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Do we still get the back to school haircut? what about new shoes? would you look nerdy if you wore clean, white, brand new shoes on the first day? what if you wore shirts from your h.s. Like "RHS Football" would that look nerdy? what about if you're just going to work out? Should I even pack them? Do we bring our lap tops to class? Does anyone bring a PDA to class? Can you do a walk through of your schedule? We still bring backpacks right? Can we chew gum in class? Do professors have rules? That's all for now. Thanks.

By Arthurd (Arthurd) on Monday, August 09, 2004 - 08:57 pm: Edit

Wear what you want. Bring what you want to class. All of the things you stated are normal.
Most professors don't have rules, and you usually can come and go as you please. I've seen many people bring laptops to class, and I, personally use a handheld pc with collapiable keyboard as a notebook in some of my classes. This is not unusual... then again I go to a tech school. Good luck and have fun in college!

By Astro85 (Astro85) on Monday, August 09, 2004 - 10:18 pm: Edit

Well, I got a haircut last week...I think that'll last when I start on the 19th. And I'm gonna wear new white shoes the first day...or my Lugz boots that will make me 2 inches taller.

By Entropy (Entropy) on Monday, August 09, 2004 - 11:24 pm: Edit

I was told by a reliable source that wearing class rings, t-shirts and jackets from high school is totally uncool and screams "naive freshman". Personally, I would not want to draw attention to the fact that I own a laptop or a PDA because my campus is not the safest place in the world.
Some professors are strict about eating or chewing gum, which totally sucks because I had to deal with that during high school. If you must chew, try to do it discreetly. It is disrespectful to loudly smack gum and blow bubbles during a lecture.

By Alleya17 (Alleya17) on Monday, August 09, 2004 - 11:51 pm: Edit

Get a haircut if you need a haircut. Get new shoes if you need new shoes. Personally, I don't pay that much attention to other people's shoes, but avoid the look of someone wearing the clothes his mom laid out for him the night before. As for HS clothes, in my opinion, anything that was a status symbol in high school (such as letter jackets) is taking it a bit far. This is a new place, a new chapter in life; memories are fine (such as class rings or t-shirts) but if you try to carry over your high-school status, you'll just annoy people.

Most people dont' bring laptops to class -- it's a hassle and it's hard to keep up. Is your life that complicated that you need a PDA? I use post-its.

It probably would be a good idea to know where your classes are before you go -- it's embarassing walking in late and it makes a bad impression. Usually freshman have to arrive on campus before upperclassmen. Use this time to learn the campus so that you don't have to walk around staring at a map in front of upperclassmen. (We'll know you're frosh anyways, but there's no reason to make it so obvious.) Bring a backpack if you want -- I do because I don't go back to my apartment between classes, other people just bring a notebook.

Even if your prof doesn't mind you chewing gum in class, your classmates will. Don't do it. All professors have pet peeves (arriving late, falling asleep, etc.) but if they have rules about attendence or participation, they'll tell you at the beginning. It's up to you to make it to class and stay awake.

By Arthurd (Arthurd) on Tuesday, August 10, 2004 - 12:04 am: Edit

Why would someone care if you're chewing gum... unless of course you chew like a horse, I don't see why any sane person could care less.

By Winterfresh (Winterfresh) on Tuesday, August 10, 2004 - 12:40 am: Edit

Well Idiias, when it comes to clothes, no one will care if you're wearing new Jordan shoes or a brand name shirt. You're not really there to make an impression on people based on what you're wearing. If you show up in sweats (which is a staple on college campuses everywhere) that's fine.

By Buckojackson (Buckojackson) on Tuesday, August 10, 2004 - 12:58 am: Edit

Stay away from clothes or items that say your HS or "class of 2004" or some such. it showed your upperclass-ness in HS, but in college, it does indeed scream "Hi, im a freshman!"

By Meth5400 (Meth5400) on Tuesday, August 10, 2004 - 01:01 am: Edit

I plan to wear my high school stuff (sweatshirts and bball shorts etc) and I'm not too worried about it...I mean, haha I am a freshman, I don't too much mind people realizing it-what would I do? lol lie and say I'm another year....that seems absurd
haha-i must be in the minority about this b/c all I hear is "how not to look like a freshman"

By Missegg (Missegg) on Tuesday, August 10, 2004 - 01:33 am: Edit

I agree with Meth5400...I'm not gonna go out and by new shirts because I all of a sudden 'can't wear' my old comfy high school ones...I'm proud of my little school and my little town. It might even help start some converstations (hey is that near _______? or do you know _______ that went there?) but then again, I am going to the 'horribly dreaded' state school that's only 1 1/2 hours from home.

