Naturally, first-years coming into college know little to nothing about Davidson life. So, of course, Davidson college has some tools in place to help our first-years get a clue. Davidson 101 courses, a progression of six tedious seminars that serve as a graduation requirement, are intended to advise and educate the student body on life skills and useful knowledge outside of the classroom. The seminars articulate important information ranging from alcohol safety to campus tools and resources (for the full list of fun; Davidson 101). Even so, the seminars do not truly take on the social norms that embody our small school. Knowing the quirks that our school has developed is essential to the day-to-day survival in the Davidson College community. Basically, there is a TON of stuff that I wish I had known as a naïve, try hard first-year, but instead (or should I say, unfortunately) I had to figure out myself. So without further ado, here are my additions to Davidson 101.
Library etiquette:
The Davidson College Library provides room for studying and learning–do not roll in with a posse of eight people and make a large ruckus, do not circulate the main floor and socialize, and DO NOT open a bag of snacks in the silent basement. Everyone will be able to hear you open, chew, and swallow that trail-mix, and they will hate you.
How not to gain the freshman 15:
Honestly, it is inevitable. Embrace it. Buy bigger clothes and move on with your life.
What to wear, where:
Comfort is key, and no one cares what you wear to class. When it comes to “going out” (I say this in quotes because, in my opinion, the night scene is close to dismal at Davidson) do not wear that brand-new cute designer top to F or worse, K-Pub; they will eternally be ruined. All in all, wear what you feel good in.
How to handle your alcohol:
Do not try to be a hard a$$. Davidson is full of people who have never drunk before. We are all in this boat together. Be safe; have fun.
Branching out:
Get involved! Even though you may think you do not have time for anything but schoolwork, you do. It is incredibly beneficial to set foot outside of the four walls of your dorm room. There are loads of different groups out there, ranging from demanding music factions to just lax intermural sports. Try to avoid constantly spending your social time with one circle of friends. Branch out and socialize (but, of course, do not socialize too much . . . unless the fraternity lap is a goal of yours. Then you go girl).
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