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March, 2024

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For a freshman going to college...

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hendrik.
Posts: 6715 - Karma: 267
i posted a similar thread to this in the regional forum, but i decided to post here for more general questions with a broader pool of knowledge...

so, for all of you who have gone to college

1) what do you wish you had done differently when you moved into your dormroom freshman year?

2) did you have a job, do you recommend getting a job 1st sem of freshman year?

any other random tips are much appreciated... thanks
Jul 10 2006 8:51PM
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PLJaCks
Posts: 566 - Karma: 10
1. i wish i would have had a differnet roommate.

2. i didn't have a job my freshman year and i would recommend not having a job and taking classes at the same time.
Jul 10 2006 8:53PM
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Ski_Unit_19
Posts: 8188 - Karma: 38
if it smells like fish, eat a whole dish. If it smells like cologne, leave it alone.
Jul 10 2006 8:54PM
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PLJaCks
Posts: 566 - Karma: 10
some advise...work hard, but play harder

these will be the most fun and hardest years of your life
Jul 10 2006 8:56PM
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robbieA
Posts: 1371 - Karma: 30
my brother goes to that school and he pretty much skied the whole time, he just worked in the summer and made his money like that, thats proly the best way to go. as for dorms pray u dont get an ass hole RA. try to schedual ur classes later in the afternoon, better for skiing and hangovers.
Jul 10 2006 8:57PM
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Anathema
Posts: 21048 - Karma: 5,061
if you desperately need money, then of course get a job. but i wouldn't suggest doing it if you want good grades. you're going to have to get used to putting in an hour of studying for every hour of class your in, easy. university isn't really that tough, it just requires you putting in the time. if you can do that, and attend all your classes (well, most of them i should say) you'll do fine.

as for res, i was living at home at the time, so i can't help you there. i've heard good and bad things about it. the good thing is you have lots of people to work with, so it's easy to get motivated when everyone's working around you. the bad thing is you can divert your attention away from school and into partying n shit. keep your priorities straight (which is what people do here for the most part) and again, you'll be fine.

going to all your classes is half the battle though dude. it's something i couldn't do living at home, and i ended up switching programs and i'm restarting first year. hopefully i can get things right this time through.

also, you better hope you're going into something you like, because i chose to do with i was good at as opposed to what i liked and it did not work out at all.

good luck, friend, and i hope all goes well. whenever i was with my buddies in res we had a blast. we got shit done, and partied. it was an awesome experience. party girls make it a dope atmosphere too. dormroom chicks just cut loose once they get away from home and it definately works out for us.

cheers,
justin
Jul 10 2006 8:57PM
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MarkieR
Posts: 5337 - Karma: 98
personalize your room as much as possible, you'll be alot more comfortable in there. also, keep it clean. girls don't like crusty easy mac on the carpet and dirty dishes on the countertop. if your roommate is cool, then great. but if he isn't, make his life such a living hell that he'll request a new roommate. in which case, he'll have to move, not you.

as for the job... definitely don't get one unless you absolutely need to. you'll need to spend your first semester partying, meeting new people, figuring out how to manage your time, and figuring out how to productively take classes at a college level. after you master these tasks, then you can find a part time job for some extra skrill. spend it all on drugs though, you'll be alot better for it.
Jul 10 2006 9:05PM
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Capt.Flannel
Posts: 10928 - Karma: 36

1) what do you wish you had done differently when you moved into your dormroom freshman year?
-go as early as possible so you can use the elevator; it's so helpful

2) did you have a job, do you recommend getting a job 1st sem of freshman year?
-I did, 6-8 hours a week; it was fine but I'd suggest waiting because unless you're paying for college on your own, it's not necessary.
Jul 10 2006 9:07PM
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roxysister360
Posts: 1063 - Karma: 10
first, really get out there and meet people. and take advantage of the on-campus activities, at least during the first couple weeks.

it's up to you whether you want an actual job or not your freshmen year. if anything, i would definitely recommend getting a work-study job.
Jul 10 2006 9:13PM
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B-Wald
Posts: 8113 - Karma: 96
don't get a job.
meet a lot of people.
keep your room clean.
don't spend the entire time in your dorm.
bring stuff to make your dorm feel like a home.  you'll hate the shit out of your dorm if it's boring.
try and find people in your dorm to hang out with.
have as much fun as you can, but still work as hard as you can.
about 90% of your first year is about getting used to/enjoying being on your own and living away from home, but make sure that you get your shit done.  you'll definitely regret it if you don't.
Jul 10 2006 9:14PM
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CTD
Posts: 6300 - Karma: 348
college is so much fuckin fun its insaine. some useful advice:

-get used to cheap shitty beer (natty, keystone, high life) youll be drinking alot of it.

