As a new student at Hardin-Simmons University, I went through Stampede, which is new student orientation for HSU. The four days of Stampede was such a great experience for me and allowed me to meet new people and get adjusted to living on campus. If you're looking into becoming a student at Hardin-Simmons I'm here to tell you what you can expect to experience at HSU Stampede.

1. You are so busy.

Honestly, going through Stampede was the busiest I've ever been in my life! I didn't know that many activities could be done in four days. Being busy wasn't a bad thing though because it helps to keep your mind off the fact that you're away from home and that classes are starting soon.

2. You come out of your shell.

I'm not exactly the most social person in the world, but Stampede really made me come out of my shell and meet new people. It's hard to be shy when there are tons of other people in the same exact situation you are in. Stampede makes it easy to meet new friends and to actually be a part of the school.

3. You learn how to have team spirit.

Stampede is fun but also very competitive. There are four color groups divided into several subgroups, so there is A LOT of cheering going on. Not only do the color groups teach you how to support your team, but all the teams come together to support HSU as a whole.

4. You get to go to Paint Wars.

I'm pretty sure Paint Wars is everyone's favorite part of Stampede. It's different every year, but this year we played three-legged kick ball and had a race where my group had to army crawl into pools of water and paint. At the end they set up a huge slip and slide at the top of a hill. Paint Wars was pretty much just a big party on the intramural field with paint. I absolutely loved it.

5. You get to meet some of your professors.

Meeting your professors before class starts is a great way to get a feel for how your classes that Monday will be. It also shows the professor that you're putting in effort into the education part of college and not just here to have fun.

6. You get your freshman beanies.

Going to the beanie capping and getting your beanie marks the start of your time here at HSU and makes you become a part of this great school. Getting your beanie signed by alumni, upperclassmen, and even the President is a great feeling because it shows that even though we're freshmen the whole school welcomes us.

7. You learn what it means to be a Hardin-Simmons Cowboy.

The members of Stampede make sure that all of the new students learn all of the university's traditions, songs, and everything else that makes Hardin-Simmons unique. I loved HSU long before move-in day, but Stampede made me realize exactly why I love this university.