The first few weeks at Bowling Green State University are the busiest, most event-filled, and, if you are a first-year, most important weeks of the year. These days are the times when new students really get a feel for the campus, whether it be by going to the new student frisbee lunch, hanging out at all of the late night opening weekend activities, or just figuring out the fastest route between their classes once the academics start. It is the time when you begin to meet some of the people who will likely become some of your closest friends, just because you are all trying to figure out this thing called college together... and that is definitely a bonding experience.

Now this fall only marks my second year here at BG, but there are still a few things I learned last year that I feel all first years should know.

1. Plan Plenty of Time

Especially on the first day of classes, nobody really seems to know where they are going, and take it from someone who really did go to the wrong classroom: give yourself enough time that first morning to navigate the campus and classroom seating arrangements. You don't want to be late, and you will be way less stressed about starting college courses if you aren't rushing to them.

2. The Union Oval is Packed Between Classes...

...sort of like a mosh pit, there are people everywhere going in all different direction at different speeds. Add the determined walkers on top of the event/charity booths and the bikers and you have a recipe for a live version of the video game Snake coming to life.

Just imagine that snake is you and every wall is a line of people trying to get to their own class.

3. President Mazey is a Campus Celebrity

Catching a sighting of her usually results in someone shouting out her name and pointing. Not entirely sure why, pretty sure it's just because she is regarded as awesome. So just go with it. Say hi to her. Actually, say hello to as many people as you can, it's a great way to make friends.

4. You Should Go To a Hockey Game.

There are newspapers. There are chants. There are whirly-gag, finger-spinning gestures (if you've been, you know). There is a lot of dancing and singing. And a lot of energy. They are fun. So go to one! Trust me.

5. Oaks vs Carillon

Okay, this is important. For the times when you don't want to use your Falcon Dollars, here is a basic breakdown from someone who is semi-okay with both dining halls:

Oaks Pros: More selection of food, larger space to hangout, Tailgate Thursdays, most people tend to want to go here

Oaks Cons: More people tend to want to go here so during peak hours, the line is out the door...so don't go if you have a class coming up. This goes back to timing and planning accordingly.

Carillon Pros: Pasta night, less people, pancake breakfast on the weekends, pizza and dessert is about the same so just go here if that is what you want

Carillon Cons: Not as wide a selection of food, most people don't seem to want to go here but it's not bad if you are eating by yourself quickly between classes*

*Just ask around.

6. Friendships May Change and That's Okay

The people you meet the first week may not be the same friends you have the last week, or they may be your new best friend for all eternity. Whatever happens, it's okay if things change. And remember that the school is big, so get out there and meet as many people as possible.

7. Dairy Queen

The heading doesn't need anything more than that. The mini blizzards are as a big as a small would be anywhere else and so on. Not to mention the amount of fries they give you is perfect for sharing with a group (or eating all yourself). It's a great place to go with friends, and you may even find that you are being asked to leave at closing time because you've spent so many hours there.

8. SICSIC are the People in Masks...

...They are the university's spirit group that came into existence decades ago. They wear masks so that they can remain anonymous. Actually, the backstory is pretty cool and you can find it online or you can ask around. But they are not just odd people wearing, for example, a Grinch disguise. There is a reason...sort of.

9. Bowling Green is the REAL Windy City

The wind here is. NO. JOKE. You will see people stop walking and just stand leaning forwards with their heads turned away from the wind during harsh moments. After a bad rainstorm, you will see fallen and broken umbrellas everywhere. It is because of the wind. Maybe invest in a heavy duty raincoat instead.

10. Spend Every Nice Day Outside

If you are not from the Midwest, let me just tell you, the winter is chilly. Perhaps not as much as up north, but bad enough that you appreciate the sun when it comes out. So bring out the frisbee and think about a hammock (they are really popular on Old Campus) and just hang outside. It's quite beautiful!

Oh, by the way, from what I hear, there really aren't snow days here so don't expect any. If classes get canceled because of winter weather, it will be because of something big.

11. Cookies Can Break Friendships Apart

Let me break it down for you. There are two cookie places in town. Both deliver. One is a chain called Insomnia Cookies. They are good. The other is a local place called Cookie Jar. These cookies are GIANT and gooey, and you can even order milk with the cookies. They are also good. I've had both, I've ordered both. It just depends on the day. But as a resident of BG now, you must pledge loyalty to Cookie Jar because of its local roots. People will fight you over this issue. I am not kidding. Which cookie place is better is probably the top argument heard at BG, in all honesty.

12. Right Around the Seal

This fact is noted in every article about Bowling Green, and that is because it is important. There is a seal in Old Campus, and you MUST walk to the right around the seal. Walking to the left means jeopardizing your next test grade, so just don't do it. I've even seen people walk over the seal when a tour group is standing in the way because you can't walk the other way around.

Other traditions/notes about the seal: supposedly if you kiss someone there at midnight on a full moon you will marry them? Or something like that?

Oh and check out the statue by the seal...it's really cool!

13. College Really Is What You Make It

Bowling Green has become one of my favorite places because of the memories I have made here in the last year. I have made friends that I love, I have taken classes that have taught me to push past critical thinking and working limits that I didn't think possible, and I have gone to events that were beyond memorable! College really does become what you want it to be. Whether you want to be a part of a lot of clubs or you want to focus purely on academics or both or neither, you get to choose what path you take in college. So take that step outside onto campus and experience BGSU. You never know what you might find.