For many students summer is coming to and end and school classes are starting up. Within the first few days of moving in a lot goes on. Although we are returning to school, syllabus week is one of everyone’s favorites.
A few days prior to classes starting the freshman have a chance to move in and get situated. They are the new kids on campus so it is only fair that they have some time to really take in their surroundings. They meet a bunch of new people, go to planned events, and try to get their best feel for their new home. I remember it was a different kind of experience. It’s the first time you really leave home and are put to the test on your own. Just when you think you’re accommodated, they bring in the big dogs.
A few days after the timid freshman move in, the rest of the campus is revived. Friends are reunited, fraternities are out on their decks blasting music while brothers play catch out front. There is a lot of girls running into each other’s arms and screaming for no reason. Unlike the freshman majority of the boxes packed are food and clothing rather than school supplies. It seems as though we never left. We get right back into the groove unphased by our new classmates.
As classes begin there is a sense of the new kids on campus. Some will get lost and ask for help, others will show up to class thirty minutes early to make sure they are in the right place. We all understand, that was once us. All students realize that where they sit in the lecture on the first day is very crucial because that seat becomes, without being said, their assigned seats. The best part about the first week is that it is primarily about adjustments. The professors go into discussing the syllabus, and introducing the course. Mainly the only activities you will do in the classroom for the first week is icebreakers to get to know your classmates, and the occasional ‘what Do You Know?’ quiz. It is a pretty laid back week.
As for the rest of the week time is spent catching up with friends and trying to get your body into a set schedule. You get to finish setting up your room, buying textbooks, and just are so happy to be back with your friends. You get to meet new people in your classes, the café, and just walking around the campus. You get to wink at that professor from last year that hated you but can no longer try and ruin your life because you aren’t in their class anymore. It’s a breath of fresh air.
So make the most of this falls syllabus week. Put yourself out there to meet new people. Help out a freshman that is lost around campus because you were once in their shoes. Hold the door open for people. Smile on the walk to class. Say good morning and thank you. Try to put your best foot forward. Most of all try not to get into too much trouble ;)
