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September 27, 2003
The Iranian
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Question
* Disoriented freshman
Dear Abjeez,
I am very anxious about attending my freshman's year at college this
fall. I have gotten through the orientation and ironically, ended
up feeling more disoriented than before. So many classrooms, buildings,
books, students, clubs, etc. I am scared of getting lost. Any
tips on surviving as a rookie?
Pirooz
 Reply
Abjee Fotti and Abjee Pari write:
Pirooz, we feel your pain. But to reassure you, college undergrad
was undoubtedly the best time in our lives. Here are some tips that
can help:
1. The importance of friends
One great way to survive the first year of college is to make a circle of friends. These
buddies will be there for you when you miss a class, or flunk an exam, have
a hang-over or nurse a broken heart through the wild years of upper academia. If
you are living in a dorm, it should not be hard to make friends fast. If
not, we suggest you look up the student clubs that peek your interest the most
and participate.
2. All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy
Another tip is not to overload your first year class schedule. Too many
difficult classes may overwhelm you, leaving you feeling discouraged. You
may think of yourself as pre-med or pre-law now but who knows what you will
decide in a few years time? College is a time where you are allowed to
explore various fields. Don't be afraid of taking some "fun" classes
along with your advanced nuclear physics class. Abjee Fotti always looks
back on her first year intro to films class with very fond memories whereas
she does not remember anything from her astronomy class.
3. Don't become a Nick Nolte
While the freedom that comes with college may be enticing, don't abuse drugs
and alcohol. Maybe you will learn that lesson after the first few hang-overs. We
are not telling you not to have fun, just know your limits and don't abuse
your body. Unless your idea of "fun" is to lie in a pile of
your own vomit.
4. Don't be stupid
So you want to score with college girls? Fine, just be smart about it. Condoms
are given out like homework at most colleges. Take them while they're free,
and every time you have the chance. Even if they do nothing more than sit in
your desk drawer only to fall out when your parents come visit, it's better
to be prepared than pregnant--or stuck with some unfortunate sexually transmitted
disease. Also think before you jump into bed with someone with beer goggles
on. Realizing the morning after that you actually do not love the girl
from Room 3B on your dorm floor may have seriously embarrassing consequences
for the rest of the year.
5. Don't sell your soul to the devil
You will no doubt be bombarded by credit cards with alluring promises of money,
money, money. And when it comes time, you may be tempted to opt for
that new stereo system instead of your school books. Please don't dig
yourself into debt. Be picky about the credit card company you sign
your life to. Read over all the terms of the card. Question everything and
everyone and keep a tidy budget. Nothing is worse than graduating with no
job and a huge debt.
6. Hit the Gym
It's no secret that exercise will reduce stress as well as firming up your
tush. Also a great way to make friends. Join an intra mural sports
team or an aerobic class, whatever is your cup of tea. The first year
is known as the fat year because away from home, freshmen will indulge in
all the fried fast foods forbidden at home. Exercise to avoid splitting
your pants.
7. Don't be afraid to ask for help
There is a reason why professors have teacherís assistants and office
hours. Donít be afraid to talk to them if you have trouble with
an assignment. Just donít wait til the night before an assignment
is due to knock on their door. They wonít take kindly to that. Getting
to know your professors is a huge asset. They can give career advice, help
you get better grades, and most importantly, write letters of recommendation.
What is a letter of recommendation, you ask? Wait until you want to get a job
or apply for graduate school.
8. Get a job!
Speaking of applying for a job, donít wait for graduation to start looking. Employers
do not look kindly at an empty resume. Want to travel during the summer? Fine! Just
do it through an internship abroad or cross country. In many industries ñ such
as journalism, or law -- internships are an essential to your resume and one
of the only ways to break into that industry. The more contacts you make, the
better your chances of having an income after you graduate. Wouldn't that be
nice?!
Good luck!
Abjee Pari and Abjee Fotti
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