-go party like crazy right off the bat, you gotta go meet everyone you can. shit, go randomly knocking on peoples doors

-bring tools

-a job is fine if your taking a reasonable class load. wouldnt reccomend it off the bat, but its definatly doable.

-like someone else said, work hard, party hard. you can definatly do both, anf its the way to go. college actually matters, and getting good grades just makes the friday night after killin a test that much better.

-last, have fun. i fucking HATED highschool with a burning passion, and was not looking forward to college. now, im at home for the summer and cannot wait to get back in school. its definatly the most fun ive ever had. and PS, i skied Every single day this winter, while taking classes
Jul 10 2006 9:23PM
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Jib_This
Posts: 8272 - Karma: 9
be very open to trying different things and meeting A LOT of people. Try to go out as much as possible, but remember: classes still matter. However, you can get good grades without going to all of them, no problem. Keep your shit clean, get a laptop no matter what anyone says, and as for a job, it's a bad idea during first year unless it's an on-campus thing like working at the book store or dealing drugs.

One thing: hit the gym a lot. I mean every day. It's easy, it's cheap because your school should have one, and you'll study and play better because of it. You don't have to go hard when you're there, but go a lot. just a 1/2 hour of cardio will do wonders for your studying.

One last thing: coffee is your friend, whether you know it or not. Red Bull + studying = bad, but coffee + studying = good. You'll learn.
Jul 10 2006 9:34PM
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lazyguy
Posts: 470 - Karma: 10
unless you need a job in order to be at the university, do not get one. Meet lots of people, party, do what you want to do, learn about yourself and how to live on your own. Go to all your classes at first, then figure out how much youl have to go after that. but at least know whats going on in all your classes even if the class is boring and not worth going to. meet as many people as possible, and party a lot. ohh yeah try to make sure all your classes are not early in the morning or after like 5pm. your sleep patterns and eating patterns will most likely change, expect 3am+ bedtimes many nights of the week. A lot of people go from 3 to 2 big meals a day. Just go have fun and do what you want to do, but dont forget why you are there.
Jul 10 2006 9:36PM
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zackskis
Posts: 482 - Karma: 11
DO NOT GET A JOB school is already crazy enough you dont need more shit on your plate feel it out the first semester and if you really want get a job 2nd semester.

as for your other question i wish i had a different roommate...kinda. i wish i didnt get arrested (dont steal). i wish i didnt get written up a fuck load of times (be careful when you drink in the dorms)

yeah your 1st year of college is the funnest thing ever so enjoy it!
Jul 10 2006 9:48PM
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zackskis
Posts: 482 - Karma: 11
oh yeah and dont pick up smoking because it will turn out that 1/2 your friends are gay and wont want to hang out with just because you smoke... and its a bitch to quit
Jul 10 2006 9:51PM
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Apple
Posts: 7906 - Karma: 33
find a balance that works for you between Partying and school.

Go to every party you can.

Dont be a hermit.

Dont be afraid to step out of your comfort zones.

Keep your new friends close, because they will become your comunity and your support net if you ever need help - like if your too sick to get out of bed to go eat... or your printer runs out of ink 10 minutes before class when your papers due...and by the same token, Help out people when they need a hand.

Dont be afraid to share, but make sure that you dont let people take advantage of your generosity.

Dont miss class. Its so easy to just not go, but you will absorb more info by sitting in class hungover and still drunk at 8:30 in the morning, than you will by not going at all. And when exams come, that will help you emensly.

Get involved in extra cricular activities.

Stay in shape.



Jul 10 2006 10:03PM
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potatofarmer
Posts: 2020 - Karma: 13
my brothers roomate was a hugggge loser his freshman year. And I heard its best to just focus on your school the first semester incase you're alittle overwhelmed
Jul 10 2006 10:12PM
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MissMontana
Posts: 971 - Karma: 42
1. For me, it was the best idea to basically only bring clothing, a couple of pictures, my laptop, my skis and other things like that. I bought everything else there (desk lamp, books, printer, towels, sheets, backpack...) because moving from CA to MT was shitty. So unless you are moving pretty close to home, be prepared to just get new stuff there.

