Even though Pepperdine remains just as friendly once NSO is over, being a freshman can be a bit overwhelming these first few weeks. Sooner or later, everyone learns that most students go to the athletic events for free gear and many spend their Wednesday nights at Borderline dancing. But until then, here’s a list of tips that covers commonsense items, pending questions and activities that will make acclimating to a new campus easier.
4. Get an Ethernet cable because wireless Internet is virtually non-existent in the evenings.
5. There is a soda machine and frozen yogurt machine for a reason: root beer floats.
6. If you want to get off campus and don’t have a car, take advantage of campus Rec programs or go Greek.
7. Take classes in the CCB during the fall because the weather is cooler and the trek up the stairs is brutal in the heat of spring.
8. At the beginning of the semester, there is a week where all the group fitness classes are free — go to these and take advantage of them.
9. Upload all of your finished papers to the file storage on WaveNet because you will need them for your Junior Writing Portfolio.
10. To avoid stopping at the security gates, just wave at the officers in the booth — this is the universal sign that you are not an intruder and perhaps even a student here, so they will just wave you on in.
11. Look for events that provide free food. UM, CF2 and sports games provide food that is more edible than what is served in the Caf.
12. To avoid gaining extra weight, always walk to class and never take the shuttle. A few extra steps a day will make a huge difference.
13. Check the University, Student Activity and Convocation calendars at the beginning of the semester and add them to your planner. Plan ahead to get involved, so that you won’t get overwhelmed.
14. Establish boundaries with your roommates now. If you have to have the conversation about not leaving your dirty laundry on top of each other’s beds a few months in, it is awkward.
