The semester is about to start in a few weeks, and whether you’re a freshman, a transfer student, or a returning student, there are a few mutual experiences that almost everyone will be sharing during the first day or so back to classes.
So, here is a list of eleven thoughts that every GMU student will have when they come back:
1. Is the parking always going to be this bad?
A problem that only the commuting half of Mason will understand, but everyone will no doubt sympathize with. Sadly, it is almost always terrible. Packs of vultures stalk the rows of metallic and chrome … or at least that’s what it feels like whenever you’re walking back to your car and someone is slowing idling behind you … stalking you like a predator …
(Or maybe that’s just me.)
2. Wow, there are a lot of students in my class.
Almost everyone will have a class in the basement of Enterprise Hall, and know what it is like to be in a class of almost three hundred. It is jarring, especially if you’re from a smaller high school or transferring from a small college.
A lot of the general education classes will have an average of thirty students, so there’s probably a good chance you’ll have a class with someone more than once.
Make best friends; it’s what all the cool kids are doing.
(Onlyif you want to, no pressure.)
3. Oh, boy. Where do I sit?
(I'm so sorry for the earworm.)
Stepping into a new class on the first day is always a weird and somehow high school-esque experience - but really, don't stress.
There is no special place to sit where you won't be called on. The front isn't for brown-nosers, and the back isn't for deviants. Just pick a spot you're comfortable with; you can always change it later.
(Unless you have aprofessor who makes you stay in your self-assigned spot, in which case, I'm so very sorry.)
4. Wait, do I need that book already?
Professors are generally unpredictable the first week; some jump right into the thick of it on the first day, while others will spend the whole first week just going over the syllabus and making sure no one is going to randomly drop out. (Spoiler: someone always will.)
To be on the safe side, try to have your books before the year starts. That way there’s no stress and you can ride the cool wave of learning.
Hang ten, you hungry mind.
5. How will this professor be?
Will this professor take attendance? Am I one of the bad kids if I skip? Do I need to take notes? Will there be a study guide? How many papers will there be? Do I have to read the textbook and/or this book?
As said before, professors are generally unpredictable the first week, but you can be sure that they will tell you exactly how they run their ship. Every professor is different, like snowflakes, but you shouldn’t be afraid that a professor is going to be scary or a harsh grader.
And if they are, you’re gone in four months; don’t stress, friend-o.
6. What should I have for lunch?
Since Mason has such a wide campus, there are quite a few options to choose from - whether it be the JC food court, or the basement of SUB 1, or even Southside. There are even places on the fringes of the campus, if you ever want or need to go there for a class.
Overall, the food is pretty diverse and you won't ever have to worry about eating the same thing every day.
(Unless you want to eat the same thing everyday, in which case, go nuts.)
7. Why is there a SUB 1 but not a SUB 2?
Okay, maybe this is just something personal to me, but it has haunted me since I first came to Mason. There’s a HUB and a SUB 1, but no SUB 2. Back in ye olden days (of at least 1993), there was a SUB 1 and SUB 2, but somewhere between 1994 and 2012 (which is when I arrived at Mason), SUB 2 was renamed the HUB. Now, SUB is an acronym for Student Union Building, but HUB is not an acronym for anything. It’s just the ‘hub’ for students.
Anyway, I still haven’t met anyone who has a solid answer for this change, and some maps you find online of Mason still have it marked as SUB 2.
The Many Mysteries of Mason [add-echo-effect]
8. Wow, there is a lot of construction on campus!
Why, yes, there is!
Mason is where Innovation is Tradition, so we wouldn’t be living up to our slogan if we weren’t constantly updating and refreshing all the buildings on campus. It can be annoying at times, but soon you’ll be able to enjoy new stuff, like the Fenwick additions.
9. Wait… I thought my class was in [insert name] Hall!
This happens to even the best of us. And Mason is a wide campus, so this can be detrimental if you are already running late.
So always double-check.
*thumbs up*
10. I have two hours in between classes …
Sometimes, a big break just cannot be helped. And if you don’t live on campus, then your options are limited.
Your best bet is either the JC or SUB 1 as a place to hang out. There are plenty of food options at those places as well, in case your break lines up with a meal time.
Need a quiet place to study or read? The very top floor of the JC is sometimes quiet, but the HUB is a good place to hang out as well. Not usually very crowded and usually pretty quiet.
11. Do I have to go to this class?
Sometimes, you and a class just won't mesh. And that's okay: it's not you, it's them!
But in reality, not every class is for everyone. If you ever find yourself not enjoying a class (especially if it's a class you don't need or can supplement with a different course) or you find yourself wanting to bring a pillow with you to that class, then maybe it's time to talk to an advisor.
Make college classes at least a little fun and interesting; you are quite literally paying for them.
Do you relate to all, or any, of these?
What have your past first week experiences been like?
What are some of your thoughts during the first day or week back to classes?
Let me know in the comments below!
Good luck, everybody! Have a great semester and year!
