The countdown has officially started and everyone’s buzzing about the events planned for this year’s last day of classes. As freshmen, LDOC remains a complete mystery. We all have these elaborate portraits that we’ve painted in our heads of what we think LDOC will be like, but we won’t actually know until we experience it ourselves. Luckily for us, it’s just a few days away. Even after April 25, we have three more LDOC’s to get it right. Go in with no expectations, and I guarantee you will finish the day happy. We all know everyone is looking forward to that post-LDOC bliss, which will last you at least a few hours–before you get an email from your professor about reading period study groups, a reminder about the 12 page research paper due at midnight, and reality begins to sink in. All that aside, LDOC reminds us to take a step back and mark a landmark in our time at Duke. LDOC is not only a celebration of the last day of classes, but it is also a celebration of an entire school year. That’s right, in a few days our freshman year will officially be over. Can you believe how fast the time has flown by? On LDOC, take the time to soak up the sun, revel in the beautiful Duke scenery, take advantage of all the offered events, enjoy the great music, and celebrate surviving your first year of college with your friends before you all go your separate ways this summer. Here’s some advice straight from upperclassmen who have been there, done that, on how to make the best of this year’s LDOC.
- “Evaluate the pros and cons of skipping class on that day. If you haven’t missed all semester, maybe go for it. If your grade will be lowered by half a letter, better go to it.” –Kirsten
- “Check out the programming that the LDOC Committee and other student groups have organized throughout the day. Trivia, barbecues, inflatables, henna, a Chapel climb, a movie sing-along, student performances… and that’s just to name a few. Don’t miss out on all of the fun (and FREE) activities while you’re waiting for the concert to start!” –Ashley (Marketing co-chair of the LDOC committee)
- Most girls wear dresses but it gets muddy on main quad so pick your shoes carefully.” -Victoria
- One thing I wish I had known when I was a freshman was to bring everything I could possibly need to West campus, so that I can stay on West campus the whole time. Riding the C1 back and forth is such a drag. I would bring a sweater and something to change into and money and your license if you decide to go to Shooters later. Then, when you get to West, drop all of that stuff off in your friend’s room so you don’t have to carry it around. Bring sunglasses and just have a place to store your stuff so you don’t need to go back to East.” –Jaimie
- Do it big, but not too big. Don’t forget to eat! Make sure you still have food points, make sandwiches the day before and pack them in a little baggie, whatever you do, EAT! Bring water. You’ll get thirsty.” -Dayna
- “One piece of advice is to take pictures. You may not remember a lot about LDOC except sunshine, friends, and happiness… not to say that isn’t a bad thing, but I definitely regret not taking enough pictures. It’s a great day and everyone is in a great mood. Also, I don’t know of any other college doing this so we’re very lucky. I suggest using a disposable camera so you don’t have to worry about possibly breaking it, but I also love the way they come out.” –Betty
Keep an eye on Her Campus for stories, advice, pictures, and everything LDOC. And most importantly, relax and enjoy your first, and definitely not last, LDOC experience. After a long year of transitioning into college life, stressing over what classes to take, endless papers and exam preparation, and a constantly filled calendar, you deserve it!
Image Source:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/-drj/3468061745/