1. You get to campus an hour before class, hoping that you find a parking somewhere near Savannah Center.
If you don't find a parking...you will be parking in Timbuktu and walking for what seems like days. If it's terrible weather, good luck avoiding getting hit as you walk across the street.
2. You have to decide whether or not to get a burrito bowl or chicken fingers in the cafeteria.
Let's be honest...those are the only two eatable things on the menu. All of us are just waiting for the coffee maker to make a brew that doesn't taste like water and sadness. Other than that, it's not too bad. Don't mind us----just waiting for an on-campus Starbucks and McDonald's.
3. You have to wait five years for the Hawthorne Hall elevator to arrive.
In the meantime, you awkwardly look at your phone, so you don't have to talk to anyone that's waiting for the elevator with you. After waiting a few minutes, you decide to just walk up the four flights of stairs and call it a day. Can you breathe by the time you get to the top floor? No. Is the elevator even there yet? LOL NOPE.
4. You stare at the statues around campus.
Specifically, the one in front of Raintree Hall. That woman statue looks so chill and creepy at the same time.
5. You can tell when someone is a nursing major or a communication major.
The nursing majors are the ones that are constantly highlighting things in their books as they sit in the cafe. The communication majors are the ones that go to school all dressed up for no reason...they also carry special bags/briefcases when necessary....I'm one of those people. #SorryNotSorry
6. You have to make the difficult decision of which floor in the library to go to.
I mean, the first floor has those super cool canopies. The second floor has the sand art in the middle of the floor and people are forgiving if you talk a little loud at times. The third floor is a ghost town and if you are loud for a moment, people will glare at you in disgust. What do you choose?
7. You have to listen to people ask you questions like, "Oh, you go to school in Gary?" and "Yeah, but you're transferring, right?"
Yes, I go to school in Gary. It's right off the highway. Yes, I feel safe. No, I'm not transferring. No, this isn't a community college. Yes, I will receive an IU degree. Man...who knew you would get judged so much for getting education!?
8. You stare at the new Arts & Sciences building in wonder.
Okay, but seriously....that is an AWESOME looking building, right? Do we have a million more parking spaces? No.....BUT, look at our fancy new building!!
9. Everyone knows everyone.
The professor's office doors are usually open, so you can just swing in and talk. Not just that, but students are encouraged to meet around campus and establish friendships/professional relationships. Even if you don't know everyone by name, you will see someone your first semester and see them around all the time for the rest of your college years. It's like they're your secret friend....they just don't it (not in a creepy way, though).
10. You're proud of Indiana University Northwest.
It may be small and get a bad rep for its location, but it's home. You spend hours there, working on a kickass presentation or paper. You meet people with breathtaking talents. Those people become your best friends. You have your special studying spot. You have the best professors. You cherish each walk to the library, each booth you snag in the cafe, and each friendship you make.
Thank you, IUN, for being a great school with the best people. We truly do love you.
