Let me start by saying that if you are going to Red Raider Orientation, that means that you just made the best decision of your life by choosing Texas Tech as your home for the next four years. Believe me when I say that you are going to enjoy every minute of it and will forever be thankful that you decided to become a Red Raider. RRO is great opportunity for you to get to know the campus a little bit better and begin your transition into the college life. Here are some tips that will help you feel like a pro at orientation.

1. Sign up for orientation early!

I cannot stress this one enough. The earlier you sign up for orientation, the better your chances are at signing up for all of the classes you want to take at the times you want to take them. You don’t want to be stuck with 8 a.m. classes all week -- trust me.

2. Ask questions.

The most important thing you can do at orientation is to make sure you get all of your questions answered. Don’t be afraid to ask questions, because there is probably someone else in the room wondering the same thing. The RRO crew is excellent at answering questions, and if they don’t know the answer, they’ll make sure to find out for you.

3. Participate in the activities of RRO.

These info sessions and icebreaker activities are designed to help you transition into the college life smoothly. Participate in these, because this is where you are able to interact with other students and meet lots of great new people.

4. Have fun!

Although you are at orientation to make sure everything is in order for your start in the fall, you also have to remember that it is summertime and you are allowed -- and expected -- to have fun. Talk with students and get to know them. That way, you’ll leave RRO with a couple of friends and will know people when you get back to Lubbock in the fall. Everyone’s new to the college experience, so you can bond over your expectations and fears over ice cream during the ice cream social. You'll also have the chance to learn the Matador song that is taught to you by the RRO crew.

Speaking from experience, I had an incredible time at my orientation last summer and left orientation more excited than I already was to go back in the fall. My wish to all of you soon-to-be Red Raiders is to enjoy orientation to the fullest. We'll be expecting you in good ol' Raiderland in the fall!