When I was a freshman, my friends and I hated our status at the bottom of the barrel. When an older guy at a party asked us our year, I remember we all blushed and said “unfortunately, we’re freshman.” His response was surprising. He said, “I wish I was a freshman again. Four years ahead of you, all the new things you’ll experience. Love it while you got it.” We brushed him off, but now that I’m a senior…I get it. I so get it, and it sucks. Being a freshman is awesome; it’s exciting. However, you definitely don’t want to look the part. Reinvent yourself to be effortless and graceful, not the kid with their head in a map who’s bumping into the rest of us. So take note of these tips to at least be at the top of the bottom of the barrel.
1. Seriously, get your head out of the map.
You look like a tourist at Disney World. The campus map is easily attainable on your phone, glue your face to that and then you’ll blend in.
2. Ditch the high school tees.
T-shirts are a huge defining factor of who you are here at USC. They detail what sorority or fraternity you’re in, what clubs you belong to, and your school pride. So ditch the high school tees, and stock up on some campus gear.
3. Get. Out. Of. The. Fountain.
This is also totally not allowed (just saying). Feel free to sit on a bench next to the fountain in-between classes, but please keep all hands, feet, bodies and everything else out of the fountain.
4. Stop with the bucket list items.
Don’t do the clapping trick out by Russell either… unless you’re like me and can’t resist, do it at night when no ones around.
5. Sticker This, Sticker That, Sticker Sticker This That
As I’ve leveled up in semesters, I’ve noticed a mega-increase in stickers on laptops. We love to showcase what we like, our letters, and our fav brands. If you’re a freshman, quickly step your game up. The more stickers, the better.
6. Are you even trying? Dump the planner.
Get yourself a real planner and not the school one. As a speck in the sea of underclassman, you want to be original in any way you can. Be creative and let yourself shine through in all the things you carry.
7. Excuses, excuses.
Some upperclassmen are guilty of this as well, but it needs to be said. Stop using “my printer wasn’t working” as an excuse. Professors do not care. You sound unprofessional and it’s a habit you need to break to make it in the real world.
8. NO LANYARDS
Please, please, please put your Carolina Card away. It does not need to be hanging around your neck on a lanyard. We don’t use nametags here. Trust me, if I want to know your name, I’ll ask.
9. Don’t be an obnoxious goober, or a goober at all really.
Don’t talk about that party last night—at least not obnoxiously loud in class. I’m sure it was a blast and it was probably a whole new scene for you, but you kind of sound like a goober. Oh, and don’t compare fakes either.
10. Don’t make friends in an awkward, pushy way.
Do not ask to sit with someone at lunch and expect to make conversation. I repeat, this is NOT high school and that’s not how you make friends. More than likely, everyone is either in a rush, doing work, or just needs a break and doesn’t want to be bothered. Make friends through organizations, Greek life, dorm residents, and class.
If there’s any advice you do take though, it’s be yourself and have fun. Four years WILL fly, believe it or not. One day you’ll be sitting in my place and feeling nostalgic. So no matter what, enjoy your time as a frosh, and soak it in for all of its newbie glory—you’ll miss it.