Alright, Belles. It's been about a week and I can tell a few of you don't know what's up...which is to be expected, don't feel bad. As a senior, I know the lay of the land and I'm here to let you in on a few things you should never do as a Belle. Some may be obvious, but others not so much. Either way, hang tight and by the end of this you'll be a pro.

1. Never go to the dining hall at noon.

This is prime DH time. Everyone and their mother is there and you'll hardly be able to find a table, let alone have time to get food before your next class. The lines are ridiculous. To avoid the rush, go at 11:00 a.m. or 1:00 pm. Or if you choose to take part in rush hour, make sure you have a lunch squad consisting of someone willing to snag a table for your group before Noble becomes a madhouse.

2. Never deny a Blinkie ride in the winter or late at night.

Blinkie is just another amazing Saint Mary's privilege. Besides saving you from freezing, it's always there to give you a lift and make sure you get back to your dorm safely. While I like to think Saint Mary's is a safe environment, it's still always better to be safe than sorry.

3. Don't spend all your Munch Money before mid-semester break.

I know it can be tempting to buy coffee, Clif bars, and chicken strips every day, but you need to budget that for when everything is bleak at the end of the semester. Trust me.

4. Don't say you go to ND.

Notre Dame is an amazing university that we are blessed to be so close to...but still, you don't go there. Cheer loud for them at football games, but don't say you attend the university. You are a Belle and you should be proud of that!

5. Don't feel bad about the school you go to.

With that...if you ever tell someone you do go to Saint Mary's and they try and belittle you, don't let them. Saint Mary's is an awesome school full of amazing women.

6. Don't pronounce the "S" in Le Mans.

This one is pretty self explanatory. You'll stick out like a sore thumb if you do. Do you even go here?

7. Don't harass the ghosts.

This is not a joke; Saint Mary's is super haunted. But, if you leave the ghosts alone, they won't bother you. Or if they do...just let them know you're cool, and you'll get along.

8. Don't miss signing up for class at midnight.

Seriously, this is like the Hunger Games every semester. Especially during freshman and sophomore year when everyone needs the same Sophia courses to meet various requirements. Make sure you have a good internet connection and all of your class numbers written down. May the odds be ever in your favor.

9. Don't eat a warm cookie at every meal.

I know they're delicious and the best thing in the dining hall but they will make you fat when consumed in excessive amounts. Don't say I didn't warn you.

10. Don't avoid your professors.

One of my professors actually made this point this week, and I wish I would've known this my freshman year. We are paying a ridiculous amount of money to attend a small, liberal arts school with small class sizes and you should take advantage of that. I've had professors give out their cell phone number to classes and most of them highly encourage you to drop by their office whenever you need help. I do immensely better in classes when I know I can ask my professor for help.

I'm sure there are a few things I'm forgetting, but this should get you on the right track for the beginning of the year. Go Belles!