College. It’s the time to spread your wings. You’re in classes with a lot of people. You’re learning new and exciting things. Well, maybe some things are not so exciting, but still. College is full of new opportunities. Unfortunately, you’re now a small fish in a big pond. The days of high school cliques are over. You have a new chance to brand yourself, and I’m here to help. Here are some ways you can instantly become “cool” in college.
1. You should sit next to people in class.
When I say sit next to people, I don’t mean leave a few seats between you and your neighbor. Nope. Sit RIGHT next to them. Better yet, introduce yourself. Shake their hand. Ask if they want to be study partners even though it’s only the first day of class. Ask what their major is. Ask where they’re from. Don’t stop asking questions.
2. You should always wear your letters.
If you’re a member of Greek life on your campus, wear those letters. Sure, you could just get by with a Comfort Colors frocket t-shirt, but why stop there? Pull out that ball cap with your letters on it. Wear your sorority fanny pack to class. Get your fraternity letters tattooed on your forehead.
3. If you’re not a member of Greek life, you need to let everyone know.
If you sit next to people who have on their greek gear, you should most definitely let them know that you are NOT in Greek life. Be independent and proud. Tell everyone on campus that you see that’s Greek that you don’t want to pay for your friends. Tell them that you think fraternities and sororities are a waste of time. I wouldn’t tell them that you went through recruitment and got dropped from every single house, though.
4. You should never be afraid to ask questions in class.
Honestly, your professors will love you if you interrupt their lecture to ask questions. This is a surefire way to pass the class. Your classmates will love it too. Asking questions during class shows everyone how smart you are! The more specific your questions are to your own life, the better.
5. You should join every possible organization on campus.
I don’t care if you’re busy. It doesn’t matter if you don’t see anything interesting. Join every political club. Join every spike-ball or ultimate frisbee team. Make an intramural team for every sport that’s offered. Better yet, tell every person you see on campus that they should join your team, too.
6. You should dress up for class EVERY. SINGLE. DAY.
If you don’t dress up for class, your professors and classmates are going to think you don’t care. Jeans and a nice shirt are not enough. You need to invest in some quality business suits. But don’t just wear your business clothes to class. You need to wear them all around campus. Definitely wear them to study groups, the library, the university center, the cafeteria, the mall, the local coffee shops, the bed you sleep in at night. Never EVER take off your business suit.
7. You need to get to class as fast as you can.
Run. Run to class. You can't be late. Even if you have to push a bunch of people out of the way, you must run. I'm talking full-on sprint here.
If you follow these steps, college will be a breeze for you. I promise.
