Welcome To College

You're in a new school, your'e in a new town, you're in a new state, you're in a new house/apartment/dorm... You have to make friends. You want to go to parties. You want to go on dates. You want to live your life... because you are in COLLEGE. Welcome to College my friends. Now let me fill you in on a few of the rules now that you are here. You don't have to follow them, but if you don't want to look like a total newb, or if you go to BYU a zoobie... I would suggest you do.

*Disclaimer: These tips will not help your grades and studies... just your social life.*

Rule #1 - Never run on campus. You are already late, running isn't going to change that fact. Plus you just look like a crazy person. This morning I saw someone running to class and she couldn't keep her backpack on and she looked so worn out. I felt bad. Class had obviously already started, it was 10:02. She was also yelling hi at people she knew as she ran by them. Have you ever noticed when you are running you seem to talk louder? Maybe because you think that people wont hear you over the wind while you are rushing past them? False. They can hear you. You are loud. What is even worse about running. You get sweaty and look a hot mess. Then you get to class and you wonder why you ran. Don't run... problem solved.

Rule #2 - Do not wear noticeable high school apparel. There is a big difference between regular high school apparel that just has maybe a logo or something like that and something that says "SENIORS '09 RULE!" If you wear those shirts not only do you look like you are stuck in high school, you also have just labeled yourself a freshman, eternally. No matter how mature you act people will know, you are a freshman. I admit, I have broken this rule. I was a fool. There was this cute boy in my class freshman year, and I was wearing a "Bruin '07" shirt. We were chatting and he seemed like he thought I was cool. And then I took off my jacket and he saw my shirt and then he was like, "How old are you....?" Ruined all chances. Never again did I wear high school apparel to campus. Although I do wear it to the gym. Because that is the time when I do not care what I look like. Save high school attire for working out.

Rule #3 - Socks with sandals. Don't do it.

Rule #4 - Walking, merging, and stopping. Let us talk about campus sidewalk etiquette. I am just going to go through a few key rules within this rule"
1. If you are going to chat with a friend, do not stop in the middle of a hall or sidewalk, kindly move to the side.
2. If you are going to merge in front of someone, do not slow down, stay at the same pace because it will cause a collision otherwise.
3. If you want to text, please do not text and walk at the same time unless you can clearly see you will not hit a single person.
4. Stay with the flow of traffic, do not walk extremely slow.
5. Do not cut someone off and then stop walking to talk.
6. When you are walking straight at somebody and one of you needs to move just pick a side and commit, you'll run into somebody half the time but they'll be the one feeling guilty for not picking the right way to go.

Rule #5 - High heels are not needed to look mature. I understand that sometimes people have interviews, presentations, meetings, and other things that require dressing nice. I wear high heels on campus sometimes too. But everyday... not so much. A few things I have learned from when I tried to be a "classy dresser".
A. They hurt SO bad walking on campus all day.
B. They make somewhat annoying noises.
C. Most boys aren't impressed my the ability to wear uncomfortable shoes all day.
There are shoes that look just as nice, and are flat to the ground and have all day comfort, just remember that.

Rule #6 - Carry your back pack. Really? A rolling backpack? How lazy are you? Backpacks are meant specifically for that, your back. If you are going to have a rolling one, you might as well just get a nice rolling suitcase so it can be multi-purpose. Once my friend saw a girl with a rolling crate of some sorts and inside was her instrument, backpack, and some other surprises. College is about growth. Lets all grow some muscles and carry our backpacks.

Rule #7 - Wear clothes. It would seem so simple to someone over the age of... 16? Pajamas are meant for sleeping, not for wearing to school. Yes, I understand you are tired. We are all tired because we stayed up late last night on facebook, in the library, or doing some sort of activity. In fast, I can guarantee at least 50% of the people you see stayed up just as late if not later than you last night. They are all wearing clothes, whether it be sweatpants, jeans and a t-shirt, or a skirt among many other options, it is still clothing and not nightwear. Join us in getting somewhat ready for the day, okay?

Rule #8 - Do not complain about the weather. You can not control it. In fact, none of us can. Chances are, you are complaining because you are not wearing the right clothing for the weather. For example... It is 57 degrees outside, cloudy skies, a little windy, looks like it might rain, can you picture it? A boy walks into my class wearing flip flops, jeans, and a t-shirt. He sits next to me and says "Man, I hate this weather, so much! It is so cold out there. Don't you think it is cold?" I just say, "It wasn't too bad." And in my head I am thinking. It wasn't too bad because I wore boots and a jacket... Maybe if Mr. Sunshine would have thought about wearing even a sweatshirt or closed toed shoes he might not have been that cold. And him telling me how much he hates the weather is just slightly annoying. We are in Utah. It is cold. Deal.

Rule #9 - Avoid morning classes. There are very few of us that actually enjoy waking up for classes before 9:00 AM. My advice is to avoid them all together for three main reasons. Reason one. Your mom/dad/brother/cousin/cat will no be there to be your back up alarm. You will probably sleep through it. Reason two. Chances are you were up until 3 in the morning making memories. Reason three. Because of reason one and two you will most likely miss you class so often that you won't learn much. And not learning much in a course leads to a bad grade. I know this from experience. Forgot the morning classes. Doesn't 10 sounds so much better?

Rule #10 - Be nice to everyone. Including your snarky (maybe?) roommate. Because let's be honest. Things are a lot easier when people are nice.

These are a few rules. If you have any alterations, or suggestions, please share.