50 Things Every Freshman Should Know

Illustration by Corinne Fallone

1. The 20+ meal plan is too much Gracie's for any one person.
2. You can leave the residence hall washing machines unattended, as the doors lock. The dryers, however, do not lock.
3. Have a comfortable pair of shoes for walking across campus every day.
4. Winter boots are absolutely essential.
5. Get a scarf or ski mask. You're going to need it.
6. Humans versus Zombies will make you more familiar with the layout of campus than any tour.
7. You’ll be infinitely more attractive if you shower daily.
8. Do not argue with Public Safety. They have tasers.
9. The RIT app has every opening and closing time for dining locations listed. During Orientation, dining services follow summer hours.
10. Some locations do not accept meal plan options. Check before you order.
11. This is a fresh start, make the most of it.
12. You will not be the best at anything unless you work your ass off.
13. Learn how to study properly or your grades will plummet.
14. As dumb as those extra Orientation activities may seem, you can meet a lot of new people at them.
15. It’s okay to talk to strangers. It’s how you’re going to make friends.
16. Step outside of your comfort zone. New experiences can be a lot of fun.
17. Optional review sessions are not a waste of your time. They are a god-send. Go to them!
18. There are a lot of deaf people on campus. No Voice Zone is an easy and fun way to learn how to communicate with them.
19. Your textbooks will be much cheaper on Amazon.
20. When it comes time to select classes, plan out your schedule, then make a few back-up schedules before your enrollment time. Classes will fill up.
21. Your roommate is going to get on your nerves at times. If things become problematic, your RA can help.
22. Take your roommate agreement seriously. If there’s a dispute, the agreement will settle it.
23. Befriend your RA. They might let you get away with a few things if they like you.
24. Don't ever leave anything valuable unattended.
25. Hang out with multiple groups of friends. You’ll miss out on a lot of great times if you limit who you talk to.
26. Use your meal options wisely, or you’ll run out of debit.
27. Laundry detergent pods go directly in the drum of the washer, on top of your clothes, not in the detergent tray.
28. Remove your clothes within 10 minutes of them being done, or someone will remove them for you.
29. Take your empty bottles to Sol’s bottle return and get some money! Just make sure that they are recyclable in the state of New York, otherwise they will not accept them.
30. Your academic adviser is here to help you with any concerns you have about your classes or major. Meet with them regularly to ensure you're on the right track.
31. Tutoring centers save GPAs. Make use of them. If they don't work for you, there is Tutor For Hire, a online service to find a private tutor. 
32. Your professor does not care if you were sick over the weekend, you’re expected to have your work done.
33. Your professor’s office hours are their gift to struggling students.
34. Don’t ever try to sound smarter than your professor. You’ll look like a fool.
35. Your syllabus has a wealth of information, use it. 
36. Never beg your professors to bring your grade up just because “I need to get a C in this class.” They’ll laugh at you. Instead, befriend them at the beginning of the semester. 
37. “Attendance is not required” does not mean that you can just skip that class. At least, not if you want to pass it.
38. Talking to someone and being nice to them never obligates them to go out with you.
39. If you ask people out, sometimes you’re going to get rejected. Don’t let it bother you
40. No means no and yes means yes. Take the consent lectures they give you during orientation seriously.
41. Don’t ask yourself “How can I get my crush to like me?” Ask yourself “How can I find the person who will like me the way I am?”
42. Find a place to study where it’s easy for you to stay focused.
43. You cannot study effectively and watch Netflix at the same time.
44. Set an alarm that will require you to physically get out of bed to turn off, it’ll wake you up better.
45. Motivate yourself to do things you don’t want to do. Eat a small piece of candy every time you finish reading a paragraph, or have a smoothie after a jog.
46. Find the building and room that your class is in before the first day of classes.
47. Reviewing material before a test once or twice before the test will allow you to remember more than spending the entire night cramming.
48. You know that nerdy thing you’re into that people at high school made fun of you for? There’s a club for it here.
49. Even if you don’t like sports, RIT hockey games are extremely fun.
50. College is what you make of it. You’re on your own now, and everything that happens to you is going to be a result of your actions. Make good choices while you can.