10 Things I Wish I Knew When I Was A Freshman

1.     Never forget your ID.

 If you do, know where the guards are stationed!

I wish I knew that guards in Ateneo are really strict about the ID violation. It’s so well executed, in fact, that I check if I have my ID with me whenever I see a guard, regardless of where I am. I believe that this rule has actually made Ateneans more creative than we really are. We think of the most absurd ways to avoid the guards because hold orders are pains in the butt.

I remember the last time I didn’t have my ID, I rolled a tissue to look like a lanyard and wrapped it around my neck just so the guard won’t notice that I don’t have my ID on. Clever, huh?

2.     Wake up earlier if you want good parking.

Parking in Ateneo is definitely a challenge, I kid you not. Even when your class is at let’s say, 9:30AM, you have to be in Ateneo at 8 AM or before to find a good parking spot, which means that you have to wake up at least an hour before. If you don’t drive, perfect! But for those of you who do, good luck.

3.     Freshman 15 isn’t a myth. You really do gain 15 pounds in your first year.

With the variety of restaurants right at your door, it is rather inevitable to challenge yourself by trying all the restaurants on the other side of the road. It’s not enough that Ateneo has not just one, but FOUR different food venues within the campus – all serving different types of food at varying prices. Especially for those with excruciatingly long breaks, beware because you are going to get bored and you ARE going to eat. And when I say eat, I mean stuff your face until you’re either too broke or too full.

4.     There are a select few of clean bathrooms in Ateneo.

The key to surviving any bowel problem is knowing where these clean bathrooms are. By far, the cleanest bathroom is in Leong Hall. They always have soap and the stalls are spacious. An added bonus would be the presence of toilet paper that only a few bathrooms in Leong Hall have. The New Rizal Library bathrooms have bidets that make up for the lack of toilet papers. If you can get over the weird smell in the bathrooms, the Rizal Library’s bathrooms aren’t too bad

5.     Always bring tissue. I’m not kidding.

In relation to number 4, it’s not enough that you know where the clean bathrooms are. It’s also necessary that you have tissue to wipe the bowl since only God knows what kind of people and fluids touched the toilet. The need for tissue though does not only apply to using the bathroom; as Ateneo is known for its wide open spaces and trees, there will always be the risk of the random bird dropping ruining your outfit and day. One must always be prepared for these circumstances in order to stay clean and happy.

6.     Always bring an umbrella!

Let’s be honest, we all know that Philippine weather is BIPOLAR. Sometimes it’s hot, sometimes it’s humid, sometimes it’s pleasantly cold, while other times it’s pouring wet. Either way, it’s always best to have an umbrella at hand whether to shield you from the glaring sun, or keep at least your upper torso dry.

7.     If the first bell rings, it doesn’t mean you’re late.

One way to pick out the freshmen around school during first semester would be to look out for groups of kids running at the sound of the first bell. Let me tell you now, DO NOT PANIC. The first bell indicates that you have ten minutes to go from one class to another even if you have to walk from SOM to Bellarmine – in this span of time you can buy food, smoke ONE cigarette, and be on time for class, if not earlier.

8.     TBA usually means bad professor and possibly a bad room.

So, you see your AISIS account and all the “good” professors are already taken. There are some slots that are marked TBA (To Be Announced). Let me tell you that you are most likely going to face a terror teacher, who may possibly make you cry a few weeks into the semester. I suggest finding out who this professor is, ask around, and load rev out of that class immediately.

 9.     Look for good group mates (not necessarily your block mates)!

Freshmen usually clump together, wherever they go. Whether it be on the Red Brick Road, narrow corridors, or SEC walk, you’ll immediately know if a group is in their first year if they don’t want to leave each other’s side, which I guess, is quite understandable. However, it’s annoying and it should definitely not be the case when it comes to finding group mates. Your goal must be to have the best group mates possible and when I say best, I mean that you might have to detach yourself from your friends first.

10.    That the library is going to be your best friend.

The library, let me tell you now, will be your best friend for the next 4 years. You will not be able to survive Ateneo if you don’t go to the library at least once. Let’s face it, most of us cram out papers and procrastinate studying for our tests. Going to the library is like going to solitary confinement. It’s quiet, it’s cold, and there’s nothing else to do but to actually concentrate. You can also visit the library and take a nap whenever you feel exhausted. Personally, I believe that it’s a place of comfort.