7 Tips For Incoming First Years

Welcome to UVA freshman- first years.

1. Don't Roll Deep

When you first start to go out it might seem cool to bring your whole dorm with you, but this could not be more false. Getting into fraternity parties or bars is exponentially easier if there are only a few of you, and walking around in big groups screams "we are first years" almost as much as that ID lanyard does. You're better off finding one or two partners in crime rather than, you know, 27 of them.

2. Get With The Lingo

Another dead giveaway to your first year status is calling yourself a freshman. Here at UVA we have a different way of doing things. "First year? Mad Bowl? The Corner? Hoos? Grounds?" It might take some time to get used to, but follow these rules and you'll be the big man on grounds in no time.

3. Don't Get Lost

Luckily these "grounds" we speak of are very walker-friendly. When it comes to finding your friends, though, things can get a little confusing. "You're by the red brick building? Me too?!" Try using Tag. In one easy click Tag allows you to send a picture/video + geolocation to specific friends or lists of friends so you can say what's up and get directions. This free app is hands down the best way to meet up with all those new friends you are making, and a lot of fraternities and sororities use it to send out invitations. Think snapchat but actually useful.

4. If You're On The Waitlist... Go

Didn't get into any of the classes you wanted? If you really want to get in to a class try going to the first few classes and speaking with the professor after. At first they will say that there is nothing they can do but if you just keep going they will eventually let you in.

5. Don't Be Afraid To Explore and Get Involved

As a first year it is easy to get sucked in to living a very monotonous life in between dorm life and classes. Don't forget that the University and Charlottesville in general have so much more to offer. There are countless numbers of CIO's (Contracted Independent Organizations) to join. [Studco and U Guides are two of the best] And Charlottesville has great attractions like Monticello, the Downtown Mall, and Humpback Mountain. Experience Charlottesville has a great Facebook page if you need some ideas.

6. Get Creative at O. Hill

Speaking of breaking out of the routine, if you want to be a happy first year you have to learn how to get creative with UVA dining options. Those chicken burgers might be good at first, but after a while not so much. Start with something simple like cereal in the ice milk or cheesy fries. They have microwaves and seasoning there for a reason.

7. Cherish It

It might seem like a drag being the new kids on the block, but trust me some of these memories from first year will be the fondest ones you have from college. Getting to live on such a beautiful campus in such close proximity to all of your friends is a privilege. Live it up!