during the winter here are especially breathtaking.

5. The staff members are unbeatable.

Everyone, from professors to janitors and advisors to coaches and dining hall staff, are so incredibly and unbelievably friendly and helpful. They want you to succeed as well as thrive. Treat them as you would a friend; get to know them, smile at them, say thank you. They're truly the best of the best.

6. Our people and our community make Denison what it is.

The word "community" shows up in just about every Denison pamphlet, brochure, and speech that you can google or read about. But it's no joke. The people, the diversity, and the sense of togetherness are incredible and palpable here. Denisonians look out for one another, trust each other, and help out in whatever ways they can.

7. The deer are some of our biggest fans, and they've been affectionately coined the Denison Venison.

I'm relatively positive that Denison should include a deer-to-student ratio on their brochures, because it's probably around 1:3. Regardless, I still want to figure out how to train one to ride me all around campus.

8. There are a lot of stairs.

...And they're just as terrible as you think they're going to be. They DO seem to get (maybe?) a little bit easier to climb as the year goes on, but I'm putting a huge emphasis on that maybe. It's one of those things that can't be avoided when you go to school on a hill, though they certainly help you gain calves of steel and keep off that dreaded freshmen 15.

9. The de-stress fests really are some of the best ways to relax before exams.

Free massages, candy, apple cider, and puppies a few times a year before midterms and finals....Need I say more?

10. The holiday dinners are the greatest thing to happen to Huff and Curtis. Ever.

Believe me when I say this: when the Thanksgiving dinner rolls around, you don't want to be hitching a ride to Newark to get Panera. No no. You get yourself over to one of the dining halls for some good old turkey and mashed potatoes, because it tastes like the best kind of home.

11. The roommate matching system really DOES work out for most.

Let me be a living testimony as to how amazing Denison's matching system worked for me. My matched roommate is one of my best and closest friends at Denison, and the same goes for my hallmates. (We're all living together next year, too!) I think Denison Housing usually does an incredible job at matching you with someone you're meant to be with. And, if not, you are the one who chooses where (and with whom) you spend your time. If that isn't always with your roommate, that's perfectly okay. Friendships may come and go, and that's okay, too. Feel free to be a little bit selfish and plenty adventurous, because there's so many amazing people here to meet if you open your eyes.

12. The Bandersnatch will probably become your best friend.

Eat all the snagels and nutella milkshakes, sing some karaoke, and thank me later.

13. Don't be afraid of office hours, tutoring, or seeking out extra help.

Seriously. All of the people here want you so badly to succeed, and these are free resources that are available for YOUR benefit. Drop in to see a professor, even if it's just to say hi and talk about your schedule or how you're liking their class.

14. You should sign up for one club or class that scares you.

You'll never be able to test out all of your options like this ever again; exploration can be a beautiful thing, and you may just find a love for something you never thought existed. There's something here for everyone, whether you're a fitness guru, a music-lover, an art addict, or none (or all) of the above. I'm a terrible dancer, but becoming a regular at Denison's free Zumba classes was so much fun.

15. The gala is a blast.

Every year in the fall, our campus and students get dressed to the nines to have a homecoming-like dance, complete with chocolate fountains, hors d'oeuvres, ice sculptures, and themed decor. Last year was Yule Ball themed, and Slayter was transformed into a Hogwarts that even the Slytherins were proud of.

16. Wednesday mornings at Slayter mean bluegrass serenades.

It brightened my Wednesday beyond belief to walk through Slayter, halfway through my morning coffee and muffin, to hear these people playing, singing, and laughing with each other. It's absolutely worth the walk; I looked forward to it more and more every week.

17. We can't wait to meet you.

I mean it. We aren't the kind of school that considers freshmen "fresh meat" or the class to prank and make fun of. We were all in your spot at some point in the recent past, and we want you to feel as excited as we are about this place, these people, and this experience that is so unique to Denison as we are. We're so excited for you to be in our clubs and discussing with us in classes and eating at the dining halls alongside us. You are 1/4 of who we are, and we can't wait to welcome you home.