BACK
-TO-
CAM
PUS
-T H E-
FRESHMAN
S U R V I VA L
G U I D E
ou finally made it.
You’re done with your parents, done with
high school, and now bursting onto the college
campus, bright-eyed and bushy-tailed, acting
aloof but trying to make friends. Maybe you’re
nervous and hiding in your dorm while you read this, or
maybe you’ve decided to take on a whole new identity
since you’ve moved to a new state.
Whatever you’re thinking, let me be your guide to the
trappings of life at University of Oregon. As a recently
graduated senior, I can help you through the highs and
lows of freshman year.
Y
HOW TO PICK
A MAJOR
Hopefully you picked this university because you
already are passionate about one of the many majors
offered at UO. If not, I’d suggest picking something
you’re interested in and exploring a few majors that have
lucrative future careers attached.
I chose journalism, which opens the doors to a not-so-
lucrative career. Other good options include education,
most of the sciences, architecture and pre-law. If you’re
passionate about something like English, I will point out
that all my recently graduated English major friends are
working in retail, delivery or the food industry. Take it as
a minor to explore your passions, but choose something
that can make you a living after you graduate. It’s worth it.
Also, college isn’t for everyone. Electricians make
more money than I do with my bachelor’s degree, so going
the unionized skilled-labor route is a great idea if this
college shit isn’t for you.
HOW TO MAKE
FRIENDS AND
GET INVOLVED
You’re probably living in the dorms, which may be a
stressful can of hormones and awkward social situations.
Dorms are also a great place to make friends. Don’t
assume everyone in proximity is going to be a lifelong
pal — if you don’t mesh, move on without drama. If you’re
living at home or in an off-campus apartment (or if you’re
Tips from
a newly
graduated
college senior
by Kelly Kenoyer
a nerdy introvert stuck in a dorm that’s a pseudo frat live-
out), then consider joining a club to meet people. You can
find hundreds of clubs on campus. You can join ethnicity-
based clubs, religious clubs, charity-driven clubs, major-
based clubs and club sports. The UO has clubs focused
on analyzing video games like Think.Play, clubs based
on atheism, and numerous campus publications you
can apply to work for. Check uoregon.orgsync.com/
BrowseOrganizations for a list of organizations.
If you’re the activist type, you can also make friends
by getting politically involved. Politically active student
groups include the Black Student Union, the Associated
Students of University of Oregon (ASUO) Women’s
Center, the ASUO Men’s Center, Movimento Estudiante
Chicano de Aztlan and the Sustainability Center.
You can also run for election to ASUO itself, if you’re
that sort of political.
If none of these tactics work for finding friends, try
talking to people during lunch or in class. I met a few
friends freshman year in my Writing 121 class, and I
found another good friend and eventual roommate in my
Reporting 1 class.
Worst-case scenario, make a Tinder profile. I made a
few friends over the summer out of mutual boredom and
an honest profile. (Taurus, UO, seeking friends and/or a
hot date! <3)
HOW
TO PA RTY
( S A F E LY )
You’ve left the nest. It’s time to spread your wings and
get wasted.
Or not. I recommend starting with just a few drinks
at your first party to keep your bearings. The first half of
your first term of college is known as the “Red Zone,” the
period of time a young college woman is most vulnerable
to rape, according to the UO Dean of Student’s sexual
violence prevention website. And each year, the ASUO
Women’s Center puts up scores of red flags in the quad to
represent these campus assaults.
To avoid risky situations like this, I’ll go with the
standard stereotype and recommend avoiding frat parties
and strangers. You probably have a dorm-mate with an
older sibling; try to go to parties at their house. Go with
friends you trust and look out for each other, and always
keep an eye on your drink.
Co-ops like Campbell Club and The Lorax invite
students in and can be a great place to attend your first
themed party or see some live local music. Bring cash for
the cover and, again, go with friends.
HOW TO
PA SS CLA SS
Ah, yes, the school part of college. College professors
aren’t actually out to get you, despite what your high
school teachers might have said. If you introduce yourself
on the first day of class and actually attend most of the
time, your professor will probably want to help you do
well.
I recommend sitting in the front (it helps you stay
focused), asking questions when you’re confused, and
doing all the assignments. Even if you’re bad at the class
material, an engaged student gets a lot of points from the
professor for effort. You might be able to retake a test or
redo an assignment if you show that you’ve been trying.
Oh, and professors hate when you send rude emails.
Start with “Dear so-and-so,” be direct and respectful, and
include your class name in the subject line. Treating them
like people goes a long way.
H O W T O G R A D UAT E
FROM COLLEGE
D E B T- F R E E
You can’t, unless your parents are paying for you.
Good luck!
eugeneweekly.com • October 12, 2017
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