By Buckojackson (Buckojackson) on Tuesday, August 10, 2004 - 01:34 am: Edit

Go for it. It isn't illegal. OP asked if it would be nerdy, and in a way, it is.

By Missegg (Missegg) on Tuesday, August 10, 2004 - 01:40 am: Edit

well good thing I'm a nerd then...I was rocking the black horn-rimmed glasses long before people that didn't need glasses wore them. :p

By Buckojackson (Buckojackson) on Tuesday, August 10, 2004 - 01:42 am: Edit

;)

By Idiias (Idiias) on Tuesday, August 10, 2004 - 09:24 pm: Edit

it sounds pretty much like high school as far as the freshmen standing out...

By Poison_Ivy (Poison_Ivy) on Tuesday, August 10, 2004 - 09:33 pm: Edit

I would go to class in pajamas.

Seriously.

By Arthurd (Arthurd) on Tuesday, August 10, 2004 - 09:46 pm: Edit

Many people do go to class in pajamas... seriously.

By Ariesathena (Ariesathena) on Tuesday, August 10, 2004 - 11:14 pm: Edit

Random thought: I was walking down my hall and saw someone with a (fill in town name here) Track shirt, in my old school colours. I was a senior. I immediately said, "You're from (__) too!" Lots of confusion - some people thought we meant a town in a different state - but we talked. Turns out that I ran track with his big sister, and that we're almost neighbours. Did not know before then because we're three years apart.

By Idiias (Idiias) on Wednesday, August 11, 2004 - 02:24 pm: Edit

did that really happen?

By Hill (Hill) on Wednesday, August 11, 2004 - 11:38 pm: Edit

Just be yourself!! Don't worry about what others think. You have to be comfortable (literally and figuratively) in your own clothing. If you don't mind wearing your high school shirts, go for it. Personally, I'll just be so glad I don't have to wear a coat and tie and dress shoes to class anymore!! Think I'll go in my flip flops!!

By Gidget (Gidget) on Thursday, August 12, 2004 - 08:46 am: Edit

Fashion takes a back seat in college, I wore pajamas to 8 a.m. classes as did most of my roomates I know people that wore them all day, take a few ball caps girls for when you don't want to do your hair and the flip flops are key, who wants to tie shoes?

By Pinkpumps07 (Pinkpumps07) on Thursday, August 12, 2004 - 11:22 am: Edit

I'd say that you really should feel comfortable wearing whatever you would like, because people shouldn't really care about what you are wearing. I will say however, that at certain schools, like my school Duke, where i'm going to be a sophomore, people really do care a lot about appearance and dressing nice for classes and don't really go to class in pajamas, and the first and last days of classes are like one big country club. I'd say that most schools aren't like this, but regardless of what kind of school you go to, don't feel like if everyone dresses up than you have to as well, because as long as you feel comfortable, that's all that really matters.

By Newyorker06 (Newyorker06) on Thursday, August 12, 2004 - 02:58 pm: Edit

After freshman year, an upgrade in wardrobe is expected. Far fewer people sport school logos/ wear sweats etc. after year one.

By Meth5400 (Meth5400) on Thursday, August 12, 2004 - 03:35 pm: Edit

I think it depends which school you're going to-I'm headed to princeton and I honestly believe the dress code is J Crew, Lacoste, and Ralph Lauren. I've spoken to current students and unless u have a class in the serious AM-u dont wear pajama pants-I may anyways ;-* We'll see how comfortable I can be wearing whatever I want, it'll be a lil test

By Hnbui (Hnbui) on Thursday, August 12, 2004 - 03:47 pm: Edit

i will be commuting to school my freshmen year and i would suggest that you wear whatever makes you feel comfortable.

Hell i know that next year, when i will be living oncampus, if i have early classes i will wear my pajama pants and track pants.

