Dear Freshmen: Things You Shouldn't Do Even If There Are No Upperclassmen

Ah, fall semester of freshman year. Normally this time is characterized by excessive partying and getting lost on campus, but this year’s first years are dealing with another beast entirely. But even without the physical challenges of freshman year, certain traditions persist. With no (okay, not enough) upperclassmen on campus to tell you what is or isn’t okay to do as a freshman, Flyby has got you covered.

Ditch the Lanyard

Even though this is pretty standard with most first years, the Lanyard Plague has gotten worse this year with no upperclassmen to make fun of freshmen with the standard crimson necklace dangling around their necks. Do yourself a favor and get a keychain, or put it somewhere inconspicuous.

Serial Comper

Usually the geographical challenges of running around from Pfoho to Leverett to the Science Center will stop most freshmen from comping four million clubs. But with Zoom, the potential to overload yourself with clubs is even greater than before. Make sure you only comp clubs you enjoy (*cough* Flyby), and don’t be afraid to drop clubs even if you make it past the comp.

Hooking Up with an Entrymate/Roommate

First of all, COVID-19 is still very much real. Second, we know it can get lonely in the dorms, but unless you want something to implode in your face and destroy your entryway dynamic (we’re not speaking from experience or anything), it’s not generally a good idea to engage in dorm-cest.

Peaked in High School

Without upperclassmen to glare at you when you bring up your first place win at some competition two years ago, it may be tempting to talk about your high school experiences with your newfound friends. And we get it: You did cool stuff in high school, but college isn’t the place where you try to flex on other people. You have LinkedIn for that.

So if you find yourself falling for one of these freshman tropes, catch yourself and then move on. You’ll be okay even if you have a lanyard around your neck… at least until the upperclassmen return to campus.