Just the other day while I was standing in line at one of my
favorite department stores waiting to purchase some “back to
school” goods, I noticed a piece of paper sitting on the
check-out counter: “College 101—Everything a freshman
needs in order to survive their first year away from home.”
The checklist included items such as shower sandals, storage boxes
and desk lamps. Although I won’t deny that those materials
are helpful for a first-year student, I couldn’t help
noticing what this list had overlooked.

A fashionably furnished dorm room is always nice, but the most
important things in college aren’t things, they are the
people you meet, the friendships you form and the experiences you
have. They can only be had if you remember to bring one thing with
you—an open mind.

College is a unique experience. Despite how close you still remain
to your neighborhood buddies, or how much fun you had during high
school, those days are behind you. Keep in mind that the door has
not shut—leaving those friends and memories
forgotten—but a new door of opportunity has opened, allowing
you to meet individuals from different cities, states and even
countries. When will you ever have another chance like this?

Rather than roll your eyes at the planned Welcome Week activities,
participate in them! There is bound to be another eye-roller out
there, but maybe the two of you have more in common than just a
hatred for “ice breaker” games.

Saint Louis University offers numerous clubs to join in order to
get involved in and meet people.
Going to class is absolutely essential to guaranteeing your success
as a college student. Also, get to know the library. Although it
might have been the location for detentions in high school, college
libraries are sanctuaries for students. Most importantly,
don’t be afraid to ask librarians for help.

Likewise with calculus, chemistry or your personal academic
nemesis: don’t be afraid to ask for help. Professors are more
than willing to work with students, and they will gladly do so if
your face looks familiar (i.e. if they see you in class). There is
also the Academic Resource Center, which offers free help to SLU
students and provides guidance and tutoring.

Before unpacking any and all furniture, survey your room for damage
left from previous years. If you notice scratches, nail holes or
paint chips, make sure your resident assistant has documented
this.

Although movies often go overboard in exaggerating college parties,
the truth is not always that far removed, and alcohol is abundant.
Be sure to attend these so called “get togethers” with
a group of reliable friends who will see that you return home
safely. Never put your glass down. By now this instruction has
probably been engraved in your mind—there’s a reason
for that. There are crazy people out there and the best way to
protect yourself is never to provide them with an open opportunity.
Don’t think that you’ve had a successful evening just
because no one put Ecstasy in any of your 10 beers. Do you know
what drug is most often used in date rapes? Alcohol!

One of the most amazing characteristics of Saint Louis University
is the sense of community. The most obvious example of this is the
10 p.m. student Mass on Sunday evenings. Whether you are Catholic,
practice another religion or count yourself among the
“unchurched,” this is an excellent opportunity to
gather with your classmates and take an hour or so to reflect on
the past week and clear your mind for the week ahead. Don’t
miss it.

Above all, when packing up the minivan and heading to SLU, make
sure you haven’t forgotten what’s most
important—an open mind.