10) Don’t lock yourself out of your room. Now, I was a freshman once, and I understand the fact that you’re not used to having keys every time you leave. However I also remember a girl getting locked out of her room in December of freshman year, which is enough time to be used to your keys. Just because you’re showering does not mean that your roommate will leave the door unlocked for you, so bring your keys. Getting locked out in a towel is not sexy, especially when you have to patrol the building for an RA nearly naked.
9) Don’t assume everyone parties. Parties are not everyone’s cup of tea. If you do not want that in your life, it does not have to be. There are tons of free events on campus that are not centered on a party atmosphere. CEC has around three events a week including open mic nights and karaoke nights in the Maize.
8) Not utilizing safe walks. It is 3 AM, you’re walking back to your lovely little home in Livedalen, and Olson is closed down. USE A SAFE WALK!! Public safety is fantastic and they will tell stories in the car! All you have to do is call them , and they are more than willing to get you where you need to be safely and quickly. If you do not know the number, here is an easy little rhyme for you. “If you see a creeper behind a tree, call (218) 299-3123”
7) Not communicating with your roommate. Kids, the other person you’re going to live with the next eight months is more often than not a stranger to you. They are going to have different beliefs, thoughts and life experiences than you. So it would stand to reason that you would respect them and they would respect you. Communication about how to work around opposite sleep patterns or homework styles leads to happy harmony between the two of you.
6) Don’t stay on campus all the time. I speak from experience when I say getting into the community is necessary. I understand that Concordia is fantastic, yet leaving and seeing other people your age or kids and families is so much fun. You can get lovely treats like a Boba Tea at TeaBerry or some coffee at Moxie Java or Atomic coffee as well.
5) Don’t feel like you need a car. MAT bus is great and they give you free rides! If you’re a social individual, do not hesitate to converse with your fellow bus riders. I learned how to knit (kind of), and one day I got three cases of Coca Cola for 8 bucks because a guy told me about a sale. It is those kinds of tiny wins that make your day great.
4) Not getting involved. Freshman year is the year to get your inbox flooded with tons of e-mails about Mannerchör, rugby, tennis, foam weapons, Chem Club, theatre, and the list goes on. Get your feet wet and find what you like. Having varied interests shouldn’t make a difference either. You can be involved in theatre, choir, and Orientation and be a happy Cobber.
3) Don’t let your health suffer. To function you need sleep and food. So go to bed, and go to DS.
2) Not letting strangers sit with you during the 12:10 to 12:50 lunch rush. It is fantastic to meet some people who I am sure are just as frustrated with you to be stuck in that cluster of crazy.
1) DO NOT WEAR YOUR LANYARD AROUND YOUR NECK. If you do this and are confused as to why people still know you are a freshman without your beanie, a lanyard is the biggest indicator of freshman-ness.
Katelyn Henagin graduated from Pierz-Healy High School in 2010, and grew up in both Pierz and Worthington, Minnesota. She is graduating in 2014 with a Philosophy Major and a minor in Psychology. If you feel like talking to Katelyn, striking up a conversation about Harry Potter is always a good choice.
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