Rules of freshman survival

I'm ecstatic to be your new design editor for the O'Colly.

I'm a sophomore majoring in both Graphic Design and Strategic Communications. Last year when I came to Oklahoma State University I didn't know a soul, so I decided to get involved with the O'Colly. I quickly realized it was one of the best decisions of my life. Although getting involved on campus is vital, I'm not going to give you a ‘get involved,' ‘don't procrastinate' spiel. Instead, I'm going to tell you how to not look like a freshman.

Rule Number 1: Don't carry around a campus map ­–even though the O'Colly provided you with an excellent map in our last issue.­ Instead, download Oklahoma State's application on your smart phone. It will provide you with an interactive map that will guide you around as you wander through campus. If you don't have a smart phone, then learn where your classes are beforehand.

Rule Number 2: Don't dress up for class. Nobody does it; I'm serious. As an alternative, wear a pair of athletic shorts or jeans and an OSU T-shirt. It'll be early, everyone will be tired, and half of the students just rolled out of bed.

Rule Number 3: Don't look like an OSU billboard.  I just told you not to dress up, and instead to wear an OSU t-shirt, but don't overdo the OSU attire. Anyone in OSU athletic shorts, an orange t-shirt, an OSU hat, and especially the free orange lanyard you get during orientation is a clear sign of a freshman. Wearing more orange than I am doesn't make you love OSU more; it's not a competition.

Rule Number 4: The only place for high school shirts are to either sleep in or to work out in. They are not acceptable anywhere else. Also, wearing a letterman jacket won't get the girls in college; trust me.

Rule Number 5: Lastly, don't walk up the big white stairs in front of Morrill. These stairs remind me of the stairs Rocky ran up in the movie so I don't understand why it's "not cool," but apparently you're not supposed to do this. Instead take the side entrances.

Remember to smile and have fun during your first semester of college. Oklahoma State University will soon become your home; it has already done so for me.