Dear First Years,

Right now, you're probably finishing up your room -- a picture here, a trinket there. You've officially introduced yourself to your roommate (if you haven't already). You're watching the last few upperclassmen moving in and thinking about how that will be you next year. You're shaking with anticipation. Classes are about to begin. You might even start your work-study job soon.

But what now?

Here are the things that you need to know:

1. The $250 is due at the end of every year.

2. You can get Microsoft Office for free. Click here. Consult IT if you have issues.

3. Go to programs. They're a lot of fun and you get to meet new people.

4. Don't knock coloring as a stress reliever. It seriously helps.

5. College is not like the movies. It is okay. Just make it the best that you can and let the little things go.

6. You probably won't know what you want to major in, or it might change every so often. Just do what feels right.

7. Do not walk around by yourself at night. Campus is pretty safe, but the downtown area isn't always. Plus, campus is open. Be careful.

8. Do not be afraid to drop a class. If it doesn't work for you, don't force yourself to take it. You can always add another, too, so don't worry.

9. We have a counseling department. Go to them if you need it.

10. Don't use all of your Salem Bucks within the first few months. The fall semester Bucks roll-over to Jan Term.

11. If you put your fan by the door, it pulls the cold air from the hall and cools your room.

12. Pizza, Chinese and other forms of delivery food will be in your future.

13. Get shower shoes.

14. Get to know your roommate. Even if you aren't best friends, or even really friends, you should still at least be friendly. Talking things out at the end of a stressful day is a nice way to decompress and your roommate will probably be there (since she, you know, lives there).

15. Don't take an 8 am if you can help it. Even if you think you can handle it, you won’t want to.

16. Decorate your room. It will feel more like home.

17. Don’t be scared of the juniors. They’re just super excited to be Bigs. (Getting Littles is kind of a ‘big’ milestone).

18. JSTOR will save your *ss.

19. Get a routine. It will help your transition to college.

20. Have fun. Take a break from studying. Go out with friends. You can’t work all the time, after all.

Have a fabulous year, first years!