As a senior who is slowly finishing up his time on campus I can honestly say that there is no way that I’ve learned enough. The majority of what I did learn was acquired not in a class room, but in the real world — at least as real as college gets. If you’re living in a dorm you’re in the middle of it, surrounded by it and you couldn’t escape it if you tried.
From personal experience, I can say that when your next door neighbor knocks on your door looking for a condom, don’t freak out. When someone urinates in the Kirby-Smith elevator, hold your nose and breathe through your mouth. That weird guy whose always in the common area watching TV — he may be anything from a bum to a millionaire, but, just like everyone else, he’s probably got a story to tell.
The people I’ve met and befriended here at LSU are near and dear to my heart — but, looking at it honestly, as soon as the caps fly sometime in May, I’ll never see many of them again. I don’t mean to sound like a cynic — I’m not — but that’s the way it is.
I’ll admit, I’ve made some mistakes here and there, the test I slept through as a freshman immediately springs to mind. But, just because you can make mistakes doesn’t mean you should suffer for some things that you haven’t been prepared for. So, freshman and interested upperclassmen, here are a few things that I wish I had known all those years ago.
Campus parking involves waiting in long lines for a finite amount of parking. Unless it says “commuter,” “residential” or is classified as an “X” lot, you’re pretty much not allowed to park there. Parking employees are everywhere, and they will ticket you, tow you and then charge you for both. Tread lightly.
Don’t buy your books early, you never know when you might not need the book because the teacher uses it as a supplement to your notes. If you’ve already bought your books, you’re about out of luck. But just remember for next semester — it may not be worth the $600 you’re going to drop. And despite what everyone tells you, you’re pretty much going to pay too much for textbooks wherever you go, and you’ll only get a fraction of your money, if you get any, when you sell them back.
Join a student organization and get involved around campus. Not everyone has to be student body president — but there are some great after-school activities. Whether you choose Student Government, Club Club or the Spectrum Alliance, you’re almost certain to find a group that matches your interest. If you don’t, then go ahead and found the “Civil War Calvary Reenactors Club.” Getting involved was the best decision I made my freshman year. I joined a fraternity and subsequently got a job at the campus newspaper. It was all downhill from there.
Be open to other people. You’re young, maybe you went to a small private school in a small town like I did. Maybe you’ve never had a conversation with someone from India or someone who is gay. Open up and get to know someone different. And respect everyone’s views, no matter how crazy they may seem. You don’t have to sacrifice your beliefs just because you’re in college. Still, try to be tolerant of other people, even if they’re intolerant of you.
Go to an away football game. Home football games are great because you can pick on those opposing fans who are crazy enough to venture onto our fair campus on a Saturday evening. But LSU fans are some of the most hated around the SEC. Go to another SEC school and be the bad guys for once — it’s an amazing experience.
Take Tuesday night, and after you’ve listened to open mike night at Mellow Mushroom, head over to Tigerland and enjoy one of those freshman bars everyone seems to love. When you’re finished with that, head over to Louie’s and get the super hashbrowns. Everything is good there. From the bread pudding to the nachos — it all goes down the same after a long night.
Ride the bus. Whether it’s the Greek bus from the row, the Highland route or the drunk bus home from Tigerland, not driving through campus at 2 p.m. will alleviate the traffic jam that usually clogs up our beautiful, supposedly pedestrian campus. Also, drinking and driving can ruin your life and the drunk bus can save you from a unpleasant freshman experience.
And finally, go to class. Teachers love to see the familiar face in the same place consistently. It’s helped me in more classes than I can count. You don’t have to go to every one, but at least try.
I wish you all the best, and I’ll see you on the other side.
Scott is a print journalism senior. Contact him at editor@lsureveille.com.