Freshman year is arguably one of the best years of your life. I think that it’s because everything you experience is something that you experience for the first time. Everything is new and exciting and is all happening at once so you’re overwhelmed and you keep telling your parents you’re SEAUX stressed out because of all the excitement you feel!

Along with all the excitement, stress and new experiences come mistakes, then embarrassment, and from this embarrassment you and your friends gain knowledge and life lessons.      

1. T-SHIRT NIGHT

About 85% of the time, T-shirt Night is going to win, and you are going to lose. But what’s not to love? You’ve started college and this is the one night out that you don’t have to strap yourself in wedges or wear a ridiculous costume pertaining to themes such as “A is for…” or “Welcome to the Jungle.” You can roll out of your lofted bed in today’s baggie t-shirt, throw some make up on and you’re ready to take on Reggie’s and all its splendor. 

You always wonder why upperclassmen bash Reggie’s, because from what you can tell, it’s your go-to freshman hot spot. A little grinding here and little bar make-out over there in that dark corner: It’s a car wreck you can’t look away from. Enjoy the t-shirt nights while they last, because…     

2. SHACKING AFTER T-SHIRT NIGHT: A ONCE IN A LIFETIME EXPERIENCE YOU’LL NEVER WANT TO HAVE AGAIN

The aftermath; whether you wake up for class or not, one thing is for certain; you’re not getting a shack shirt. You’re going to wake up with a huge headache and at least 20 questions. As you ponder things such as: “Where am I?” and, “Who are you?“ you’re also going to need to plan an exit strategy. Are you going to pull the old “I’ve got class” excuse? Even though you and I both know there’s no way you’re going to class today. Or the “Well this has been swell, but…” line? 

Either way, get out before his roommate gets back from class! If you’re lucky, freshman flings can bloom in this environment, but don’t bet your pitchers on it.     

3. THURSDAY NIGHTS ARE WHAT DREAMS ARE MADE OF             

Fast forward through classes and the middle days of the week and before you know it, BAM! It’s the second-best night of the week known amongst all classes, only second to a Louisiana Saturday Night. Free cover before 11 here, hand stamps from Mike’s because there was an open exchange over there.

Tigerland is your oyster. You’re so happy that you scheduled all your basic freshman classes to start after 11 on Fridays. You can meet anyone, you can be anyone, you’re ready to see and be seen. This excitement is sometimes too overwhelming and ends with a LONG bus ride home - or if you’re lucky a quick walk to an upperclassmen’s apartment - but don’t you forget to purchase Nacho Mama!

4. SKIPPING CLASS FOR A NIGHT ON THE TOWN

It’s towards the end of whatever night you find yourself out and the lights come on as the DJ spins "Closing Time" by Semisonic and you’re just having too much fun to go home and go to bed. Or you wake up for your 9:30 the next day and you think, “I can skip, we can miss like what, five classes? I’ll be fine.” No. No you won’t. You’re going to fall behind. 

Don’t get me wrong; everyone ends up missing a class or two. However, you’re going to feel guilty and regret every class that you skipped because of a night out. Your parents and GPA will thank you if you don’t miss every Tuesday and Friday class every week. You’re going to feel like death, but throw on a t-shirt, braid your hair, and walk into class knowing that although you may smell like frat boy’s cigarettes, you’re there and semi-ready to retain information.                

5. UTILIZE PAW POINTS AND THE 459 WHILE YOU CAN

Remember that feeling I mentioned earlier about Tigerland being your oyster? Who am I kidding? The city of Baton Rouge feels like your oyster. Between the 24-hour WalMart, the Canes that’s open until 3 a.m. and all of the on-campus eateries at your disposal, what’s not to eat? 

Paw Points and the 459 seem like they’ll be there forever… but they won’t. Spend every last point and utilize every last swipe. You’ll all too soon know the feeling of extreme hunger and food being everywhere around you, but no money in which to obtain it. Splurge on those personal PaPa John’s pizzas, but balance it with a few On-The-GEAUX salads.      

6. TAILGATING IS A MARATHON, NOT A SPRINT

The most wonderful time of the year, football season! It’s all new and exciting just like every other thing that comes with first semester. Here’s a few words to the wise: 

· If it’s a night game, you don’t have to go to the Parade Grounds when your pledge Game Day date does. Even if you get out there around 1, that’s still five hours until kick off. That’s five hours to pace yourself while roaming the Parade Grounds in your cowboy boots. 

· Don’t waste your time at one tailgate! Even if you have a boyfriend, or you’re just keeping tabs on a boy, that‘s a waste! Do your freshman self a favor and go have fun with your lady friends! Go to more than one, because even if you know no one, there’s free food and booze so you can’t lose!

There are so many funny and hard lessons you’re going to learn your first time doing anything, and college is no exception. Through the scrambling for laundry machine quarters, late night food runs and broken hearts, you’re going to find your way. Geaux with the flow and be able to laugh at yourself, you’ll have a lot more happy memories if you do! Happy adventuring