1. Sticking with that back-up class you don’t want to take
I remember attempting to get into a fiction writing class my first semester at U.Va., but because I scheduled my classes incorrectly and couldn’t get off the waitlist for any sections, I ended up sticking with a poetry class I didn’t really want to take. It turned out that I was in a 15-person class with football and basketball stars, made some great friends in the class, discovered I really enjoy poetry and bonded with my advisor because she’s a poet. All of this happened because I stuck with a class I never wanted in the first place.
2. Getting lost
I think a lot of great times I had my first year were getting lost going to parties with friends. Anything past the Corner was undiscovered territory, and until we understood the difference between 15th street and Grady Avenue, we would just stroll aimlessly laughing and attempting to return home. It’s okay to be lost as long as you have friends who are there with you.
3. Making horrible and forced conversations
The first week is hectic and new, no matter what class you’re in. Old faces you’re used to are gone and graduated, and several thousand fresh new faces have replaced them. I recall so many awkward moments of everyone trying to remember each other’s names, because everyone — especially first years — is trying to take advantage of the welcoming atmosphere that lingers for a few weeks. I highly suggest forcing weird conversations — to some extent — when talking to new people, because it’s so much easier the first week, as it becomes exponentially harder throughout the semester when classes get harder and people solidify their groups of friends.
4. Pissing off your roommate
Disclaimer: Don’t actually piss off your roommate. The first week is when you and your roommate are nicer and more respectful to each other. You want to find out early what makes your roommate annoyed or mad before you’re halfway into the semester and stressed with work when all of the built-up frustration explodes. My roommate and I got along really well, but I have some friends who settled all their disputes in one culminating night that led to tears, screams in the hall and the slamming of doors. Although it was amusing to watch and eat imaginary popcorn with the people in your dorm, you don’t want to be the one in that situation.
5. Trying out for something on a whim
The first week of the fall semester is when almost every group on Grounds tries to find new members to replace their graduates. I remember trying out for the University Guide Service because I heard it was a fun group. I signed up randomly one day and barely made it to my trial tour. I had started planning 30 minutes beforehand by walking around the Lawn and trying to spew poorly memorized facts. It ended up being a horribly embarrassing six minutes, but I gained experience for the next semester for when I wanted to take my tour more seriously.
6. Going to a random party
There are a ton of parties the first few weekends of school, because organizations want to attract new members and because new members get initiated. It’s really fun to go to these parties before they dwindle away slowly throughout the semester. The party atmosphere at U.Va. is definitely the biggest and most open during the beginning of the semester, so take advantage of that and have fun!
7. Not doing any school-related work
The first week is the easiest because there isn’t much work and professors are waiting for their classes to finalize. Take advantage of the lingering summer vibes, and experience as many things as possible before buckling down on schoolwork.
8. Contracting mononucleosis
You can only get it once! If you make the mistake of contracting mono, you’d rather have it at the beginning of the school year and get over it than struggle with it halfway through the semester or during finals week. Mono is like the bubonic plague of first-year dorms, and if you’re hit with it during the week of midterms or finals, there’s no guarantee you’re going to survive. Think of contracting mono the first week as a vaccine so you can share drinks and kiss people as much as you want for the rest of your college experience.
9. Dressing up
The first week is blistering hot. Sweat will ooze out of your pores and soak your clothes, but it’s a mistake you want to make because first impressions are everything! There’s no other time besides the first few days or week when you will find the motivation to continue looking your best, so make the most of it when you have the strength to do so.
10. Streaking the Lawn
For some people, it’s a nerve-wracking, impulsive idea encouraged by inebriated friends, and can even be painful. For example, I have friends who have broken their ankles falling down the hills on the Lawn, but they never regret their mistakes. Streaking the Lawn is a must-do U.Va. ritual, and with the construction on the Rotunda finally over, this is one of the best mistakes you can make your first week.
Read More
Letting go of my first year FOMO
By Mai Hukuoka | 3 hours agoIn an attempt to transition to University life, I found myself saying “yes” to way too many things, which left me feeling detached from my surroundings rather than at home on Grounds.
Days on the Lawn gives newly admitted Class of 2028 a taste of Grounds
By Miriella Jiffar and Mia Tan | 2 days agoThe annual spring program invites newly admitted students and their families to experience information sessions, resource fairs and tours around Grounds.
The weight of saying “I love you”
By Mai Hukuoka | 4 days agoWhile grand gestures can't fully describe the weight of love, that doesn't mean love has to be small. Love can, and should, feel heavy.
