Graduation ceremonies seem to have a “as one door closes, another one opens” mentality about them. In particular, this quote can specifically be applied to the transition between high school graduation and your freshmen year of college. The entire summer you’ve shopped for your dorm room, stalked your roommate, navigated the Bucknell homepage, and you think you’re ready for all the parties and shenanigans to start until…
Until.
Until what?! You realize that Mom and Dad aren’t there to hold your hand every step of the way? You don’t actually know anyone to vent, cry, or laugh with? You don’t know the difference between the Elaine Langone Center and the LC. Lions, tigers, and bison… Oh my!
Here’s a list from some tried and true Bucknellians. They’ve already lived through freshmen and sophomore year and are here to catch you up on a few lessons to make sure you embrace the full Bucknell experience.
- The next four years will be the most challenging and rewarding. Embrace everything –even the ups and downs
- Hallcest is not advised
- Never be afraid to pull the first move. Confidence is admirable and always remembered
- Join different organizations and clubs to meet new people
- At a certain point, sleep is more important than studying
- The Terrace Room has the best salad toppings
- Be careful when eating bananas in public (you can find @bucknellbananas on Twitter)
- It’s called strides of pride not walks of shame
- Speak well of others and avoid the temptation to gossip
- Friendships are often solidified in second semester (don’t worry if you’re feeling lonely)
- Risers are a girl’s best friend
- Don’t be afraid to ask questions in class
- You can never own enough sundresses
- Drunk words are often sober thoughts
- Don’t let an organization define you
- Don’t wear high heels downtown
- Squirrels are not your friends
- Surround yourself with people who make you happy
- Work hard, but play hard too
- If you ask a friend for her opinion, don’t ignore it
- People will let you down, but that doesn’t mean you should let them down too
- Getting a ride from Dominoes is completely acceptable (it makes a great story too)
- Just because your friend hates someone, doesn’t mean you have to also
- Get to know your professors
- Sit in the front row – you’ll stand out immediately
- Don’t be afraid to go to the Writing Center (you’ll probably get a better grade)
- Always say hi to your past make outs (no matter how awkward they may be). It’s always better to be the one who smiled than the one who didn’t smile back
- Doing homework on Fridays is a great way to get ahead and save yourself some pain on Sunday
- Your BU ID can score you some great discounts
- Get off campus and explore Lewisburg
- Introduce yourself to people you don’t know to gain new perspectives
- Thank your professors
- Don’t be afraid to be independent and do things on your own
- Wasted time is worse than wasted money
- Focus on others’ strengths and forgive their flaws
- Don’t be embarrassed of goals you haven’t accomplished or dreams you haven’t fulfilled – it means you have vision
- Make friends outside of your hall and your grade
- If he only texts you at 2am, he’s not into you… no matter what he says
- You might be sick of the Caf, but it’s way better than the Bison… so enjoy it while you can
- Meet with your professor early on in the semester so you establish a good relationship from the beginning
- Never leave a party with a full cup of beer
- The hospital is never a fun after party
- Try to conquer small goals – you’ll find small thrills in the everyday things you’ve accomplished
- Always go to class
- It takes courage to risk rejection
- Go to the Career Development Center to work on your resume before you need it
- As busy as you may be, make time for yourself
- Try not to cut corners – college is all about learning
- Exercising is a great way to ease tension (and avoid the freshman 15)
- Enjoy every moment of freshmen year – nothing will be quite like it