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What I Learned Freshmen Year

This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at Chapel Hill chapter.

Cellphone, Student ID, and Keys

These items are definitely the Big Three.  I learned the hard way that you can’t get much done without these things.  My first day of class, I lost all of these things and was lost without them.  I couldn’t call my friends to tell them about losing everything, or swipe in to eat at the dining hall, or get into my dorm or room. You might think, “Oh, I’ll be fine without it”, but you never know when you might need your One Card to get a Rise and Shine at Alpine, or your phone to find your study group at the UL, or your keys because your roommate is MIA.  A solution to my super-human ability of losing or forgetting things, I gave in and got a Vera Bradley wristlet that can carry all three. Now, I just make sure I have my wristlet, and I’m good to go! My advice is that if you leave your dorm, MAKE SURE you have your cell, ID, and Keys.

Friends are the Best Therapists
We all have those days where you think you failed a test or are feeling a little homesick.  Sometimes you just need someone to talk to.  I have found my own personal Dr. Phils in my friends.  No matter what has bothered me, I have found comfort in knowing that there are others who have felt the same way or are going through the same thing. Having people who you trust is so important in college.  When you no longer have your parents to run to, its nice to be able to dump your problems on someone who cares about you.  My friends has always been there for me, and I can trust them with anything.  You may not find these relationships right away, but when you do, you’ll find yourself making some of the best friends and the closest bonds you have ever had.

It’s Totally Acceptable to Wear Shorts and T-Shirts Every Day
If you went to a private school, you probably thought that you left uniforms behind.  As I look around however, it seems that the favorite outfit of athletes and sorority girls alike it a t-shirt and some form of running shorts (preferably Nike). You can’t sit in the quadThis trend is the is so popular because it’s so easy to throw together. Just on put one of the ten free t-shirts you are sure to get and a pair of shorts, and you are good to go!  The easiness is just one perks of the college-girl uniform.  Comfort is also a plus when you are trying to stay awake in that 8:00 a.m. math class, or you are you are hurrying from your north campus class to the business school.  Wearing this comfortable outfit makes you feel that much cuter when you wear your favorite floral dress or jeans and boots combo.  

The student section is always energetic and excited during basketball season.

We Really Are All in this Together
From the shock of that infamous buzzer-beater to the news of our star players moving onto go for their dreams, Troy Bolton’s words have never felt more true. At my very first UNC pep rally, I felt a sense of school spirit I have never had before. The chants and cheers yelled in sync not only create a sense of unity, they also help everyone to feel the same excitement for our teams and our school. On that fateful February 8th, it wasn’t just the winter air that was cold, the entire student body seemed to go into shock when that last three-pointer went in the goal. The feeling was indescribable, but somehow I knew that there were thousands of others sporting Carolina Blue that had the same empty feeling I did. Though we didn’t get to celebrate that night, we were able to take back our pride when we demolished the Devils just down the road.  Whether a game is exciting or disappointing, nothing unites us more than putting our arms around each other and singing the alma mater and shouting “Go to Hell Duke!”. The love we have for our school is something I am so grateful to be a part of, and I couldn’t be more proud to wear Carolina Blue.  

It’s Okay to Be Yourself
You know that moment in high school when you realized how realistic the cafeteria scene in Mean Girls was with the different social cliques sitting at different tables, well in college that all but disappears.  At UNC, I’ve met so many different people from different states and countries, different religions and political backgrounds, and especially different interests. Sure, the athletes tend to stick together and there is the exclusivity of sororities and frats, but I’ve found myself making friends with people from those groups too.  No matter what you love whether it’s dancing, art, or even ultimate frisbee, you will find friends who share your passions.  Though, I’ve found the greatest friendships I’ve made are with the people who I have the least in common with.  Going to football games and dinners really helped me to get close with my friends, and I have learned a lot about myself by having strong relationships with people who are different than me.  

Football games are a great place to hang with friends and show your spirit!

This Will Be One of the Best Years of Your Life
It seems like it was just yesterday that I pulled up on the side of the road to move into my dorm.  Fast forward nine months, and I can’t believe I am about to be a sophomore. I have had so much fun this year, and I’ve been able to fit more into my schedule than I could possibly imagine. There are so many clubs and organizations to choose from that it’s hard to narrow your choices.  No matter what you’re interested in, I promise you will find something you love.  Getting involved going to games or events helps you to meet all kinds of people. I have met so many new people this year causing my Facebook friends count to rise immensely.  Take advantage of the time you have with people whether it’s a night in watching a movie with your best friends, or a night out socializing with new faces. Also, don’t let that 60/40 girl to guy ratio get you down. There are so many guys to meet, and believe it or not, there are still cute, nice guys out there who will give up their seat for you on the P2P.  Who knows? You might even end up dancing together the entire night! My best advice is to get out there and just do something! There will be so many opportunities throughout the year that could pass you by, and before you know it, you’ll be taking your spring finals.  Remember to live it up, have fun, and make the most of your time here.

Sources

One Card: http://www.onecard.unc.edu/

Student Section: http://sibatmedia.files.wordpress.com/2011/01/unc.jpg

Game Photo: Personal

Sophomore, PR major at UNC