Dear Life Section,

Freshman year seems intimidating. How can I get involved and make friends on campus?

Thanks,

Spooked Freshie

Dear Spooked Freshie,

As a junior, I hope I can provide some meaningful insight.

Fortunately, you didn’t ask about responsibility or study plans. If you’re seeking advice on that topic, I beg you to ask someone else. However, I’m confident I can answer your specific questions well.

First, check your emails! If you see any interesting club information, sign up right away! That is, of course, only if the club piques your interest. 

Such is how I became an Environmental Sustainability Alliance member. Currently, I am their graphic designer. 

I am good friends with someone from ESA and we often hang out. Technically, ESA is an organization, not a club, so I shall refer to it properly. Everyone in the organization is chill. I enjoy and look forward to every meeting. Partaking in an organization or club is like entering a friend group and I highly recommend it.

Second, attend campus events! If you have time but are scared by the thought of an unfamiliar place with unfamiliar people, force yourself to go! 

Most freshman students will meet new friends at events. If you see freshman students already chilling with their homies, don’t feel embarrassed. They either made rapid friends before you arrived or were fortunate enough to attend the same college as their high school friends.

Third, sit by people in your classes! If you choose an isolated seat, making friends will prove challenging.  However, if you’re in a crowded lecture hall, sitting by someone is unavoidable and suffocation is more likely.

Fourth, stay safe. I was an odd freshman case and never attended parties. I have still never been to a college party. 

If parties are your mojo, try to resist pressure to experiment with drugs and alcohol. I know everyone is different, and I’m not going to tell you what to do, but be aware of potential consequences from spontaneously and carelessly trying drugs and alcohol. 

A potential consequence is addiction, which, depending on the drug, can ruin your college career and possibly ruin your life.

If you’re like me and seek enjoyment from goofy 2 a.m. hang-outs instead of parties, be aware many freshman students in dorms party hard and you may witness some disturbing incidents.

You don’t need to party if everyone else does. You’re not boring if you dislike parties, especially if you like staying up late anyway (wink).

This article is totally not biased, what are you talking about?

Anyway, my fifth piece of advice is to join The Daily Evergreen. Why are you making that face? I’m not promoting anything!

I wish you the best in your freshman endeavors. If you’re here at WSU now, take advantage of Week of Welcome and enjoy the events it has to offer.

Sincerely,

The Life Section