20 Mistakes Every Valdosta State University Freshman Makes
So you’ve finally been accepted into Valdosta State University? Whether you’re traveling from overseas or just a few hours away, be sure to avoid these mistakes upon joining the freshmen ranks at Valdosta State University!
1. Do Not Live In Langdale (aka Bangdale)!
Besides Langdale being a cesspool for horny freshmen (which kinda describes most spots on campus) the freshmen dorm is rumored to have once housed the mentally insane. I guess this still applies today but the layout of the building combined with dim lighting and prison type rooms gives credence to this theory.
2. Do Not Blow All Of Your Dining Dollars!
Sure living in the proximity of a Chic-Fil-A, Moes, Which-Wich, Starbucks, and Einsteins sounds enticing, but you’d be amazed how quickly one can spend their money on fast-food. But hey, once those dining dollars are gone, there’s always Palms dining hall, right? Where you can chow down on the same dried out burgers and stale pizza for the rest of the semester.
3. Do Not Get Attached!
You ever watch those war movies with the cold-hearted soldiers that treat every newcomer like shit? These soldiers usually have some tragic backstory where all their comrades were slaughtered and now they’ve become pragmatic killing machines without a soul… well that’s gonna be you more or less in a few years. Sure you’ll make tons of friends your freshmen semester but one by one all of you will find your niche on campus. Eventually, you’ll make eye contact with your former brothers in arms and they’ll be strangers…
4. Do Not Antagonize Your Roommate!
Trust me… you really don’t wanna make enemies with the person you’re sharing a room with. As long as the person isn’t dangerously weird, it’s in your best interest to maintain a decent relationship with them (unless they’re a dick).
5. Do Not Leave Your Laundry Alone!
Beware of the mysterious laundry bandits. No matter your residence of choice, your clothing is always at risk when left alone for too long…
6. Do Not Idolize Upperclassmen!
Sure they may be slightly older and seemingly in control, but at the end of the day, they’re just like you. Some seniors have been at VSU for four years and have just as much assurance about their future as you do. So keep calm and remain yourself throughout your journey!
7. Do Not Smoke Weed In Your Dorm!
I’m not here to pass judgment over your recreational drug of choice but, you’re RA and campus police might. If you’re gonna smoke weed at least be smart about it and go somewhere else that won’t have the entire 4th floor smelling like a Snoop Dogg and Wiz Khalifa concert.
8. Do Not Walk Barefoot In The Shared Restrooms!
Besides being incredibly gross, you’re opening yourself up to catching god knows what when you do this. Some people don’t have the best aim when using the restroom and others might be on their time of the month so… buy some flip-flops.
9. Do Not Blow Your Refund
This is gonna be something you’ll have to learn the hard way… For most people, receiving this large sum of money for the first time will seem unreal. Sure buying the latest gaming console and 4k television seems like the smart investment at the time, but you’ll soon have an impending sense of regret.
10. Do Not Survive Off Fast-Food!
Nothing wrong with a pizza once a week but you really should learn how to cook. Valdosta has no shortage of restaurants but eventually, your funds will run out. Not only will your money disappear but you’ll start to pack on a few extra pounds as well. Unless you wanna be stuck eating the “delicious” dining hall food or the college standby noodles, I’d suggest learning a recipe or two.
11. Do Not Procrastinate!
This applies to nearly every aspect of but the fact still remains… Start on those assignments early! The beautiful campus combined with the prospects of a new social life can be distracting, to say the least. But if you wanna continue enjoying your new surrounds, it’s best to stay on top of those assignments.
12. Do Not Take The Wrong Shuttle!
Unless you feel like wasting 40 or so minutes figuring out how to get back to the main campus, then I’d suggest you learn the bus system asap!
13. Do Not Take Your Pets!
Of course, I’m excluding students that need helper animals but don’t be that guy or girl that has their room smelling like dog poop. Sure you may be able to sneak your poodle into the apartment style dorms such as Centennial Hall, but places such as Langdale are far more difficult. Not only are the RAs far more strict but they won’t hesitate to issue a fine to you.
14. Do Not Ignore Move-in Day Instructions!
To save yourself a headache along with some time, don’t ignore the emails sent out about move-in day. Nothing kills the excitement of your big day like having to wait in line an extra 3 hours because you forgot to check your email.
15. Do Not Overpack!
Only bring the essentials your first semester because there’s no need to break your back attempting to carry winter clothes for the spring semester. There’s gonna be plenty of time and opportunities to get any non-essential items.
16. Do Not Forget To Get Advised!
You should really become best friends with your advisor. These people are your guide for what classes you should take as well as when you should take them. With all of your classes and new social groups developing, it’s easy to overlook this important task.
17. Do Not Go To Any And Every Party!
Sometimes the Valdosta locals will come onto campus and handout party invitations. While this itself isn’t necessarily a bad thing, there are plenty of shady characters that prey on unsuspecting freshmen. If you do attend any of these social gatherings, be mindful of your surroundings!
18. Do Not Ignore The Campus Jobs!
Take full advantage of the multiple student jobs available! Not only is making your own money satisfying but you’ll also get some valuable work experience.
19. Do Not Forget About The Rec Center!
You’re already paying for the gym membership so you might as well us it! The gym offers multiple workout machines along with a rock climbing wall and indoor pool.
20. Do Not Act Like A Freshmen!
Just because you’re a freshman, doesn’t mean you have to act like one! There’s no need to be extremely loud and annoying. No one cares about how cool you were in high school or whatever agenda you’re trying to push. The stereotypical loud freshmen is a plague that we’re all hoping you avoid.
