10 Things You NEED To Know Before Coming To Marist College
It can definitely be overwhelming as an incoming freshman trying to figure out what kind of school you’ll be attending. There is only so much a campus tour, information session and new student orientation can tell you. After spending some time getting to know the ins and outs of College, here are 10 things you NEED to know before coming to Marist College !
1. It really is a small school
Numbers wise, yes we know Marist College is on the smaller end, but once you get here you’ll see how small it really is. Once you start getting to know people, you will see them EVERYWHERE. It’s funny how it’s usually the people you don’t want to see that you see on every walk to class or trip to the dinning hall, but a good way to get used to that is to just be friendly and accept it; Just say hi!
2. Being friendly goes a long way
As said before, since Marist College is a smaller school, it is so important to be friendly and social, even if that is challenging for you. An easy way to meet people is to get to know the people on your floor, your RA and joining clubs that interest you. Another thing that I do since I’m not the most outgoing person, is try and sit next to the same people in each class so you don’t really have a choice but to get to know each other.
3. The whole random roommate thing is not the end of the world
Random roommates can be scary, but they aren’t as bad as you think they will be. It’s really important to try and contact your future roommate before you come to campus in the fall, just so you can get to know each other and figure out who is bringing what. If you do have an issue with your roommate, Marist does a great job at making accommodations, so don’t worry! If you’re having issues there are many people who can help you out. Roommate switches happen all the time.
4. It’s a bar school
This one is kind of essential if you are the type of person who likes to go out on the weekends. Basically if you want to go out on the weekends you have to be “21”. If you’re not “21” then knowing someone on a sports team or an upperclassmen is important so you can at least go to a sports house or off campus housing if you want to go out.
5. We take cabs, not Ubers
The transportation here is quite the experience. Since Uber is new to new york, there aren’t that many around and they are pretty expensive, so we are also a cab school. The school makes it so easy to get around because they have cab drivers that are associated with the school, meaning they only take Marist students, and they know all the places Marist students go to on the week days and weekends. It’s so easy and cheap, but get ready to be friendly because you’ll have to sit on random people’s laps.
6. The food is not as bad as you think
Dinning hall food has a bad rep, but it really is not that bad. The only thing is that there are only so many options and although the food choices rotate, it’ll get old. It is very important to try and be less picky and try new things or else the food will get boring, and that is not the way to enjoy food. If you’re a fan of Tacos and cupcakes, you’re going to love Tuesday’s at Marist.
7. Proper storage is key
Dorm rooms can be as big or as small as you let them. Don’t bring your entire closet to college, just the essentials. The more things you have, the more space that stuff takes up in your room, making it seem smaller than it already is. Under bed storage is so helpful because there is a lot more space than you think under there. Being organized and smart about what you need to bring and what you don’t need to bring will help make the room seem bigger than it is.
8. We are a fashion school
This will become obvious once you start classes. At least 5 people in each of my classes so far have been either fashion design or fashion merchandising majors. Given that, don’t be alarmed if you see girls (and boys) really dressed up walking around campus. It can definitely be intimidating seeing people dressed so nice all the time, but you don’t need to wear your best outfits to class or the dinning hall all the time. Just because Marist College has a lot of fashionistas here, doesn’t mean your average Com or Business major needs to dress the part too. Just be yourself and wear whatever you want!
9. If you hadn’t already noticed, it’s beautiful
It’s easy to get wrapped up in social life and academics at college, but it is so important to admire and take in how beautiful of a school you go to. Being right on the Hudson, the river is a focal point. Make sure to go down by the river, especially at sunset to get a great pic and take in the beauty of your surroundings.
10. Get involved
People always say to get involved when they come to college but it seriously is fun and helpful. Campus Ministry is the biggest club on campus and gives kids amazing opportunities to volunteer and do good out of the kindness of their hearts. There is a club for everyone…. even a craft club!
