Author: Michael Rosenblum
1. Getting locked out
Bring your room key with you everywhere, even if you think you’re just going across the hall
2. Wearing your lanyard
Just, please don’t.
3. Asking your RA if it’s okay to [insert activity here]
Your RA is there to help you out and give advice, but you’ve got to make your own decisions.
4. Exceeding your limits
Have fun, but know yourself and your breaking point.
5. Bypassing O-Week events
It’s the last time you’ll get that many free events!
6. FOMO (Fear Of Missing Out)
Don’t be afraid you’ll miss out, you can’t possibly do everything.
7. Feeling lonely and homesick
You’re definitely not the only one, we’ve all been there. You’ll get through it.
8. Spending all of your BRBs in the first few days
The semester is long: budget accordingly.
9. Getting into a routine too quickly
There’s a lot to explore, don’t get complacent too soon or you’ll miss a lot of great experiences and people.
10. Attempting all 161 things immediately
You’ll have plenty of time to accomplish them all, so don’t rush through the list.
11. Ebola
But seriously, avoid sick people, like the plague (pun intended).
12. Missing lobster night
You better enjoy it, that’s where half your tuition went!
13. Staying in your comfort zone
Try new things, meet new people, carpe diem.
14. Getting lost
Utilize map apps and know the T-Cat schedule (also available in a free app, Ride14850).
15. Wearing heavy clothing to parties
Ithaca is actually pretty hot from August-September. Save that heavy down coat for later, you’ll need it.
16. Paying full price for textbooks
Buy used textbooks, rent, or see if any of the libraries have them (there’s thing lovely thing called course reserve).
17. Binge eating with meal swipes
Pace yourself, the dining halls will be there all year.
18. Awkward handshakes
You’ll be meeting a lot of new people in a short amount of time, so practice in advance.
19. Breaking the fourth wall
Stop scrolling through this list so fast, Steve.
20. Caffeine addiction
It’s going to happen at some point (probably around prelims), but try to avoid it for as long as possible.
