10 Things I Wish I Knew Before Freshman Year at UD

Freshman year can be both exciting and intimidating. But there is no need to worry! Keep reading for 10 things that I wish I knew as a freshman, they’re sure to make your first year at UD easier!

1. UD gives out loads of free UD stuff.

UD loves to give out free things to their students, especially freshmen. I’m pretty sure from my NSO alone, I got three free shirts and an extra three more throughout the year. If you go to Perkins Live or Trabant Now events, they’re always giving out free knick knacks (like food). I wish I knew this because I spent a lot of money on school spirit before my first semester.

2. Jaywalking is a big no-no.

Where I’m from, jaywalking is no big deal. There were virtually no crosswalks where I lived and once I went to Newark, it was a huge change. I remember when a few students to-be were on a tour and tried to jaywalk and the guide kinda freaked out. They give it out real tickets if you jaywalk. Just take your time, or else the voice inside the crosswalk sign will get you in your sleep (or the Newark police).

3. There are a lot of parties going on at UD, but that doesn’t mean you have to go to them.

The party scene isn’t for everyone. Some people know from the get go that it’s not their cup of tea, some people need to go to a few just to make sure, and some people are huge party animals. It might feel like you’re the only one not out in some frat’s basement, but let me tell you–you aren’t. And you don’t have to feel bad for not wanting to go out.

4. It rains every Tuesday.

This sounds ridiculous, but it’s true. This means don’t forget to bring an umbrella to school! If you forget your own, there are places on Main Street that sell them! A note to tall people: Sorry, you’re probably going to get stabbed in the eye with an umbrella at least four times a day when it rains. It’s not our fault.

5. Your feelings towards your roommate now might change later on.

It also might stay the same and that’s cool too. They might be friendly at first, but their habits and pet peeves start blooming after the first month. If you have any problems, talk to your roommate instead of complaining to your floor mates. If you guys just can’t get it to work out, don’t worry. UD gives multiple opportunities to switch roommates.

6. UD is a big, but kind of small school.

And by this, I mean that it’s big enough to meet new people all the time, which is great. But it’s also small enough to run into people you don’t want to see; ALL. THE. TIME. May the odds be ever in your favor.

7. Kirkbride Jesus is probably going to offend you.

He is a man who usually stands outside of Kirkbride Hall and preaches to students about God. (Hence the name, Kirkbride Jesus). His speeches are very dynamic and articulate. Sometimes he is going to be a bit graphic. Try not to take it too personally, he’s just doin’ his thing.

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8. It’s OK to eat dinner alone.

There was this taboo in high school that if you ate food alone you were an outcast. Eating by yourself was a huge embarrassment. However, once you get into college, it’s different. Not all of your friends are going to be available all the time and maybe you just get sick of them. Eating alone is something that’s going to happen a few times. That’s a good thing, you get time to yourself and no one is going to judge you. Just enjoy your UDairy and fries in peace.

9. Just because you can have 10 plates of cookies, doesn’t mean you should.

I’m not gonna lie, the dining hall is the most amazing thing to a first semester freshman’s eyes. You can eat basically whatever kind of food you want and however much you want. I mean, you did pay for it, so I might as well get your money’s worth, right? WRONG. Do not make the same mistake I did and eat cookies and UDairy everyday for the first month of college because you WILL gain the freshman 15 (I gained 20) and you WILL regret it.

10. It may not feel like your points are real money, but they are.

UD dining plans give you x amount of meals and x amount of points at the start of the year. Every point you have is equivalent to one dollar. You can use these points in Trabant, Perkins, or the P.O.D. and get food, coffee, or supplies. Points are really cool because you aren’t technically spending your own money. However, ten sandwiches, six candy bars, eight packs of note cards, and a razor later, your 300 point balance ends up being 0. Spend it wisely.