By Zero (Zero) on Thursday, August 12, 2004 - 03:55 pm: Edit

funny that you would mention RHS football. I definately have a t-shirt that says exactly on it "RHS Football". um, i dont know. and i dont care. i've never cared much about clothing during high school, i shall continue that trend in college.

By Jenniferelaine (Jenniferelaine) on Thursday, August 12, 2004 - 04:05 pm: Edit

Get a haircut if you need a haircut. I only see my hairdresser in the summer and Christmas. So I got a haircut.

Get new shoes if you need new shoes. I only wear flip flops. When it snows, I wear toe socks with my flip flops.

As far as dressing to impress or being comfortable: you can do either and the only time it's going to make a difference is a job interview. That's why I wear pajamas.

Don't wear a t-shirt that says "Class of '04". Play t-shirts, old football t-shirts? That's fine. But we already know you're a freshman because you walk slowly and you don't know where you're going. The only thing more annoying is the tour groups, they crowd up the cafeterias even more at lunch.

It's a good idea to get an idea of where your classes are before you go to class. Unless you're lucky like me, and all your classes are in the same building. Pretend you're just on a walk.

Some people have PDA's. More don't than do.

Bring your bookbag for Pete's sake. Did you use it before? How far away is your dorm from where your classes are? Can you walk back to your dorm between each and every class? That's what I thought.

Use common sense about the professors and gum/food. If it's a lab science, don't even think about it. 99% of profs don't mind if you have a bottle of water, soda, coffee, etc. The food thing is a little trickier, but I've seen people eat pancakes in the front row. (yes, pancakes.)

Professors don't have rules persay, they have "it would be good if you". You don't have to come to class, but it would be good if you did. You don't have to do the homework or particiapte in class, but it would be good if you did. They don't care what you do, you just have to be prepared for the grade.

But do watch out for the profs who do mind if you are disrespectful and fall asleep in class. My roommate had one who made them do jumping jacks.

By Idiias (Idiias) on Thursday, August 12, 2004 - 10:48 pm: Edit

Okay thanks. Also: do we still raise our hand to speak? Do we have assigned seating? Would it be weird if you sat in different seats each week? Are teachers understanding if you forget to put your name on homework? Do they still tape it the board and write: "No Name"? Do we still have weekly vocab quizzes? How many hours of reading do we get a week, about? I noticed all of you say 'profs'...would you look nerdy if you said 'professors'? or do people say both? Thanks.

By Fenix_Three (Fenix_Three) on Thursday, August 12, 2004 - 11:16 pm: Edit

I don't know much, but I think I can answer these.

Raise your hand. If the prof doesn't seem to care (or if it's a small discussion) then don't.

Most classes don't have assigned seats. Try to sit front/center so you look like you're paying attention. It would be better to stay in the same seat after the first week of classes, so the prof could memorize your name/face.

I'd put my name on everything. Especially if it's a large class. Chances are your prof won't even bother taping the papers on the board (that's just asking for cheating).

Weekly vocab quizzes in foreign languages I'd assume. Be prepared for pop quizzes in every course.

Reading... depends on the class.

When addressing a professor say "professor so-and-so"... with your friends either one is fine... it's just faster to type.

And I have a lame question: Is it really possible to study in between classes? How tempting is it to fall asleep in your room and miss an afternoon class?

By Astro85 (Astro85) on Thursday, August 12, 2004 - 11:30 pm: Edit

I thought Iiadias was being sarcastic...

By Idiias (Idiias) on Thursday, August 12, 2004 - 11:32 pm: Edit

please edit your post and spell my name correctly and I will adress your concern

By Spit (Spit) on Thursday, August 12, 2004 - 11:40 pm: Edit

Is this a joke? I mean, I was nervous about college,but I dont remember thinking of any of that!

By Idiias (Idiias) on Thursday, August 12, 2004 - 11:57 pm: Edit

"All of the things you stated are normal."

arthurd said that. and alot of these questions, I'm really wondering. that's why it's called it 'lame'.

there's truth behind every joke lol

By Spit (Spit) on Friday, August 13, 2004 - 12:13 am: Edit

Haha alright, I guess thats kinda cute then...

