Wow, it’s been a crazy week! It feels like I never left good ole’ SUNY New Paltz. It feels as if I just took all my stuff and moved across campus. It’s just so crazy to be back! I wonder how all of my friends are doing and such and……..
Classes are back!
Hopefully returning students have an idea of what they want to do (unless you’re like your humble writer who just writes Odyssey articles to cheapen the anxiety of picking a major). Don’t get too flustered on the first week. Professors will most likely just read the syllabus to you (I know! What a valuable use of a tuition payment worth thousands of dollars!) and make you write a one-page summary about some old socialist guy complaining about something (this tends to happen a lot in college so get used to it!). Try not to zone out during class, though. Vital information is said at all times in lecture. Information about lateness, crappy online quizzes, and other assignments will be cleared up. Don't be that fool who can't find an online quiz because he worried more about his Snapchat streaks over his academics.
Don’t forget your books!
You can be an idiot like me and actually pay full price for them online from the school bookstore or you can do the smart thing and shop elsewhere. Just make sure you have all of your books before the first week. Some professors are insane so they have the audacity to assign work immediately at the start of the semester. Why don’t they have a heart?
Your schedule is going to be different (Don’t panic)
Maybe you’ll see your friends way more. Maybe you’ll see them way less. Just keep calm, focus on your work, and play Smash Brothers with them in your free time and on the weekends (because that’s what all college students do). Just keep an open mind and continue meeting new people! Just ease into things and try not to jam too much in the first week. You have a whole semester ahead of you so don't over-exert yourself. Also, enjoy your meal plan–you’ll be better off without unlimited swipes. Your immune system will thank you in more ways than you’ll ever imagine…..
The adventure continues!
You’re back! Sure, you’ll miss home, but don’t miss out! Stay active, have fun, try new things, join clubs, and plan cool activities to do with your friends. Things are going to change, but don't resist it. Go along with it and accept change. Focus on your major and tread on!You only have four years here so try to make the best out of them! Also don’t procrastinate and don’t forget the cardinal rule… don’t be a dick!
