Welcome to the University of Tennessee class of 2018!  It’s your freshman year, you just left the nest for the first time, hormones are raging, and this is your first real taste of freedom.  Take a moment to comprehend the huge change you are about to undergo.  Seriously, take a breath and come to the realization that your life is about to evolve into something totally new. Everything you have known since the days of grade school can be tossed to the wayside.  In college you have a blank slate; essentially you can “start over.”  The next four years will be the best years of your life, however, you don’t want to fall victim to some freshman stereotypes that could make or break your college careers.  The Odyssey has the Top 5 Freshman Stereotypes and how to overcome or avoid them.

1. The Freshman 15:  This is probably one of the oldest stereotypes in the book, the dreaded fifteen pounds of pizza, beer, and fast food weight.  All incoming freshman have heard of and feared the possibility of gaining weight in college. and in all reality, it is a possibility.  There are constant distractions to keep you out of the gym and club meetings with endless free food, but if you have a little self-control and a class on The Hill you should make it through freshman year without gaining a pound.  In fact, at UT it is a proven fact that people refer to their freshman year as the negative eight because of all the hills around campus.  

2. “The Classic Freshman”:  Let us paint you a picture, this is the kid that walks around campus on the first day of class with a map, the most industrial backpack you’ve ever seen, and the lanyard they received at orientation.  It is so typical that it’s comical.  This kid is the easiest to spot in the crowd and upperclassman will be able to distinguish you immediately.  Being the image of the classic freshman is not a bad thing but if you don’t desire that image then find your classes before the first day, toss the lanyard, buy your books online (it’s cheaper), and try not to Skype mom and dad every night.  

3. The Party Girl/Guy: This is the kid that just wants to drink anything they can get their hands on and try a whole bunch of “new” things.  More than likely, this kid was sheltered in high school and now they are ready to break free from the watchful gaze of their parents.  Watch out for these kids, they may be a good time and always have the most exciting stories from the past weekend, but you might notice in a year or two that they no longer attend the University.  

4. The Activist: Welcome Week can throw a lot of new information in the face of an incoming student, especially news about all the clubs you can join and get involved with.  There will be clubs galore, ranging from athletics and academics to Harry Potter lovers and cooking clubs.  Pretty much anyone can find their niche and it seems that sometimes students tend to join one too many because they are over eager.  Just pick a few, go to the meetings and then join the clubs or intramurals that you are seriously passionate about.  

5. The Studious/Prude Student:  This is the kid that spends all of their time worrying about their academics and rarely attempts anything new or risky.  These students basically live at the library and rarely go out on the weekends.  They prefer the quiet and constant hum of the air conditioning in the dorm room, despite your attempts to hang out with them.  It’s ok to be this person but remember that college is also a time for trying new things and making exciting memories that last a lifetime. 

Hopefully The Odyssey has opened your eyes a little bit to the realities of freshman year.  There will always be thrilling moments but there will also be times that try your wits.  Just believe in yourself and everything should come easily to you.  The next four years at UT will transform into some of the most paramount moments you will ever experience.