Everyone knows that the first week of classes is the easiest of the entire year. Professors, for the most part, are coming out of the slump of the summer just as much as students are, and they are a little more lenient on in-class activities and lectures.
Especially for freshmen, the first class or so is spent going over the syllabus and making sure that everybody has enough time to recover from the emotional and physical stress of moving in before bombarding the new scholarly recruits with the mental stress of a college course.
1. The night before the first day of classes
So you've finally gotten yourself all set up for the week. All of your pencils, highlighters, and notebooks are stashed neatly in your book bag, and your laptop has a full charge for what promises to be yet another good year.
You know that the next day promises to be easy with only syllabi standing between you and an afternoon nap, but you still dread waking up for the 8 AM that your adviser somehow convinced you was a good idea to take.
2. Returning to your favorite bowl of cereal in the cafeteria
Breakfast: the most important meal of the day. It gets you going and revs you up for a successful first week of classes like no other meal. Oh yeah, that sugary cereal that your mom refuses to stock up on at home? All-you-can-eat in the cafeteria. Bring on the new school year sugar rush!
3. Walking into the first class slaying your newest outfit
No matter what age you are, the first-day outfit is iconic and sets the mood for your entire year. They don't tell you to "dress for success" for no reason. Now you just have to combine that with an outfit that impresses just as well.
4. Seeing the first classroom crush of the semester
Sure, it sounds like something that should only apply to middle and high school, but let's be real, the "classroom crush" that catches your eye can manifest at any point in life. Where there are books, there are students, and where there are students, there are bound to be at least a few attractive souls. Just make sure to remember his name instead of just the attractive features.
5. Correctly answering one of the first questions in lecture
This has to be one of the most satisfying accomplishments year-round but reaches its peak during the first week of school. During this time, professors are still making a lot of mental notes about which students are paying attention and which are just taking the class to fulfill a Gen Ed requirement. If a particular class is your forte, don't be afraid to raise your hand and show off what you know!
6. Realizing your squad's schedules all link up for getting lunch together
It's been a while since you've seen some of your "school friends." Sure, you've enjoyed spending time with your friends from home but they just aren't the same. So slide into the comfort of your squad's "reserved but not really" booth at the back of the cafeteria, grab a plate of your favorite cafe food, and catch up on all the summer's hot gossip.
7. Realizing that you may have overwhelmed yourself in your course load
All it took was one look at your course schedule for you to start thinking "maybe I bit off more than I can chew." Your palms start sweating as the feeling of dread sets in at the daunting list of assignments before you, but never fear! The drop/add period is in place for a reason, just give yourself time to get a feel for the class before you decide what is and isn't for you.
8. Prepping for the first Friday night party
After being home with your family for a few months, it's a safe bet that you are ready to enjoy the wonders of college. Face it, it's been a while since you've truly let loose and had some real fun. Ready to break the streak of boring Friday nights in, the first Friday night party promises to be a good time for all.
9. Realizing that your social skills may be a little rusty
Whether you let yourself have a little too much fun pre-gaming or you accidentally told someone you've just met all about the weird rash that you found on your dog's stomach over the summer, you have to admit you're a little rusty on the college social scene. Never fear, this problem can be solved with a little practice, a few good jokes, and a wingman to prevent any future disasters of the sort.
10. Attempting to impress a "certain someone" at the first party
Picture this, you're just standing in the corner of the room, drink in hand, carrying on with friends when it happens. Across the room, you spot him. There he is. The guy that you've had your eye on since the first day of that class you almost didn't let your adviser convince you to take, but have been thanking ever since you laid eyes on the beautiful specimen before you.
Your brain goes into panic mode, and it's impossible to think of anything besides impressing him. Before you know it, you're pulling out all of your best dance moves in hopes of catching his eye. Just don't do anything too embarrassing. There is still class next week and, odds are, this could get awkward really quickly.
11. When you finally get your friends to drag you to bed
No matter who you are or how well you think you can manage yourself after a long night of partying, you have to go to bed at some point. When you start to get a little too tipsy, it's best friends to the rescue! Count on these friends to get you back to your own room, in your own bed, with little to no harm done to your ego. Just be ready to apologize for putting up a drunken fight in the morning.
12. Suffering the first hangover of the new school year
What most people tend to forget after a long summer of relaxing and taking it easy (or, at least, easier) on the partying, is that how you feel the next morning is determined by your level of intoxication the night before. Cue up every home remedy for a hangover that Google will bring to you and hang on until it passes.
13. Meeting friends for the first Saturday morning brunch of the year
After a night spent partying, your squad is definitely ready to reunite and relay the stories of the previous night when everybody is finally sober enough to laugh at their shenanigans. Let the coffee and the good times roll!
