As we enter our consecutive years at our respective universities, the fad that never fades is the Freshman way. Don't know what that is? Well, you may not realize it at first, but it's the antics that define who you are — a Freshman. It's nothing you ever said; it's purely how you act on and off campus.
The first and utmost indicator is the flocks of Freshman that go to parties and tailgates. Odds are if you're in a big group, you all barely know each other and are just looking to get drunk. We all did this; there's no escaping the label.
The beginning of the school year not only calls for ragers but also cultivates one major event: Rush. As girls and guys aim to get the sorority/fraternity of their choice, the groups of "rush buddies" show very much that you are a Freshman. Again, you may barely know each other. This is obvious. The hype is real when it comes to this event, but us others not involved in Greek life find this hype very annoying. Tone it down.
The sound of silence... is missing with you guys. At the dining hall, in the library, and on the street — you guys are talking and yelling all the damn time. Calm the f*ck down! We get it! College is exciting, but the decibels in your tone of voice should not exceed the range of three feet.
One thing definitely sets you apart from the rest of us — your inability to shut up about high school. The spirit wear that you still carry around throws up that red flag and proves you're still trying to live your "glory" days in high school. No one cares you had all APs in your schedule, or what ACT/SAT score you had. They also don't care about your high school parties. Those are a thing of the past now — move on.
You love to run to class. The rest of us casually walk 20 minutes late into our lectures while you're scrambling to get there on time. The education is worth it, but the exercise isn't.
In addition to running, you can't take your eyes off of the campus map. It's inevitable that you won't know the campus like the back of your hand like the rest of us, so don't just stand there. Please, get out of our way.
Lanyards. Nothing screams Freshman more than a good ol' lanyard. It's incredibly easy to have your lanyard yanked from your pocket, and don't get me wrong; people will do this. Don't be that Freshman.
The last and most major indicator of labeling yourself as a Freshman is bragging about your credits. Just because you came in with 30 credits and your college advisor says you're a sophomore, you're really not. At all. Don't even dare. Please stop. Now.
Now that we all know what makes you a Freshman, we hope you will cease to unimpress us with your Freshman qualities. Do well in school! ... but don't brag about how you're in a Junior level class. Maybe try and be unique and maybe not be annoying.
Enjoy the weirdest year of your life!