Her Campus WM’s OFFICIAL guide: How to have an awesome freshman year

The women of Her Campus William and Mary want you to have an easy transition to college life. Here is how to make the most of your first few days, avoid awkward/embarrassing moments and live your life in the freest, funnest and most amazing way possible.

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1. Don't be afraid to try new fashions!  You have probably realized that William and Mary isn't exactly as fashion forward as NYU or UCLA.  This, however, doesn't give us permission to dress in the same, "safe" style everyday, consisting of Rainbow flip flops and a strand of pearls.  Don't be shy!  Step outside the box, and take a risk with some unique accessories and silhouettes.  You will be noticed and admired not only for your style, but your confidence.

2.  Take care of your lingerie. Welcome to college, and welcome to being a poor college student who lacks the funds to replace your Victoria's Secret lingerie every season.  Here is a tip to make those favorite bras last longer, especially when you are forced to use the College's questionable, old washers and dryers.  Instead of just tossing your lingerie into the washer, place your bras inside the front pocket of a hoodie sweatshirt.  It will prevent them from getting worn, tangled, and stretched out.  

3.  Do NOT start a committed relationship within the first month of school.  You will miss out on crucial social opportunities to meet people, join activities, and create that good reputation for yourself.  Take this time to see what is out there, because you can never get those first months of college back.  Take my word for it; don't put all your eggs in one basket.

4. Bring a Wing Woman, when going out. Heading anywhere alone as a Freshman girl is about the worst idea ever. If possible, bring someone who isn't afraid to stand up for you and keep track of you in a crowd.

5. Buy your textbooks USED and ONLINE for cheap, using Amazon, eBay, etc. Depending on which classes you are taking, you may end up dropping $600 on textbooks if you just show up at the bookstore.

6. Take Chem 101, not German 320. You may think you are the smartest freshman to show up, and can handle anything college throws at you. You are wrong. As you adjust to college and enjoy the experience, you will not be able to devote the right effort and dedication to an upper-level course. Stick to the 100-levels.

7. Don't bother with 8 am Friday classes, or any Friday classes for that matter, if you plan on having a very active social life at W&M. Thursday is considered the start of the weekend, and mixers and parties will definitely be going on late Thursday nights.

8. Hang-over Helper: Chug two glasses of water, and dig into a bag of Cheese Shop bread ends (Cost: $1) when you come back from a night out. Guaranteed: you will feel better in the morning. Warning: Don't Take Advil. It isn't safe to take it with Alcohol, which is still in your system at night.

9. Know your shot sizes and varieties. Do not try and act tough and take a larger shotglass of whatever a frat boy hands you. Not all vodkas and liquors are the same strength. Ask what you are drinking. And make him pour your drink in front of you, from a bottle. That way you will know what it is. Please stay away from 151 and Everclear. If it tastes like liquid fire, it is probably not a good idea.

10. Be careful what you post on Facebook!  It might just seem like venting to post something snarky about that super annoying classmate or girl from your dorm on your status, but trust us, they'll notice.  Most college kids are on Facebook CONSTANTLY, and you really don't want the drama.  And with W&M being such a small school, even if you aren't friends on Facebook with the person you're discussing, someone else you're friends with might be.  

11. Know before you go. If you're single, before going out for the night, have a quick little convo with yourself about boys.  If you're open to hook ups, you're going to want a firm limit set on how many bases you plan on getting to before your head is spinning and your decision-making skills have taken the night off.  (You can always tell your roommate, or whatever friends you plan on going out with your decision and ask for their help if you think you're going to be a problem.)  At the very least, tell the guy you end up macking with what you're comfortable with from the beginning. Don't wait until when he whips out a condom and you're looking at it like it's gonna bite you in the butt.

12.  Get in with your profs from the get-go! The first few weeks of class approach your teacher with a question about a lecture or reading. They will remember your name and you will establish a good rapport that could come in handy later!

13. Put yourself out there.  The first few weeks of school are when everyone is establishing new friend groups and getting impressions of everyone on their hall, so make a good impression! By getting involved you also can get to know people and ease into the transition.  

14. Theme parties are your best friend! If there's a themed party going on during orientation or pre-rush, DON'T be afraid to dress up. It lets everyone know (especially the sorority girls) that you like to have fun and can party.

15. The freshman fifteen DOES NOT have to happen to you. Maintain your physique by taking advantage of the Rec Center or working up some type of sweat at least 6 days per week. Girls and guys alike will be impressed with your work ethic, plus it gives you more energy!

16. Make him go after you. It's obvious when a girl is all over a guy at a party or a big social event. Usually everyone notices and wonders what the heck is going on. If you like a guy, don't be obvious. HE should be pursuing YOU, especially if you're at a party.

17. Going on a few dates does not equal lifelong relationship. At William and Mary, you often see people who go on lots of dates and hang out a lot, but they are not always dating as in boyfriend/girlfriend relationship. William and Mary is a place for exploration – don’t settle for the first boy you meet or you may miss you chance with Prince Charming. Go to the movies, go to tons of fraternity date parties and formals, and talk up the boys in your classes – then wisely choose the boy that will hold your heart.

18. Welcome to Wawa – Williamsburg’s most hoppin’ place at 3am. In case you did not know, William and Mary students are obsessed with Wawa! No matter what you are craving, where you are coming from, what time of the day (or night) it is, you can always count on Wawa to be there for you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. PS – the huge fountain waters are free!! (Wawa’s hidden secret.) Oh and the Mac N’ Cheese is best if you get it at 4 am – seriously!

19. Swem the night away! It may seem strange to you at first, but Swem (the library that you will love to hate) is one of the biggest social places you could go to on Monday and Tuesday nights. However, do not expect to get any work done: the first floor is specifically reserved for people to talk about how much work they have left to do (hence, the noise level), the second floor is reserved for when you want to pretend to work, when in reality, you will be seated at a central table and strike a quiet conversation with anyone that walks by. By going to the third floor, you are immediately in danger of angry and frustrated stares, particularly if your cell phone vibrates at an exceedingly loud level. You have been warned.

20. Manage the long distance boyfriend’s expectations. Do not break up with your boyfriend (if you do actually love him) just because you are leaving for school, but do warn him that it will be very, very hard for you to talk, text and gchat him 24/7 in your first few weeks. You don’t want to be known as the girl crying to her long distance boy toy in the hallway for the third night in a row while your hall mates are hitting the units.  Avoid the drama by having the the talk before you leave!

And remember, first impressions are not everything! Your first weeks of school will be totally tumultuous and totally awesome--- enjoy them.

Questions? Comments? Email Sarah@hercampus.com with your feedback.