Entering college is one of the most exciting yet terrifying experiences of your life, and becoming a student at the frozen tundra we call UND doesn't help the nerves. Here are a couple of tips that will help the incoming Fighting Sioux survive their freshman year.

1. All skin MUST be covered.

If you think that you can make it through the frozen tundra without a long winter coat, three layers of sweatshirts, tall winter boots, and about 4 scarves you are way wrong. Layers will save your life when you are walking across campus in sub zero temperatures.

2. Once 40 degrees hits the summer clothing will come out.

There is always one week of hope in North Dakota, normally in March, when the temperature raises to just above 40 degrees, and that’s when the shorts and tank tops all come out. But less than a week later, snow will be on the ground again. Don’t expect much sunny warm weather in the Grandest of Forks besides the first 2 weeks of school.

3. Greek life is a must.

Cheesy I know, but you find your best friends while going through rush. Also, the most fun weekends are the ones that consist of Fraternity formals. You will never know the true experience of college until you’ve gotten all dressed up just to fall apart by the end of the night. It’s truthfully a blast.

4. Red Pepper will make up your weekend diet.

If your first weekend at UND doesn’t consist of Red Pepper you’re doing it wrong. Whether it be a cheese tostada or a grinder, you can never go wrong with Red Pep; plus the white sauce is to die for. You always try to snag a bottle from the counter and take back to your dorm room so you can put it on everything.

5. If you don't love hockey, leave now

Once here, you’ll realize that hockey is not just a past time sport to go watch. It is a lifestyle. Prepare to wait outside in the frozen tundra for lower bowl seats, which you will soon come to realize are a gift from god.

6. You will never experience a better hockey game than one one held at the Ralph Engelstad Arena.

Chanting, horns, fireworks…and Little Caesars crazy bread make up the best weekends of your life. You may think you’ve been to amazing sporting events, but a home series at the Ralph tops all pro arena experiences.

7. If you have any Gopher apparel burn it now.

If you are seen walking around campus with a Minnesota Gopher shirt, you will get dirty looks. Faculty will even call you out on it. Save yourself time and dignity by just leaving the Gopher merchandise where it belongs--in Minnesota.

8. No matter what, the Sioux name will NEVER die.

Faculty members and security guards may tell you to stop chanting “Sioux yeah yeah” or “Sioux forever,” they may even cut it out of the televised hockey games or other sporting events, but let’s face it students and alumni are going to chant whatever they want. After all it is “home of the Sioux.”