5 Things You Learn in Your First 5 Weeks at UT

1. The buddy system you learned in kindergarten is still a thing.

Walking from class to class and going to the dining hall in broad daylight is totally fine. Lets be honest, most of the time that’s what happens anyways; people have different schedules during the day, which makes it difficult to always be with your friends. However at night, especially weekend nights, you have to have one of your girls with you if you’re walking around. When you’re out with your friends on a Friday or Saturday, make sure you all have a “buddy” that you can walk places with so that you keep an eye on each other. You never know what odd predicament you might find yourself in and its better safe than sorry!

2. You’re not the only one that’s homesick.

People say you can “prepare yourself” for being homesick by ignoring your family’s calls and texts. Well I say that’s ridiculous. People get homesick for a lot of reasons, whether it be for your parents, siblings, dogs, hamsters, refrigerators, local priests, the funny cashier at CVS by your house, anything! It’s all totally normal and okay. Just because you’re an adult doesn’t mean that you can’t miss those things. Never be ashamed to admit that you’re homesick, because I guarantee every single person here at one point or another has felt the same thing you’re feeling. There’s nothing wrong with having trouble adjusting to this new lifestyle, so lean on your new friends and know that this is all a part of growing up. You will get through it.

3. Dorms are the best/worst things ever.

It’s exciting; you’re living on your own! No rules, no restrictions, and you have your own space that you can do anything with. Of course it’s all fun and games until you realize your room is not just your bedroom…but also your kitchen, bathroom, living room, and whatever else you’re used to having in an entire house. Most of us also have 1-4 other people that we have to share this small space with, which can either help or hurt the situation. Remember to maximize space and keep your dorm room looking the way you want it to and also know that your roommate doesn’t have to be your best friend. If you get along, great! If you don’t, figure out a way to live amicably so that you can get through the year without sleeping on your friends floors every night.

4. Professors actually care if you’re late to class…or miss it completely.

Many professors still take role call, have assigned seating, etc. Most will absolutely notice when you are not in class and you can bet that they will mark it down somewhere. If you genuinely have to miss a class, make sure to email your professor and give them a heads up so that they know you didn’t decide to sleep in that day. Believe it or not, they care about you and want you to succeed, so don’t be surprised if they reprimand you for skipping!

5. You might not find “your clique” right away.

There are over 7,000 students here and hundreds of clubs and activities you can join. You will find your place! I have met people who met their best friend at freshman orientation and I have met people who didn’t make a real friend until their sophomore year. Everyone is different. Your niche might be in the last place you expected, so get involved in everything and anything because I guarantee you won’t find any friends by hiding in your dorm room all day. 

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