By Twinkletoes696 (Twinkletoes696) on Friday, August 13, 2004 - 02:40 am: Edit

Sorry to hijack your thread Idiias but I have a lame question to add into the mix! Is there a limit on how much fruit you can take out of the cafeteria? What if I don't want to get a regular meal for lunch, per se... I just want a plum. But I want my money's worth for that particular meal, so can I take extra fruit and stock up for my refrigerator?

By Jenniferelaine (Jenniferelaine) on Friday, August 13, 2004 - 08:35 pm: Edit

You should raise your hand to speak in class if it's a large class discussion. If it's a group discussion, or a small class, you don't have to. Follow what others do.

You don't have assigned seating necessarily. Some profs like it if you sit in the same seat every time so they can learn your face/name more quickly. Some require that you do, most don't. There are also people who are very territorial about THEIR seat and have to sit in the exact same seat every time.

If you don't put your name on your homework you don't get credit. Period. A professor is not going to sort through their gradebook, which may consist of 40 kids per section, for 3 or 4 sections to see who forgot to put their name on their paper. There are no bulletin boards as you mention in the rooms because a) it indirectly endorses cheating and b) a professor hardly ever has more than 2 classes in one classroom.

Read the syllabi for your courses as if they are your new Bible, Koran, or other Holy Book. If it says to be prepared for quizzes on Fridays, be prepared for quizzes on Fridays.

"Profs" is a term generally used around friends and when typing. Refer to your professors as Dr. So-and-so (assuming they have a doctorate of some kind), otherwise, Professor So-and-so.

Assuming the breaks between your classes isn't 15 minutes, it's entirely possible to do some studying. Between classes I usually try to get some reading done, make flash cards or otherwise be productive. It's usually my most productive time. Also the best time (IMO) to cram.

My cafeterias allow the removal of 2 pieces of fruit per meal in addition to what you eat in the cafeteria.

By Alleya17 (Alleya17) on Saturday, August 14, 2004 - 03:01 am: Edit

For studying between classes, it depends on how disciplined you are and how much sleep you get at night. I usually end up working late into the night and getting very little sleep, so I often end up missing afternoon classes because my 30min nap lasted longer. If I don't fall asleep, I like to use time between classes for assigned reading.

By Spit (Spit) on Saturday, August 14, 2004 - 07:13 am: Edit

We're usually allowed to take as many fruits and ice cream as we want. I'm pretty sure if you took bags full then they'd say something about it as you leave, but if there is no written limit then take a handful each time you go there!

By Missegg (Missegg) on Sunday, August 15, 2004 - 01:55 am: Edit

i only have ten minutes to get from class to class (and to sometimes grab food) so I will probably study at night, which is what works best for me anyway.

By Janette21586 (Janette21586) on Monday, August 16, 2004 - 10:38 pm: Edit

this is stupid but, do people go out and get a bunch of new clothes like in high school? Like Im bringing my clothes from last year, basically anything that will still fit me and keep me warm. Is that a loser-ish thing to do?...I also think I'm packing WAY too much esp. bc i'm having 2 roomies in a double size room ahh

By Jenniferelaine (Jenniferelaine) on Monday, August 16, 2004 - 11:59 pm: Edit

Janette-

Some people buy a bunch of new clothes. By now, it really depends on what you can afford to do. I buy most of my clothes, so I don't go out a buy a lot, but I try not to go back wearing the exact same clothes I left wearing. A few new things for me, but books come first.

The obvious questions: have you made sure with your roomies that you are not bringing duplicates of things?

Do you know how much closet/drawer space you have? The plastic rubbermaid drawers give you extra space, great for underwear and t-shirts.

By Janette21586 (Janette21586) on Tuesday, August 17, 2004 - 12:35 am: Edit

im also scared that my roomies or everyone there will like be better than me or at least try to make me feel that way. like what if everyone is stuck up.....which idk if that could be true bc i met a few cool people at orientation. but u know theres always that dreaded feeling....

By Jenniferelaine (Jenniferelaine) on Tuesday, August 17, 2004 - 12:50 am: Edit

Your roommates feel about the exact same way right now. Pre-move-in jitters.

It won't be that bad. I had a blast at orientation, and I'm pretty shy.

By Idiias (Idiias) on Wednesday, September 01, 2004 - 11:28 pm: Edit

I had my first college classes today and not ONE person was wearing sweats....rrrr.