Worcester Polytechnic Institute, home of the proudest nerds in this solar system, is more than just your average engineering school. We goat big. I can’t imagine any other place where watching "Star Wars" on the Quad has a bigger turnout than most concerts. One year ago, as I was making my college decision, I could not have imagined just how perfectly I would fit in here.

I have compiled a few necessary survival tips to help the incoming frosh adjust to nerd school life. First off, don’t bring your 3D printer. You know you go to a nerd school when the RA tells you not to keep 3D printers and soldering irons in your dorm. Secondly, it is absolutely vital that you remember to shower. No exceptions. I’m looking at you, all boys floors. Thirdly, snacks and caffeine are essential. If you want to stay awake at 8 a.m. (or 3 p.m.), a trip to Dunks before class could mean the difference between being “that kid” audibly snoring in the back and taking meaningful notes. Lastly, step outside your room. Potential friends are literally waiting around the corner of your dorm (in a non-creepy way, of course!). Believe it or not, a social life is possible with just a bit of planning.

As an almost-sophomore, I can now say that I am wise in all the ways of WPI ... not. I feel like I’m learning something new every day. For instance, did you know that you can hang a hammock under the bleachers by the track? Or that the grapes by Higgins House are delicious when in season? Concord grapes represent. I would never have imagined just how beautiful this campus can be at night with the two Towers lit up and the city of Worcester glowing in the distance. In the past month, I was not only introduced to the concept of disc golf, but also I learned that there is a disc golf course right by pchops (Price Chopper, for the ignorant). Suffice it to say, aimlessly walking around campus and the surrounding blocks is a great way to make new discoveries, whether you meant to or not.

If you want to see Nigerian dwarf goats on a somewhat regular basis, like free t-shirts with goats on them or plan on making bank after college, WPI might be the school for you. Did I mention the goats? So. Cute. I. Could. Die. Even if I had the option to travel back in time before last year’s National Tuition Deadline Day, I would choose WPI again in a heartbeat. I’m mighty proud to call this herd my home.