Every CL Girl Should Know: The Dos and Don’ts of Freshman Year

As a second semester senior looming ever closer to the dreaded “g” word, it occurs to me that it’s time to pass down my wisdom to those just starting their journey into collegiate life. Here are some things for you savvy high school seniors to remember so you can become a fabulous freshman co-ed.

• You probably won’t have a choice of where you live as a first-year, so don’t get too upset about it.
• You will have at least one roommate, and with the rising of enrollment you could have up to seven roommates.
• If you live in a double, triple, or quad, you will most likely have to experience the communal bathroom. This will be a huge adjustment, especially if you’re an only child.
• Make sure you have a pair of flip flops for the shower, and a shower caddy or basket to carry your toiletries.
• If you’re one of the lucky ones who get a suite, you probably will have a bathroom in your room, which will make competing for a shower a lot easier between eight people than between 50.
• The good thing about living in a dorm is that there’s always something going on and someone to hang out with.
• If you’re a quieter person, be prepared for a lot of noise.  Utilize study rooms or the library to get things done.
• Keep your door locked. Keep your laptop secured to your desk, and hide your valuables.  Your roommates are supposed to be your friends, but you can never be too careful.  A safe is too obvious – use something less obvious, like a trunk.
• Never ignore a fire alarm, no matter how many false alarms there have been before.
• Beware the Freshman 15! Keep healthy snacks in your room, and be careful what you eat at the cafeteria.
• Definitely go to your school’s involvement fair – it’s a great way to see all the clubs and organizations on campus, and a way for you to get yourself involved!
• Who you get as a roommate is always a tossup.  You will probably be asked to take a survey about your living habits, but even so it isn’t a guarantee that you’ll be paired with people you’ll get along with.
• Be considerate of your roommates(s), and hope that they will do you the same courtesy.
• Get together with your roommate(s) to talk about your schedules, activities, likes/dislikes, and lay down some ground rules.  This will make things run as smoothly as possible.
• Have each other’s schedule written down so you not only know where everyone is, but also when you’ll be able to have some privacy.
• Utilize your Resident Assistant. If you find you’re having issues, go to them for help.  Often they will have mediation, and will arrange for you to move out if the situation is really bad.  You don’t have to live in misery – ask for help.  It’s your college experience, you should enjoy every second of it.
• Learn to do laundry BEFORE you get to college. Trust me.

Nicole Celli is an intern at College Lifestyles. She is an English major at Quinnipiac University and member of Phi Sigma Sigma. She hope these tips will help you become a fabulous freshman co-ed!