From our excessive use of acronyms and abbreviations (CLPs, DH, GERs, SOHO, and more) to the all the unique things our campus has to offer, (like our multiple bear sightings and various fountains across campus) it can be quite interesting to arrive at Furman for the first time. In honor of Fall Orientation, and the arrival of all the new Paladins, here is a guide to navigating Furman.

1. Do go fountain hopping

Just don't get caught. While you are not technically allowed to do this, it is a longstanding tradition to hop into all of the fountains on campus as a freshman. As seniors, you do this on the last day of class (which is permitted) but doing it as freshman signifies the start of an amazing adventure with Furman as your home away from home. This is also a way to make friends during Fall-O(:

2. CLPs

Called Cultural Life Programs, you are required to go to 32 before graduation. Seriously- they will withhold your diploma, so get these checked off. Don't be the one person that is missing half your CLPs as a Senior in May of your graduation year.

3. Mr. Salsa's

This inexpensive Mexican restaurant is right across campus out of the South Housing entrance (in the same parking lot as Publix) and is a Furman favorite. Whether you go for a birthday celebration or just a queso craving, this is a great place, and you're bound to run into a few fellow classmates at least once there.

4. The DH

If you refer to the Dining Hall as "the Dining Hall," it will be evident that you are a freshman. Similarly, do not be confused when people ask if you want to go to the DH. This acronym is almost exclusively used in place of the formal name of this building, so use it! Also, many refer to the library as the "lib". #JustFurmanThings you will soon come to know that we shorten everything.

5. DH Cookies

Whether you like them soft and warm right out of the over, or a little bit chewier and cold, the DH cookies are a hot commodity and the source of many "freshman 15" woes.

6. Hell Week

If you go to Furman, you will 100% have a hell week. Whether this is Finals or midterms week for you, or an especially rough week in the middle of a semester, you will be drowning in assignments and stress. It will be ok- they don't last forever. Late nights in the library will become routine, so you might as well get used to that now.

7. The Barn

Also called "The Pumphouse." This is a local bar off of Poinsett Highway, and chances are, if your parents went to Furman, they probably partied here too. With an 18+ age limit, this is a spot commonly filled with Furman students.

8. SOHO/NV

South Housing, a primarily freshman-filled collection of dorms (Poteat, Blackwell, Geer, Manly, and McGlothlin- aka McGlo- make up this quad.) NV is North Village, the collection of apartments for mainly juniors and seniors. If you're a freshman girl, you are technically not allowed in North Village because if you plan to go through recruitment, this could be seen as "dirty rushing". Just be careful when and where you go in NV, so you don't risk any potential issues with recruitment/ Greek life.

9. Do join clubs

Go to the student activities fair! Go with people from your hall and make it a binding activity. Join things and have fun- it's a great way to make friends. Just be careful not to sign up for too much, as this will cause a lot of unnecessary stress later on in the semester.

10. TR

Traveler's Rest, a small town near campus, has amazing coffee houses and cute restaurants. If you have a day to explore TR, take the Swamp Rabbit Trail and try a latte at Methodical Coffee and lunch at the Swamp Rabbit Cafe. The people in this town are lovely, and although it is close in proximity to Furman, it can provide much exploration and adventure if you so desire.

11. The Belltower

The Belltower is locked. Rumor has it that some lucky Furman students have gained access to the top through a variety of ways.

12. Stress

Of course, you know what stress is. But if you're a new Furman Student, prepare. The stress that you will experience at this school is unlike anything you could have anticipated, so good luck!

13. Greek Life

At Furman, delayed recruitment means that you cannot join a sorority or fraternity until the second semester, shortly after winter break ends. This gives new students the opportunity to get to know those already in these organizations on a deeper level than if recruitment was in the Fall before classes began. It also gives students a chance to adjust to Furman before overextending themselves.

14. Officer 21

The FuPo (Furman Police) Officer responsible for the majority of parking tickets. Do yourself a favor and don't park in the 10-minute spots for three hours- you will get a ticket.

15. Tandem

This restaurant in TR is known for their crepes. You have to go at least once, and it can be a great way to bond with new friends. I recommend the Iced Chai latte and Chicken Fiesta Crepe.

16. GERs

As a Liberal Arts school, Furman has many requirements in a variety of disciplines. Standing for "General Education Requirements," some of these classes will probably not be favorites, and most likely won't involve your major, but they can be interesting if you give them a chance. They're a requirement, after all, so you might as well make the most of it.

17. The Lake

Sitting by the lake is one of my favorite spots on campus. The swans and turtles are wonderful and can cheer you up if you're having a rough day. Take a moment to admire our campus's beauty the next time you're out and about.

18. Shopping in and around Greenville

Dress Up is a student favorite for shopping in Greenville. With regular sales and discounts, it's a trendy and often affordable option. The Copper Penny is a cute boutique in TR.

19. Be friendly

Be friendly. Keep your doors open the first few days, strike up a conversation with neighbors and people in your classes. Be open to get to know others, and advice or friendliness you may receive, from students in any class. Who knows, you could just meet your future best friend on a whim at Einstein's at 10 p.m., or become pals with study buddies in the lib.

20. Be Fearless

My last words of advice are to be fearless. Don't let anxiety, nerves, or unfamiliarity stop you from being comfortable at Furman. Put yourself out there; adventure, make new friends, get involved. This is your chance to be who you are genuinely and fully. You came to Furman for a reason, so automatically you have that in common with your fellow Paladins. The community is wholeheartedly the most incredible thing about this amazing school. Give us a chance, and let yourself be happy here. We already love you and are so ready to share this amazing school with you, so be fearless and find your home at Furman.