Upperclassmen, prepare yourselves. The freshmen have moved onto campus and they are eagerly exploring what will be their home for the next four years, while we sit around and watch, answer questions about directions and receive confused looks when they get dirty glares for taking up a seat on the bus with their backpacks. I try to remind myself frequently not to be too exasperated with them, though. It wasn’t long ago that we had that same innocent and awestruck sparkle in our eyes; simultaneously, our eyes are sparkling for something completely different now as upperclassmen. Therefore, here are some of the biggest differences between the things for which freshmen and upperclassmen are excited.
Freshman: I can hardly contain the excitement while shopping for a new laptop, along with brand new binders, pens, pencils, folders, scissors, rulers, spiral notebooks and, most importantly, dorm room decorations. I’ll have the best looking room on the floor.
Upperclassman: I’ve had the same bedding since freshman year and my parents refuse to buy me something new, but I saw some price tags and figured I could withstand it for a few more years. Picture frame collages -- what are those? I think I forgot pens. But I absolutely cannot hold in my excitement for my new planner! Oh, yeah, bring on the new year.
Freshman: I am so happy that I bought this hot new outfit to go to parties in. Frat basements are going to be exactly how the movies depict and I am totally ready to be #socollege.
Upperclassman: Bars? I don’t feel like spending money. Frat parties? Good one. We’re definitely starting off this year with drinking in my new off-campus house. I can even wear my pajamas if I want.
Freshman: College is awesome in every way I’ve ever imagined it would be. Who needs to sleep when there are so many new things to explore? Parties, clubs, friends, reading, movies, everything!
Upperclassman: My bed is BAE.
Freshman: First football game! Go team! My friends and I are getting there super early so that we can secure spots in the front row of the student section. I can’t wait to watch every minute!
Upperclassman: Football season -- but more importantly, tailgate season. We’ll make it to the game by the time the second quarter starts, definitely. For now, it’s time to establish my dominance on the pong table.
Freshman: This is the start of the rest of my academic life. 4.0s for the next eight semesters. I’m going to buckle down and be the best student ever.
Upperclassman: I have almost all my classes with somebody I know! Thank goodness. We can take turns going and get the notes from each other.
Freshman: I am definitely going Greek. I can’t wait to be a part of something bigger than myself and get a big and do philanthropic work and make a true difference!
Upperclassman: I can’t wait to be the upperclassmen that my friends and I were all afraid of when we joined. Running this chapter is going to be great.
