Abilene Christian University is a special place. My freshman year at this fine establishment has taught me many things. But with such a special school, the life lessons you learn here are definitely unique. To the incoming freshman, be prepared for a college experience unlike that of any your other friends. The following are just a few of the countless experiences and milestones I encountered last year, and that you may find yourself facing sometime in the following year as well. Get excited; it's going to be a year like none other.

1. Number one, and probably the most important of all; everyone is just as scared and nervous as you are. Nobody actually knows what they’re doing. Some people are just better at faking it than others. This is college, we’re all completely winging it.
2. When there are campus tours on Friday’s, get yo booty to the Bean. You’d be surprised that when visitors roll around, the food becomes immensely more edible.
3. Don’t pet the campus cats, they have so many diseases and I will judge you.
4. Visitation day in the dorms is weird and awk, and it doesn’t make you lame to not have any boys over in your room.
5. BUY THE REUSABLE STARBUCKS COFFEE CUP- YOU WILL NEVER REGRET IT. Eighty five cent coffee refills dude, there is nothing better.
6. Just embrace the fact that you are going to pull more all nighters in the following year than you ever have before in your entire lifespan. Yeah, remember sleep? Kiss that goodbye.
7. If you are like me, chances are you will fall in love with so many upperclassman. ‘Look at him! He’s so old and manly and such hubby-material.’ But let me just tell you that you go to ACU and a good chunk of the population is taken; just give your heart a break.
8. Finish all of your chapel credits as soon as you possibly can. It may seem like you have soooo many opportunities so there’s no need to go until you actually have to, but just wait until the end of the semester and you will thank yourself for getting it over with.
9. Don’t eat an Einstein's bagel every single morning for breakfast because that Freshman 15 will come and get you REAL QUICK. That and Bean cookies, just stay away.
10. CHICKEN. PARM. Hands down the best thing in the Bean. You’re welcome.
11. When you first roll up to ACU it can seem huge because of all of the new faces. However, by the end of the first semester you will know everyone and realize it’s basically high school round two. With that being said, make sure you keep a good rep. Everyone knows your business which can be a good or bad thing depending on how you sell yourself.
12. Embrace the fact that we go to a tiny private school and the parties will never be like anything you see or hear about at the state schools. But, it’s unique and funny and just as many great memories can be made.
13. When it comes to the nightlife scene of Abilene, Texas, there are not many options. Besides a couple of country dancing places, there is one nightclub that plays popular music and it closes at midnight on Fridays. But that’s just Abilene man, what can you do?
14. Freshman boys are nature’s scariest pack animals. Don’t get hung up on lame jerks who just wanted to experience what it’s like to be a “player” now that they’re in college and living it up without parental supervision. Don’t waste your time and always remember you are 250% better than they are.
15. Curfew is the worst and most of your nights will be spent literally sprinting from the library at 11:58 in order to make it to your dorm by midnight. This is not an exaggeration, this is based on a true story. But roll with it and then later you can look back and laugh at how horrible it was.
16. Come to terms with the fact that your roommate is going to see a side of you that no one else in this world will see. From your organizational problems, to her endless snoring, to your morning poops, and even to the two of you yelling at each other because you can’t remember whose turn it was to buy toilet paper. You will fight numerous times and your periods will sync up for one long week of hell, but at the end of the day, she will become the one who learns your habits, your favorite things, and just how to make you feel better. Even if you end up not being that close of friends, you will form a bond with this human like none other and never forget the year you spent together.
17. “Having fun” in Abilene is a developed skill. The is very much the type of city that you make your own, so form a really good group of buddies and then make the most of it. Go dancing, hike at Abilene State Park or binge watch some Netflix. My friends and I loved to take random road trips to Austin or Dallas for a weekend of shopping and good grub. Find out where your new college buddies live and be spontaneous! No parents, no rules, am I right?
18. Okay now for a not so fun one. DO YOUR SCHOOL WORK. And do it well. You are paying this school $40,000 a year. Do you realize how much money that is..? Because honey boo boo, that is a lot of dough. You are going to be overworked and stressed and locked in the library for hours on end, but this is no longer just passing the time at your high school, this is training for your career and the teachers do not care if you fail. Mommy and Daddy aren’t here to hold your hand and tell you “Okay sweetie, start your homework now!” But you got this. Put in the work and you will reap the rewards.
19. Stay involved in church. Try out several churches and find out which one fits you. There’s something for everyone here.
20. Befriend your RA. They are wonderful human beings and there will be times when life gets tough and you just need someone to cry with you and pray with you and they will be there no matter what.
21. DO SING SONG. Oh my golly gumdrops I cannot stress this one enough, it is the true highlight of ACU and I am so unbelievably thankful that I did it. You will make so many good friends, bond over how much practices SUCK, and then have the absolute best time of your life during show week. DO. IT.
22. Spring rushes are LIT. It will get you so excited and give you a nice introduction into the world of srat life at ACU. And even if you know there’s no way you are actually going to pledge, still go. Who doesn’t love dressing up, games, upperclassmen and free food?
23. Never ever forget that being a Wildcat is an honor. Yes, Abilene is small and boring. Yes, you have a curfew and restricted visitation days. BUT, this school is so amazing. From the traditions and the roots that have helped to build this institution and develop the wonderful character that it has today, the prestigious faculty and staff that truly desire for you to become the best you can be, to the welcoming and spiritual environment that immerses the entire campus. There is something special about our school and how each of us just seem to click perfectly, making it the best possible home away from home. Freshman year is a sacred time of learning and innocence. You’re going to do great things this year, you’re going to make multiple regrets, but you are meant to be here.