As summer ends, campus life begins

Back To School, College Edition

August 11th, 2011 by CrispRoot

Depending on how you look at it, summer ends on Labor Day or September 23^rd … either way, here comes fall. If you know someone who is attending college, though, you might want to wish them a Happy New Year - because the new school year is about to begin…

We at CrispRoot are nothing if not helpful, so we thought we’d put up a primer on the college experience for all the incoming freshmen out there. You upperclassmen can read on and chuckle at what’s about to happen to them… and you alumni can sit back, smile, and reminisce.

What’s first? Well, unlike when you were a kid (unless you have overly protective parental units), going school supply &/or clothes shopping with your mom &/or dad is probably not on your agenda. Not that you don’t need to go shopping, mind you.

What might you need to get? Well, clothes are rather obvious – there aren’t too many clothing optional universities out there. What specifically to buy is up to you – just make sure you have a warm coat, or you’ll be hearing from your mother.

For supplies, well, the days of glue and glitter being on the list are long gone – but you’ll need notepads, pens & pencils, maybe a new laptop… (while he may not be invited to go shopping, your dad’s credit card is!) Oh, and don’t forget to stock up on snacks for those all-night study sessions. (hint: CrispRoot offers some really tasty options in the chip department)

What might you expect as you head towards campus? Freshman orientation, classes, studying, an eternal struggle to find a parking space…and parties! Your parents may not want to admit it, but parties and a lively social life are all a part of the standard college experience. College parties, for the uninitiated, are a great way to blow off steam; they provide relief from the pressure of homework, tests, and term papers. They also serve in teaching you many needless but enjoyable skills (like making a toga out of a bed sheet), and aid greatly in keeping companies like Pepto Bismol, well, in the pink.

OK, what else is there? Oh, yeah… fraternities, sororities, and clubs. Yes, these can be fun, but one word should be popping into your head about now: “networking”. Friendships and associations made in college can pay major dividends after graduation… and can do so for more years than seem real to you right now.

And, lest we forget… there’s school. You know, the aforementioned studying, tests, term papers and the like? They can be a pain, sure, and can put a serious crimp in your social life… but you are there to learn, after all. (sorry for going all adult on you, but it’s the truth…)

While we’re being all adult (or as you think of it, old), here’s an annoying little secret we thought we’d mention: In 10 years or so, when you’re wrangling over budgets, playing office politics, and working late to meet that killer deadline… you’ll look back at things like pop quizzes and wonder why they got you so stressed!

… and thus ends our take on College For Freshmen. Now it’s time for your homework assignment (a blog about colleges has to have a homework assignment!)…

Incoming students: post what it is you’re most looking forward to as you enter school.

Returning students: post what you wish you had known about college as you started your freshman year.

Oh, and for those of you who’ve completed your journey through higher education’s hallowed halls (how’s that for alliteration?), let us know your fondest memories of the days when passing your poly sci mid-term was your biggest worry.