As you walk onto campus, you might not realise how obvious it is that you’re new in town. It’s not your fault. It’s almost expected for new students to follow similar trends and accidently set themselves apart. Follow these tips to not look like a typical freshman.
- Avoid your high school’s logo on your clothes.
When you’re picking out your college wardrobe, look out for the classic freshman trap of wearing your high school letterman jacket or t-shirt during the first few weeks. There’s nothing wrong with being proud of where you came from, but it’s a big sign that you’re new to college.
- Using the free stuff.
Inevitably, your school is going to give you a bag, hat, pair of sunglasses, or some other item at your orientation. If you want to disguise yourself as an upperclassman, immediately throw whatever that is away. This is because using the shoulder bag that every freshman got a few days ago will mark you as a first-semester student. Unless the item is really nice, it’s not worth the fashion faux pas.
- Confusion walking in between classes.
There’s nothing wrong with getting lost at a new school. It’s bound to happen and everyone’s done it. Still, walking to class with a wide-eyed, worried look like a vulnerable puppy will let everyone know you’re a freshman. Take a look at the campus map before you leave your room, check your schedule for the classroom, and walk confidently to your class.
- Don’t eat at the basic dining hall.
On your campus, if there’s multiple choices for on-campus food, one of these options should be the obvious “freshman” option. It’s typically the place the group ate in for orientation and can be the closest to freshman housing. If you want to differentiate yourself from your class standing, try someplace new. You’ll meet new people, too!
- Don’t wear a lanyard.
Finally, this may be the brightest, flashiest arrow you can point at yourself as a freshman. Putting it around your neck or letting it dangle out of a side pocket is a dire mistake. This seemingly innocent, practical strip of fabric attached to a keyring or wallet is known as the lanyard. You might have one with a cool logo on it, or you might like the convenience of having your key or ID on a handy strap, but don’t fall for this trap. Wearing a lanyard says to your classmates, basically, “I’m new to college. I only know how to dress based on a movie I saw in 2014.”
Following these directions, you’ll step around the pitfalls that get most freshmen and you’ll be one step closer to feeling like you belong in your new home. Of course, there’s nothing wrong with being new. This is an exciting time and you’re bound to learn more about what makes your campus unique.
Once you get settled in, get some specific tips by meeting people on your campus. A Cru movement (found using cru.org) can be a great way to get some guidance during your first semester on campus.
