Liberal arts colleges are islands of misfit toys. Thousands of students come to these unique schools searching for themselves, their academic passions, and each other. On a typical night out at these colleges, you are guaranteed to meet many interesting characters — people that will make you laugh, make you gasp, and make you chug lukewarm beer when you can't flip a plastic cup in 10 seconds. These people may become your best friends, or your worst enemies, but either way they impact you in a fashion that is only experienced at a liberal arts college. These are the people you will likely encounter:
1. Han Solo Babes
Current fashion trends have caused many women to resemble our true leader and freedom-fighter: Han Solo. When you're walking down the street, take a quick sweep of your surroundings and you will soon be greeted by some Doc Martens, skinny jeans, and an over-sized Levi's denim jacket. Just like Han Solo himself, these girls will make you swoon. Even when you see a swarm of them all wearing identical outfits, they stand out like the stars themselves.
2. The Dreadlocks Sage
Unlike the oracles in Greek mythology, you will not have to venture to a cave on top of a mountain to find this wiseman. He most likely just released a Hip-Hop EP that you've been playing on repeat, but you're too afraid to admit to him that you're secretly in love with his flow. Nevertheless, his presence is calming and immediately enlightening. You know he's seen some shit. His eyes glisten with wisdom and experience, and you know his dreadlocks are full of secrets. Make sure to add him on Facebook, because you will need his insight when you have your mid-life crisis.
3. Stampedes of Athletes
These are the most eerie of all the liberal arts groups, as you can constantly hear their intoxicated howls, but you never see them. Whether they're bumping in a third floor room of a Freshman dorm, or they're migrating from the Baseball championship party to the Swimmer's formal, you know they're on the prowl. No need to run or hide, but it is recommended that you do not wear bucket hats, Sperrys, or anything from J. Crew's spring line, because they may accidentally take you as one of their own and sweep you away into a night of Bud Light and lacrosse stick sword fights.
4. The DJ
You love them to death, but they either play the same songs over and over again or they won't let anyone add songs to the queue. Their music is good, no lie, but when everyone wants to hear "No Role Modelz" and they will not play it, you may be tempted to form a coup. Occasionally they'll come around and build a playlist of everyone's favorites, which will definitely make for a great night. But when they snap again and play Eminem for about two hours, you might plan to grab the aux cord first next time.
5. The Party Mom
You can see her neon fanny pack and jewel-toned hair from a mile away, and you immediately want to hug her. She always comes prepared with some Advil and a tube of mascara, so never be afraid to ask her for anything when you're having a party crisis (aka you don't think you look cute enough). She's always the one to set up beer pong so the drunkards can continue their activities, and to walk you home if you're not having a good night. You can count on her to get you a Twix from the vending machine or boil you a bowl of ramen. She's truly the best. Never forget to let her know that.
6. Campus Safety
As it is their job, you will see Campus Safety almost everywhere you go. Not because they're shutting down the party, but because they're trying to keep the party going. Don't be intimidated: they are always kind, and have plenty of hilarious stories to share (i.e. when they caught several drunk guys making snow angels naked). It is not recommended that you admit how high or drunk you are in front of them, but if your joint accidentally falls out of your pocket, expect them to compliment you on your rolling skills. They're there to keep you safe, so respect their duty while simultaneously understanding that they're just like you.
7. The Chainsmokers
They're at all the parties, but post up on the front porch. They're the greeters and the adieu-ers, who will always offer you a square for the road. They won't engage in much conversation, but it is always entertaining to observe them and how many different packs of cigarettes they have on their person. Trust me, it's an impressive and almost astonishing amount.
8. The Poet
Don't give him too much wine or else he'll try and pitch you his idea for a "literary Kobe" of a novel. His eloquent speeches and articulate cheers during drinking games will never fail to inspire the artist in your soul. He's definitely someone to chat with the next morning in the dining hall. The Poet is simply a wandering child, connecting with the minds of all in attempting to understand his deep feelings and overwhelming awareness of the world. And he rocks the shit out of a pashmina shawl.
9. The Contemplator
You can't tell if he's really in to you or if he wants to out you Mob style. This guy always sits across the room from you and seems to be staring straight into your soul. Kind of creepy? You can't tell because he's rugged, Russell Crowe in Gladiator rugged, and that is really attractive. But kind of scary too? You can't tell if he's come here with friends or alone, but hopefully he's alone so you can attempt to get him to come home with you. But he looks like he's just a stone person, so you don't really want to go over and talk to him. Whatever man, he's probably just contemplating.
10. Papa John's
The Papa John's delivery man is a prime homie. You see him regularly, and it's quite obvious that everyone else does too. The dining hall is definitely a great option for meals, but as a swarm of millennials whose habits are similar to those of ferrets, you have to eat a TON. The delivery man, Cody, greets you by name, and makes sure to ask how your Arabic presentation went. Don't be ashamed to admit that Cody is your best friend; he's a really wonderful guy. Some people even have him as an emergency contact, and he's proven to come through.
11. Ravers
Even when you and your friends have winded down and met up with Cody, there are still people who are keeping the night alive. Similar to the athletes, you never really know who these people are or what they look like, but you can hear their echoes even when you go back to L.A. for October break. These kids don't play around. They're serious ravers and you want nothing more than to enter their world (which is probably a lot of Ecstasy).
12. Vagabond Jesus
While you're walking home you'll see him stroll by effortlessly, like a butterfly. He's usually smoking a rolled cigarette that's half tobacco and half lavender. That's pretty badass. His shoes are old and duct-taped, but you actually think it looks really cool and you almost want to destroy all of your possessions so you can be a free and Beat generation groupie like him. Many have been lucky enough to become close with him, all thanks to him asking to bum a cigarette. If you're one of these lucky people, then a sincere congratulations. He is a truly unique and beautiful person.
13. The Bookworm
As you finally stumble back to your room and pass the common area, you are guaranteed to be greeted by the face of the Bookworm God. They're up all night, every night, looking over their flashcards of different amoebas, and you know they're going to change the world. They're so much better than you. Goddammit. They're going to roll their Land's End backpack all the way up to the top. Maybe you'll read a little before you go to bed? Try and reach their level? Nah. Pizza Rolls.