My first roommate was a really cool girl but JUST the opposite of me. Its a long story full of random vignettes so I'm not going to type it here but basically, I had to request a new roommate by the end of the first month. She was cool but I prefer people who are literate, bathe from time to time and dont watch me sleep. Weird. I moved in with a friend who moved into her sorority house at semester, so my good friend Erin moved in after Paige moved out. Thats 3 roommates. Rough.

Try not to get written up a bunch of times and dont flip off cops. That often results in MIPs. Don't be a dick if the RA comes to write you up; more often than not they'll let you off if you cooperate and are (more or less) honest. Hope you get a good RA!

Alot of people are telling you to meet as many people as you can. GOOD ADVICE. Keep your door open and don't be afraid to stop in and chat with other people. Someone mentioned randomly knocking on peoples doors, I totally did it and thats how I met my roomates for next year!

Oh. OPEN YOUR BLINDS. SO many boys keep their blinds shut the whole year and their rooms are like little smelly caves. Open the windows, do your laundry (stay with it in the laundry room, I got ALL of my clothes jacked), and keep your room clean.


2. The only job I would have gotten my first year was being an on-campus lifeguard at our pool. I didn't get a job nor did most of my friends. If you want a job, get a work-study job. If that doesnt work out, keep it close to campus.

Have a ton of fun. I partied constantly but still made dean's list. I figured out studying in the study lounge is key (studying with my 3rd roommate didn't work at all, we'd just sing and talk and stuff). REALLY try to not get an MIP. Make sure you remember who youre lending stuff to. If you fuck up (puke on a friend, eat all of their food, whatever), own up to it and don't do it again. Having to take care of your drunk friend every weekend sucks.

It's sort of a challenge not to have fun your first year. Good luck!
Jul 10 2006 11:05PM
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B-Wald
Posts: 8113 - Karma: 96
definitely^.

and go to the library.  studying in your dorm a) sucks complete ass and b) doesn't work. 
Jul 10 2006 11:18PM
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Capt.Flannel
Posts: 10928 - Karma: 36
Also, date your RA if possible; I never got written up.
Jul 10 2006 11:19PM
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hendrik.
Posts: 6715 - Karma: 267
aaaaahahahahaha, good plan.
Jul 10 2006 11:22PM
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Capt.Flannel
Posts: 10928 - Karma: 36
it is! first morning I walked out of my RA's room at 8 in the morning, my RD and a bunch of my female friends were walking by her room; it was hilarious.
Jul 10 2006 11:24PM
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twix_182
Posts: 9248 - Karma: 27
i htikn i'm gonna luck out for college. im going into college freshman year in a couple months and since the campus ran out of dorms, i get to live in a 4 bedroom apartment in an apartment building 10 min away filled with UVM and Champlain students.
Jul 10 2006 11:25PM
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Capt.Flannel
Posts: 10928 - Karma: 36
Where are you living? I live on South Prospect.
Jul 10 2006 11:26PM
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twix_182
Posts: 9248 - Karma: 27
I'm gonna be living at Spinner Place. It's in Winooski.
Jul 10 2006 11:28PM
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Capt.Flannel
Posts: 10928 - Karma: 36
bummmer duude.
Jul 10 2006 11:28PM
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meggers
Posts: 2094 - Karma: 70
if you have the chance, meet your roomate before moving in and talk about like what will happen if one of you gets there before the other, that was a big issue with me and my roomates.

i think if you get work study, take advantage of it, i mean you can work at the info desk or somthing where u can meet people and learn about the school. czu if u dont use work stufy you might not get it again.

bring some alcahol with you and have people in your dorm over for a party like the first week, good way to meet people in your dorm. i did that, me and a few other people put all our alcahol out and had a kick ass 3 day/night party with people, and im still freinds with most of those people going into my sr year.

make friends with your RA. i lucked out and my RA was a big party girl and the biggest pot head on campus, so it worked out, and my friend dated the other one so we were all set.

go to your classes....dont be afraid to ask for help if you dont understand something, and if you go to class teachers are ussually willing to help with any question you have. dont be scared to ask your adviosr ne thing.

go involved. see if there is a ski club. go to movies nad stuff that might seem stupid, you will meet people. be open and enjoy every moment.

