1. Forget What People Say – The student population at Union is way too small to keep much from anyone. Rumors and gossip are inevitable (especially on Yik Yak) at Union and there’s usually little you can do about it, but instead of worrying about what everyone is saying, just forget what the rest of the student body thinks. It won’t matter in a week.
2. Alter Your Perspectives – Try things you said you would never try. Don’t like seafood? Lobster Fest at Union is your best bet to try it. Scared of heights? Try climbing the rock-wall that Union discretely plants in the middle of the campus.
3. Spend Time With People Who Make You Happy – There’s zero point in surrounding yourself with people who make you miserable. Life is too short for that.
4. Move On – So, you had the most embarrassing weekend of your life? Odds are someone else had more of an embarrassing weekend and story to tell. Don’t dwell on things that you can’t go back and change. Just learn from it.
5. Put Judging People To Rest – Everyone has a story, but judging someone from a far isn’t cool. Chances are that you have no idea what their story is all about.
6. Make The Quad A Priority – You’re only a freshman and sophomore for two years total in your life (unless you’re a super sophomore…?) Whatever your interests may be, there’s no doubt that you can do them on the quad under the Schenectady sun. The quad isn’t going to follow you through life as a mentor.
7. Don’t Take Yourself Too Seriously – It’s important to respect yourself and your reputation (especially at this small of a school), but there’s no need to stress over minute issues that are beyond your control. You won’t gain anything but wrinkles.
8. Catch Zzzz’s – All-nighters may seem like a good idea at the time, but don’t make it a habit. Nap often.
9. Get A Pet – Don’t necessarily bring a narwhal into Fox, but maybe a fish will suffice.
10. Don’t Envy Your Peers – It’s said often, but that’s because it needs to be. Jealously is a waste of time. Recognize that you already have what you need.
11. Sweat A Little – No matter how much liquid… you consumed this past weekend, you’ll feel a lot better (about yourself) if you sweat a little of it out at Alumni.
12. Smile At Randos – There’s no need to walk around with RBF. Ever.