University is intimidating, there’s no getting around it. As nice as a fresh start can be, no one enjoys the prospect of being introduced to a new environment with people you believe to be more prepared than you (they aren’t) and be forced to break the ice and get very cozy, very quick (you can’t). I honestly considered simply missioning it through the mandatory orientation then retreating back to my blanket cave. There is, however, more to frosh than two truths and a lie, and the benefits of this week long party far outweigh the pain of awkward first encounters. Here are five reasons why I am ultimately thankful that I put myself out there and went to Frosh.
1. You get a pen! And you get a pen! You’re all going home with pens!
Source: makeagif.com
When you’re a student on a budget, there aren’t many things you’ll refuse when offered for free. All throughout Frosh week, Gould Street was decked out with booths from various sponsors who handed out everything from complementary teeth whitening to Thai food. Personally, I owe my life to the service rep at the Rogers booth beside my residence who supplied my roommates and I with enough Kraft Dinner to last a week’s worth of unhealthy meals. Orientation is also notorious for swag bags, which usually provide enough stationary to last you the first week of class (if you were too busy “studying” to make a Staples run).
2. High key on key
Source: rebloggy.com
This year, Ryerson organized the Vibrant Concert series: four days worth of music covering the full spectrum of genres. I attended Beneath City Lights, the indie night, and enjoyed a cozy evening listening to Ryerson’s alumnus Lucas Dipasquale from Paypal’s VIP lounge (decked out with those inflatable sofas that are just as comfortable as they look) as the sun set. He was followed by Montreal natives Busty and the Bass who were energetic enough to convince all the tired froshees to get on their feet once more. If Indie wasn’t your thing there was also an EDM concert and hip-hop night, along with a residence exclusive party.
3. Team work makes the dream work
Source: wifflegif.com
There is no denying that first year will have no mercy on the incoming Class of 2020, but something about suffering as a community makes the suffering a little more bearable. Frosh provided ample opportunities to expand your group of friends to different faculties, but also bond with the people closest to you, like the people in your program and your roommates. Trust me when I say that there are a few better ways of getting comfortable with the people you’ll be sharing an apartment with than seeing them gyrate on a dance floor (thanks FCAD Jam!). Those first few experiences become the foundation for a long and happy union.
4. Which way’s up?
Source: rebloggy.com
Coming from a small town where there was essentially one street worth exploring, I was incredibly intimidated by Toronto upon arrival. I’m still not 100% sure where I am at any given moment; however orientation did help me find my bearings. My program’s frosh hosted a scavenger hunt throughout campus and the surrounding area. The leaders were very candid on which parts were safe and which ones to avoid past 7 pm. They also showed some tips and tricks for getting between buildings without having to go outside, although admittedly when I tried one of these routes on my own I got horribly lost in Kerr Hall. I’m actually still stuck somewhere in the West Hall, please send help.
5. There are no stupid questions, OR stupid people… yet.
Source: icanhasGIF.com
Last but certainly not least, orientation was crucial to preventing, you know, disorientation. As university students we’re expected to know what we’re doing without necessarily being told, but naturally this isn’t the case. The nice thing about orientation, however, is that you’re still allowed to ask questions. Furthermore, if you’re too scared of asking the prof for fear of sounding stupid, there’s an army of upper years willing to give you a very honest answer backed by personal experience. After having the opportunity to sit in on a panel called “Surviving First Year” with real students who’d been through the same trauma I am currently approaching, I felt 10% more prepared for university (and that’s a lot).
Header source: Ryerson University/YouTube