Now that NSO week has ended and classes have begun, let me officially welcome you to Hampton University! While it may seem like Hampton is a fashion show and the LITTEST school (compared to the rest of your friend’s Snapchats from back home), don’t forget that it is college and you will be expected to not only complete your schoolwork, but to do it in a timely manner! Trust and believe, you will thank me later when you are not considering dropping out during midterms.
2. Get Involved
Now is the time to join clubs, intramural sports, and organizations. You have the ability to make your presence known on campus and in the Hampton Roads area. Getting involved will allow you to start new friendships and expose you to different people that you may not usually interact with on a daily basis.
3. Take Advantage of Curfew
Even though curfew may seem like the most annoying thing right now, you will look back on it as an upperclassman and appreciate it. Curfew forces you to bond with people in your dorm, stay safe and gives you the time you need to get your work done.
4. Build Friendships
You are no longer limited to just socializing with the same people you have been around the last four years. Welcome to Hampton, where yes, the majority of us may be black but we all have different upbringings, cultures and stories. Whether it is getting to know the Caribbean girl from New York, learning how to “Sexywalk” or finding out what the big deal about mumbo sauce is; DO IT!
5. Get a Bubble Umbrella
September in Hampton is beautiful except when it rains. When I say rain, I really mean when there is a category five hurricane that hits campus and you expect a notification that class is canceled (which will never happen). Not only will there be lakes on campus, okay puddles, but there will be dozens of broken umbrellas on the ground. The wind gets out of control and takes out everything in its way- except bubble umbrellas.
6. Develop Time Management and Study Skills
While class may seem easy now, having a “Midterm life crisis” is real and it happens to the best of us. So instead of going to every 12-2, Holland, Ballroom or Harbor party, it may do you well to stay inside in brush up on your notes. Remember, you have unlimited time to twerk to “Booty Me Down” or sweat your edge control out, but MyMathLabs are timed.