It's that time of year again! Summer is coming to an end and it's officially time to bring out the books and break in those new school supplies. This time of year also means mentally preparing yourself for the usual and expected struggles that come along with going to Montclair State University.
1. "How early do I have to leave to find a parking spot?"
When anyone hears "Montclair State University," they automatically think about the difficult parking situation that students always complain about. No one will ever understand how incredibly difficult it is to find parking until you have attended this school. Two parking garages, ten commuter lots and a metered lot are still not enough space for all the students. The most dreaded part of school is driving on Valley Road and seeing the flashing "CARPARC FULL" sign as you head up the ramp and frantically try to think of where else to park. The line to get into CarParc is visible from the stop sign at the top of the hill and if you don't have at least 45 minutes to spare before class, you can pretty much be certain that you will be late. Nothing is worse than paying about $300 minimum for a parking pass and to not be guaranteed a spot. Waking up for school is bad enough, but it's worse to have to wake up earlier to make sure to get to school in time to park.
2. "Hopefully the reviews weren't all true."
Everyone knows that no matter where you go to school, you take a chance when you sign up for a class with a professor you have never had. After your in-depth research on Rate My Professor, you're either heading to class excited or freaking out because of the level of difficulty you saw online. We all hope that we can understand the professor and head to class with fingers crossed that what we read online wasn't true.
3. "I really hope I have a friend in this class."
Not only do you need to get a feel for what your teacher is like, you have to do the same for those in your class. The first week usually gives you an idea of who you want to sit by and who you would rather sit across the room from. After a while, most of your classes are filled with people from the same major, but there's always that one person that you wish wasn't in the same class.
4. "Fingers crossed all my midterms aren't in the same week."
Syllabus week is great when you aren't in class, but the moment of truth is when the professor passes out copies of the schedule for the semester and you realize that this week will probably be the only week you'll be going out to party.
5. "I swear if someone sits in my seat..."
Although parking may make it difficult for one to make it to class early enough to pick your seat, this can make or break the year. Picking your seat the first day doesn't always guarantee that no one will take it the next time class meets. Securing your favorite seat goes on for at least a week.
6. "There goes all the money in my bank account."
As if tuition wasn't bad enough, time to add up these bad boys. At the prices that the school bookstore charges, you'll be sure to spend an arm and a leg. Thank goodness For Amazon and Chegg and next day delivery because no one wants to waste an hour on the line for books. We all cross our fingers and hope that the professor says the textbook isn't required, although they always are.
7. "Don't let it snow, don't let it snow, don't let it snow."
Most college students hope for snow so classes will be cancelled. The feelings are the exact opposite for those at MSU. We all hope for no snow this semester so we don't have to risk our lives to make it to class considering the fact that campus never closes.
8. "Is it winter break yet?"
It's the first week and the countdown has already begun for winter break. That month off couldn't come sooner!
