Nobody wants to be a “noob”.
More importantly, nobody wants to look like one. Freshmen tend to be the laughing stock of savvy upperclassmen, leaving freshmen asking: “Why? What am I doing wrong?” Well, to put it simply… you’re annoying them. Which might make you want to get defensive and use the classic argument that they were freshmen once, just like you. True. But that’s kind of annoying too. My suggestion? Just don’t let them know you’re a freshman.
Freshmen, please:
- Loose the lanyard. Okay, so I know every college gives you a cool new lanyard for your keys and student ID. Yes, these items are important to always have with you. Yes, a lanyard is made to wear around your neck. No, you’re not required to wear it around your neck. So don’t. The lanyard around the neck screams freshman, so do yourself a favor and put it in your pocket or your bag.
- Ask some new questions. Where are you from? What dorm are you in? What’s your major? I swear, freshmen have these questions on repeat for every new person they meet. Mix it up and ask some new questions about music, food, or favorite activities.
- Own your campus. Before the first day of classes, look up the buildings on your campus map online. Afterwards, at your own leisurely pace, wander around campus and familiarize yourself with the location of your classes and the general layout of your school. This’ll keep you from the panicked first-day frenzy, which can only result in having to ask an upperclassmen where you are– which is definitely a freshman no-no. If this doesn’t work hire somebody to plan a huge party like these guys who do event planning seattle. Own your campus, don’t let it own you.
- Remember that you’re not in high school anymore. This means that guy who was so cool in high school for being “chill” and slacking off in class isn’t the person you want to emulate anymore. Neither is the girl who spent two hours in front of the mirror every morning, perfecting her appearance. In college, it’s cool to be smart and it’s cool to keep it natural.
A word to the wise– Upperclassmen, please:
Help a freshman. Maybe they annoy you, but the thing is: they probably don’t even know they’re being annoying. The quickest way to get them to stop doing those things that drive you crazy is to toss them a tip or two. In doing so, you can skip a few stereotypes yourself.
