Well, well, well, it's that time of year. Incoming freshmen are coming for Summer C, and they will be invading all the bars, clubs, and daily eats of ours. They'll let everyone know they're freshmen by the way they dress and their intense desire to go to MMM and Purg.
But let me stop you in your tracks, class of 2022. Here's some advice for all you newcomers.
1. Juuls are not cool.
Plain and simple. Everyone else may be doing it, but they're just trying to join the crowd. Juuls and other e-cigarettes were meant for those trying to quit smoking, not for college students to puff away on and look like douches the whole time. Unless you have a nicotine addiction and need a release, don't smoke Juuls. Ever.
2. Get a job.
Nothing says "I have no responsibilities" more than not having a job. While all the upperclassmen and grad students are breaking their backs every day with school and work, you'll be hanging around the pool or going out every night because you don't work. Don't do it. Get a job, make a little extra money for yourself, and make some friends at your new job.
3. Choose your friends wisely.
Remember when your parents used to say, "I don't like those friends of yours"? They're probably right. In college, you have so much freedom to hang out with whoever you want, which means you should choose those people wisely. If you know the group of guys you've been hanging out with lately like to do some shady stuff, you should probably avoid them. And if that girl down the hall likes to get drunk before class, she probably isn't the best person to be around.
4. Don't rush into a relationship.
You just broke up with your high school sweetheart because of the distance. That's okay, but rushing into something new isn't a good idea. Don't start dating the first person that you sleep with. You'll have plenty of opportunities to meet new people and go on dates and parties with them, but trying to settle down your freshmen year might not be the best thing for you. Have your fun, be reasonable, and enjoy the time you have to yourself.
5. "White Trash Wednesday" is the most fun you'll have on a Wednesday.
It's exactly what it sounds like. You dress in jorts, USA t-shirts, and pretend to care about country music while at The Strip. Almost everyone has been to a WTW and everyone should go at least once before fall semester.
6. Attend as many sporting events as possible.
FSU sports are crazy good. Most games and events are free to FSU students, with sports running almost all year round. If you're a football fan, get your tickets early and tailgate with the rest of the Nole family. Baseball, basketball, and soccer also have huge followings but don't forget, we have many other sports to follow!
7. Be smart with your newfound freedom.
No longer living under your parents' roof, no rules, and all the time in the world to goof off and have fun. There's so much freedom once you're in college, but be smart with it. Don't slack off in school and skip class because your parents aren't there to wake you up in the morning. Remember to eat a good meal three times a day to keep your immune system strong; junk food is only enjoyable for the first week. Don't blow your money on going out every night.
8. Being in college will probably be the best years of your life.
Like Asher Roth once said, "man, I love college." It really is a blast. You and your friends will rise, fall, and rise up again tomorrow. You'll struggle through finals week, you'll party during spring break, and you'll miss each other during winter break. The memories you make in college will last a lifetime. Enjoy it.