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Editor's Note: Caitlin Emmons is a freshman at the University of California at Santa
Cruz. This is the second of a monthly blog Caitlin writes about her experiences at
college.
Cruz. This is the second of a monthly blog Caitlin writes about her experiences at
college.
| Caitlin's College Blog By: Caitlin Emmons I never thought I would get to a point where I would be able to tell you that I have completed my first two weeks of college. I have had classes, gotten the “freshman flu,” and had my fair share of random friend making. Here are a few things I learned along the way that might be helpful to you: 1. Shower shoes are not a joke. I share a bathroom with thirteen other people, we have two showers and not everyone is as hygienic or healthy as you, be careful. 2. Get used to sharing everything. This is by no means a complaint on my part, my roommates and I have a very “mi casa, su casa” thing going on and it works. But if you are the type of person that wants to keep your popcorn to yourself either get over it or be vocal. Sharing isn't limited to objects, get ready to tell your roomies what is up with you. If you had a bad class, tell them! If some boy stands you up, tell them! The last thing you want is to be in a bad mood and have your roomies think it is something they did, they are after all your new family. 3. Bring vitamin C supplements. Let me tell you from first hand experience, getting the flu is not fun, not productive, and not a good way to make friends. Last time I checked sniffling didn't qualify as a mating call either. If you can't stop the illness get ready to fight it. Robitusin, Nyquil, Dayquil, Theraflu, cough drops, everything you can possibly think of. Believe me grocery stores and book stores seem a lot farther away once you are already sick. 4. Don't assume that because you talked to someone before you got to college and then hung out during welcome week that they will be your bestie. College is about meeting lots of people and then narrowing from there, don't start with a set group and hope to venture out later. Everyone is new here, take advantage of that. Smiling makes you seem much more approachable. 5. Find out some college secrets, trust me—all colleges have them. Just tonight I learned that the coffee bar nearest me gives away coffee, bread, bagels, and soup for free right before they close. Sounds lame now, but it made my week! Little tricks like this will make you a bit happier during those late night study sessions. 6. Get to know the people living in your hall. You are going to be living next to these people for a year and you may need to borrow more than a cup of sugar from time to time. Find out what classes they are taking, their majors, find things you have in common and hang out with them. 7. Be ready to adapt. College is full of new and weird situations, traditions and people. The best anecdote I have for this one is Santa Cruz's “naked run.” Every year when we get the first rain students strip off their clothes and go for what is literally a naked run all through campus. Personally, water and nudity aren’t for me, but I try to laugh off the situation when hundreds of kids go streaking past my room. And hey, it is just one more story to tell friends back home! 8. Finally, be persistent. If you don't get all the classes you want right away don't stop trying. Many colleges let you “crash” (College Lingo: Crash is to sit in on a class and hopefully get a permission code that will allow you to officially enroll in that class. It often requires emailing the professor before attending the class and perhaps a visit to your academic advisor's office) classes. And if that doesn't work it's only one term and the class will probably be around next time. College has always seemed really far away to me and now that I am here I don't think it has really sunk in just yet. It's fantastic, but it's also stressful. You have to balance that bustling social life with academics and there is no one to remind you what your homework was. Friendships are hard and meeting people is sometimes overwhelming but everyone really does find their place eventually and then this new and exciting life begins! |
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