The day has arrived. Put away those red drawstring Destination Iowa State bags away and break out your backpacks, because it's the first day of school. Here are 7 things all new students at Iowa State University students need to know.
1. You don't have to show your student ID when riding the Orange 23.
Don't be that guy who gets on the bus in front of Carver and struggles to find their ID. You don't need it. Since this bus circulates central campus, ISU doesn't make you show your ID, so save yourself the embarrassment and put it away.
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2. Introduce yourself to your professors.
You may think you're being a teachers pet or look like a nerd, but trust me, when the first exam rolls around and you have questions, your professor will be a lot more likely to respond to your email first if he or she recognizes your name.
3. Don't wear the red drawstring bag you got at DIS to class.
Using it as a gym bag? Totally cool. But walking to class with it is like putting a neon sign above your head telling everyone you are a freshman.
4. Keep a small umbrella in your backpack.
I like to put mine in the side pocket for emergencies, because you don't want to be the one person walking home in the pouring rain because you decided to not check the forecast.
5. Don't wait too long to do your laundry, and avoid doing it on the weekends.
You can only go so long without doing your laundry until you run out of underwear, and trying to get it all done on the weekends is a mistake; it will seem like a Black Friday sale in the laundry room. Pick an obscure time to do your laundry, and stick with it.
6. Select a few clubs you really think you'll enjoy, instead every single one you see.
Yes, the juggling club does sound fun, until you realize you've never juggled in your life and have very little hand-eye coordination. Pick a few clubs that involve things you're really interested in, because then you can devote more time to them and develop better friendships.
7. Be open to trying new things.
College is a time of new beginnings, so seize the opportunity! Keep your door open, try something new, and don't be afraid to step out of your comfort zone! You'll meet some of your best friends when you're taking a chance on something new.
Welcome to the greatest university in the country. Now it's time to choose your adventure.
man running in forestPhoto by 
