Dear all incoming freshmen,
I know that with move in less than a month away, the nerves you're feeling are almost unbearable. Hopefully, the excitement is there too! With all the buzz about Opening Weekend, it's hard to know exactly what to expect those first few days. Well, I'm here to give you your unofficial guide to opening weekend.
1. Make as many friends as you can.
While talking to new people can be terrifying, especially if you're more on the shy side, making friends Opening Weekend will honestly make the whole experience so much better. Don't be afraid to say hello to your new neighbors or the girl sitting alone at a table in the dinning hall. Being friendly is one of the most important things, and it will lead to lifelong friendships.
2. You may not stay friends with the people you do meet that weekend.
With that being said, some of the people you meet Opening Weekend will not end up being your friends. That's OK! Don't stress about losing contact with someone you ate lunch with once. There are over 10,000 people for you to be friends with, and you will find people with the same interests as you.
3. Dining hall food won't always be that good, so enjoy it!
Yes, Opening Weekend, the dining hall food actually seems pretty good. Unfortunately, I'm here to give you some bad news. It will progressively get worse, or maybe you just progressively get sick of it, but enjoy it while you still can because sooner or later you'll be desperate for more Falcon Dollars.
4. Be nice to your annoying neighbors.
Yes, the boys next door are yelling about football until two in the morning. Yes, those girls have the loudest laughs you've ever heard. But, try your best not to make enemies with them. You're going to have to live next to them for the rest of the year, and your life will be much easier if you actually get along.
5. Yes, you will participate in a million icebreakers.
I know this one is probably the most disappointing on the list. If you're anything like me, icebreakers seem awkward and forceful. Unfortunately, it's highly recommended that you participate. Trust me everyone else feels the same level of awkwardness as you do, but at least, it'll be something you can joke about later.
6. Go to the events.
I know it's hard not to stay in your room to decorate or, if you're lucky enough, enjoy the air conditioning. However, some of the events Opening Weekend has to offer are really fun and a great way to meet new people. Some of them are dull, but there is always helpful information.
7. Don't be afraid to ask questions.
If you don't understand something or you're not sure about where one of your classes are, there is no shame in asking. It's better to get the information from somebody who knows than to end up late to class or lost somewhere on campus.
8. Take your trash out the first night.
With all the cardboard boxes gathering up in the corner of your room, it's hard to motivate yourself to carry them all down to the dumpster. However, it will make your life a lot easier and make you feel a lot better, if you start the year off with a clean and organized room.
9. Get to know your roommate before you get there.
It's a lot simpler if you've met your roommate or at least talked to them, before showing up Opening Weekend. It can be a little awkward if you both show up barely knowing each other's names. Plus, it will be easier to figure out what you actually need to purchase for your room, and what your roommate has or can get.
10. Locate all your classrooms.
There will be some down time during Opening Weekend, and I, highly, suggest that you take some of this time to locate all of your classrooms. When Monday morning comes, you want to be prepared and not feel nervous. Knowing where your classrooms are will help with the nerves.
11. Have fun!
Be excited that you are finally at college. You've probably been waiting for this moment all summer! You finally made it, and I promise you that you will make some of the best memories you've ever made here.
