I have been here for five years. You could say I’m a seasoned Bronco. I know my way around and I know how most everything works here at WMU. Now, normally I like to keep my special knowledge of the University to myself, but I’ve had a change in heart. I’ve now welcomed three years of new Broncos and I want them all to be prepared for their next 4 (or 5) years of their lives here on campus.
This is the beginning of my weekly blog- a blog dedicated to advice about life that I’ve personally attained. This particular edition is a post that reflects the first week of college life that I hope all my new Broncos have learned (or will learn soon).
Textbook Express seems like a good idea, but in reality it is just a lazy way to spend a ton of money on books.
I love our bookstore- don’t get me wrong- but those little white boxes are a waste of money. And don’t worry, I bought my box too my Freshman year. You will learn that you don’t need every book in there and that you can find most of them for cheap somewhere else (half.com anyone?). Give it a try next semester.
Learn the most used acronyms on campus.
TRUST ME, Western has a ton of acronyms and short hands for almost everything on campus. It can be confusing (sometimes I’M still confused). Here are a few to begin with:
- WSA- Western Student Association, your student government
- DSK- Drive Safe Kalamazoo, our safe rides program
- RSO- Registered Student Organization, self-explanatory?
- BHC- Bernhard Center, please tell me you know where this is
- SOC- Student Organization Center, place where RSO offices are in the BHC
You will have a lot of free time.
If you are taking 16 credits and not working, chances are you only have class for a few hours each day (sometimes not even on Fridays! Cool, I know!). So what are you going to do in all of your free time? That is totally up to you. Your first year might be full of parties – which is fine – but it can be habit forming and BAD for you overall. Join an organization (or intramural team!) to pass your time. I myself have been part of about five! There is something for everyone, not kidding. The best part is, if there isn’t already an organization for something that interests you, you can start your own!
Campus wide events are fun and beneficial.
Fall Welcome, Bronco Bash, CommUniversity, Homecoming, RSO events and many others are great ways to get psyched (and stay psyched) to be on campus as a Bronco! Keep and ear and an eye out for upcoming activities.
Read the Chalk!
RSOs spend lots of time advertising to you as a student and one way is “chalking” which is all the chalk on the sidewalks! While you are walking to class take a moment to read their messages and admire their artwork.
Tailgate!
Whether you drink or not (whether you are old enough to drink or not) GO TO A TAILGATE. They are super fun and the University works hard to make it fun for EVERYONE (and you can tell dad they are safe too). Yes, there are cops, but just don’t be dumb and everything will be fine. Also, let’s make it to the game. I’ve known many people that just get too drunk to even walk to the stadium. Honestly, it’s about the game not about the booze. On that note…
LEARN THE FIGHT SONG
You WILL sing it at EVERY sports game. Even if you don’t attend a game, it’s so cool to know the fight song! Go Broncos!
WEAR WMU GEAR
Lets be real. You go to WMU. You do not go to MSU. You do not go to UofM. You do not go to Hope. You do not go to GVSU. I DON’T CARE if your boyfriend, mom, dad, aunt, uncle, or grandma went there. YOU GO TO WMU. Leave those other schools’ colors at home and that Junior over there will stop giving you the evil eye.
Until next week!
-Alyssa
Editor: Katelyn Kivel