As a senior and shark attack newbie, I hesitated to sign up for this year's competition run by Residence Hall Association. However, for those same two reasons, I felt that the last round would be the best time to sign up and try my luck at surviving the week. Competitive by nature and up for the challenge, I signed my name on the dotted line and grabbed my squirt gun shark off the table. We're ready to go. At 12:01 Monday morning, the game has begun, and through Friday afternoon there is no safe place (besides class, work, your room and the library). Constant paranoia may set in, but if you follow this survival guide, it may help ease the nerves a bit.

1. Pick your strategy

Are you going to be hiding or seeking? The point is to get the most sharks and keep getting others out, but there is something to be said for the opposite strategy and just hiding out as much as possible.

2. Find your target

People can get really intense about their shark attack strategies, just like you should be. Check Facebook first -- unfortunately, though, people do go so far as to change their name on social media so you won't be able to find a picture of them. If that's the case, ask around. Find out who their friends are. Get their schedules. This is a shark-eat-shark world at Stonehill this week, you have to do what you have to do.

3. Figure out who is hunting for you

There is someone out there looking for you the same way you are on the hunt for another. Figuring out who they are is a key component to success, because you won't be caught off guard by an attack if you can get ahead of the game.

4. Enlist your friends

There is strength in numbers, so whether your friends are playing the game or not, they can be a huge help to your success in the game. Having them on the lookout for any suspicious people or even just having your back on the walk to class gives you some piece of mind, too.

5. Be ready for the big finale

Those who are still in the game on Friday afternoon will all be asked to meet on the quad to have a final round. If you are lucky enough to make it through the entire week, this is where your biggest triumph or downfall may happen. The more prepared you are, the better, so get yourself amped up before heading for your final showdown.

So there you have it! Some tips to survive the week, and have the best of luck!