I’ve been sitting out this Back-to-School season mostly because I’m so far removed from college and my son is only three so I don’t feel sufficiently informed enough to offer any helpful advice to you all when it comes to gear you need in the dorm. However, some of us are old enough to give you general advice. This is assuming that you are a fairly tech savvy nerd – like we were, to varying degrees – and that you might be a little nervous heading school. Ahem.
My advice:
- Join groups with people from all backgrounds. If you’re in CS, don’t stick in with the nerd groups like SCA or the Computer Club. Do they even HAVE computer clubs anymore? Try the school newspaper or the drama club. They always need guys who can make stuff and there are girls in these groups.
- You don’t have to study computer science. Once you get to a cool, great school, you can swap majors. If you don’t like writing linked lists and, eventually, OS kernels you may want to try Information Systems or Business. I know it sounds like a cop out but it’s not
- Don’t be one of those guys/girls who is against everything fun including drinking and/or smoking. Yeah, yeah, it’s all bad for you but the prissy, Victorian attitude you cultivated in high school will not serve you well here.
- Try on plenty of hats but don’t be insufferable. I thought I was a Taoist in college. My buddy, who now consults for HP, was a Marxist. All the creative writing majors I went to college with are now working in insurance. Try everything but don’t define yourself too early.
- Be the guy who helps pick up the keg for the party.
- Live off campus ASAP.
- Seriously, stop with the WoW already.
- Don’t blow off college. HR people go to college, and hence like to hire people that have gone to college and when there are layoffs, you’ll be the first to go.
- Just because Kool-aid is cheap and easy to make doesn’t mean you should mix it with Whiskey. Spring for some decent mixers.
- Buy the second cheapest beer you can find. It’ll result in slightly less heartburn.
- The more boxers you own, the less laundry you won’t ever do.
Dave’s advice (Dave never went to college):
Doug’s advice:
Jeremy’s advice:
That about covers it. Good luck.
Also:
If you DO get stuck in a dorm, whatever you do, do NOT let anybody know that you know how to fix their computer. That kind of shit spreads fast, and you’ll be ass-deep in busted Compaqs before you know what hit you.
And if you do find yourself fixing computers, resist the urge to charge for it.
^Nobody likes the guy who tries to make a quick buck off of all their buddies.
Unless you’re the guy that writes papers for everybody else.
Your dorm-mates will not only pay for this service, they’ll be happy to.
If our comment system allowed for upvoting, you’d find yourself 1 point richer.
Make that TWO points richer.
Wow… look at the guy in the middle on the top row holding the V and I. I’m glad i didn’t go to that school.
Hahaha, I was just about to leave a comment about him…. something about, “I wonder what kind of advice that guy would dish out. I imagine something about the best type of candy to keep in your window-less van”.
Too far, or not far enough? You be the judge!
Hey kid… you want a bike?
I guess you guys forgot the never have an 8 am class. You will never go.
I was in a frat and I had a great time doing it. I know its against geek religion to go greek but it was a great way to meet chicks and isn’t that what college is half about?
No kidding i had tennis at 8am (majority female class) i arrived at around 8:20 everyday at the earliest after the first week.
When I did get there on time I had coffee, tea, soda etc.
Dont forget if you dont have a car become best friends with the guy that has the car