Happy August! Summer is coming to a bittersweet close, and classes are upon us.
With these simple tips, freshmen can settle in for a smooth semester in no time.
Food
The Flatiron Meal Plan can be a lifesaver for students who don’t want to blow the entirety of their funds on food. The meal plan card acts much like a debit card—you can put a certain amount of money on it each semester, and use it instead of cash or a credit card when you eat at many locations on the Hill and on Pearl Street.
Unfortunately, according to the Flatiron Meal Plan website, the card only works at restaurants, and you cannot charge alcoholic beverages to it.
Clothes
Those of you who are from out-of-state will learn very quickly how unpredictable Colorado weather can be. One day it’s sunny and warm, and the next day it’s blizzard conditions. A good, weatherproof jacket is absolutely vital to anyone’s wardrobe.
A common misconception on campus is that Uggs are good snow-boots. They are not; they lack tread, so they won’t do you any favors trekking to and from classes. They do not stand up to Colorado weather, and the salt laid down to battle the ice ruins the suede material. If you’re looking for a cute and ultra-functional snow-boot, check out Sorrels.
Roommates
Your roommate(s) can be the best thing that has ever happened to you, or the worst. Stay open-minded, polite, and conscientious of your roommate.
There are some things that will make your life a lot easier living with a roommate: headphones, an eye mask and a sleep aid.
You may not have the same schedule as your roommate; one of you will always be asleep before the other, and one may have earlier classes. For this scenario, sleeping masks block out light and headphones that reduce sound can be very conducive to your particular sleeping habits.
Living within such tight quarters in the dorm inevitably leads to illness. Let’s face it, viruses spread. It is very important for every freshman in the dorms to stock up on Emergen-C, hand sanitizer and Clorox disinfectant wipes. Precautions like taking vitamins and keeping your hands and room clean will increase your chances of avoiding whatever illnesses plague the dorms this year.
With a new year comes new challenges, but it can’t be any worse than still living with your parents.
Contact CU Independent Staff Writer Chelsea O’Neill at Chelsea.oneill@colorado.edu.