and always bring a backpack and water bottle to the cafe so you can steal food and milk and ketchup and stuff.
Jul 10 2006 11:30PM
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twix_182
Posts: 9248 - Karma: 27
Why a bummer? Besides it being away from campus
Jul 10 2006 11:31PM
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Capt.Flannel
Posts: 10928 - Karma: 36
Ever been to winooski?
Jul 10 2006 11:31PM
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twix_182
Posts: 9248 - Karma: 27
i probably have, i live like an hour away. im not good with knowing where i am.
Jul 10 2006 11:33PM
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Capt.Flannel
Posts: 10928 - Karma: 36
well hopefully Spinner place is on the edge of Winooski, cause that town's a shithole. Where do you live though? (now)
Jul 10 2006 11:34PM
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twix_182
Posts: 9248 - Karma: 27
i live in West Addison. If tou know where the Vermont/New York State bridge is, im a mile from that. live on route 17. how about you.

im not quite sure where spinner place is situated in winooski.
Jul 10 2006 11:36PM
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Capt.Flannel
Posts: 10928 - Karma: 36
Ya I know where West Addison is. I'm from Essex.
Jul 10 2006 11:39PM
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twix_182
Posts: 9248 - Karma: 27
o sickly.
Jul 10 2006 11:45PM
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twix_182
Posts: 9248 - Karma: 27
i just looked it up and it's right on winooski river, so eyah, looks like its on the outer edge
Jul 10 2006 11:56PM
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FartBoy05
Posts: 1306 - Karma: 9
no job. just work alot this summer and save up
Jul 11 2006 12:58AM
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Static
Posts: 8491 - Karma: 4,059
be there first so you get to pick the good bed.
Jul 11 2006 1:09AM
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zackskis
Posts: 482 - Karma: 11
this guy is 100% right
Jul 11 2006 1:32AM
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Kevo
Posts: 2374 - Karma: 136
Meet lots of people.

Introduce yourself to everyone you meet in your dorm, and also sometimes in dining halls, parties, etc.

Do everything in moderation.

Don't be too impressionable. Hold your own in a civilized philosophical debate and people will respect you regardless of if they agree with you or not.
Jul 11 2006 1:44AM
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Capt.Flannel
Posts: 10928 - Karma: 36
Don't be shy and feel dumb going up and talking to people the first few weeks; they're looking for friends too.
Jul 11 2006 6:31AM
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Ericpbp
Posts: 3161 - Karma: 24
this is one of the most helpful threads i have seen in a long time
Jul 11 2006 1:42PM
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Jib_This
Posts: 8272 - Karma: 9
Whatever you do, stay away from the blow. You'll quickly come to realize that it's everywhere and very easily accessible. Don't do it.

Stick to weed and alcohol.
Jul 11 2006 2:08PM
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hendrik.
Posts: 6715 - Karma: 267
the bad thing is that its temptin to try after trying out hippy crack earlier this summer and being told blow is the same thing except longer...
Jul 11 2006 2:55PM
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Itsbackfliptime
Posts: 18901 - Karma: 75
1) what do you wish you had done differently when you moved into your dormroom freshman year?
Move in like a day early to avoid the hundreds of other people movin in.

2) did you have a job, do you recommend getting a job 1st sem of freshman year?
No job. Theres not enough time in the day for school and a job. For me anyway.

Rooming with a friend is better than everyone says. Being annoyed by your friend is better than having a roommate that sucks.

STUDY. It isn't high school.

Class is optional. Take advantage of that. If you're going to your 9 am chemistry class and falling asleep just skip it and put in some extra time studying. Theres no point in being tired all day and not being able to pay attention in your other classes.

Disposable plates and silverware is crucial. You will not do dishes so all the cups and plates your parents gave you will get used once then thrown in a corner growing all kinds of gross shit until you just throw them away at the end of the year.

If your dorms don't have carpet. Buy some.

Like b-wald said, don't study in your room. The only time that ever works is if your roommate is gone and you can have privacy. Even then its too easy to take a break and play xbox for 4 hours.

Save cans. We had 600 in our room at the end of the year. It was neet to see that many plus we made 30 bucks each at the end of the year.

Buying used books is cheaper.

Get a laptop, you can't take a desktop to class or to the library.





Jul 11 2006 3:38PM
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