Being a new fish in a little pond:
A survival guide to life at a small college

Welcome to life at a small college! Whether you’re a resident freshman, commuter or adult returning to school, you’ll find life at Wesleyan, well...interesting, to say the least.

You see, life at a small college is a whole new ball of wax. Chances are by Monday morning your professors will know who you hooked up with at the frat party Friday night. Your minor accidents and mishaps will become common campus knowledge.

And that’s only the tip of the iceberg. There’s the parking situation, sense of isolation on campus, feeling of not belonging, and the stress of holding down a job and going to school at the same time. It’s all part of this crazy world we call VWC.

But never fear. Your Marlin Chronicle editorial staff has prepared a survival guide for life at a small college. And rest assured — this expert staff is here to provide you with ways to make your college experience a little more pleasant and enjoyable.

*Don’t believe the rumor mill: Whether it’s about classes, professors or your roommate, don’t listen to rumors because they’re just that, rumors. Go straight to the source to get all the facts before you pass the gossip along to someone else.

*Get involved! This is a big one that applies to everyone. There are an endless amount of clubs and organizations on campus, we guarantee one will suit your interests. Being active around campus allows you to meet new people, and you’ll always have someone to hang out with. Another benefit is that you’ll have an interest in school beyond classes.

*Get off campus: By the first couple of weeks you’re probably feeling trapped with no way to get out of the fishbowl we call Wesleyan. There is a whole wide world out there. Make a new friend who has a car, or research the bus schedule. Go to the movies, the beach or the mall, and you’ll soon discover just how much fun college life can be when you’re not in classes.

*Give yourself extra time to find a parking space: This is crucial for all the commuters. Realistically none of our parking is very far away from any classroom. However, give yourself a couple of minutes to drive around the various campus parking lots and walk to class.

*Don’t drink your weekend away: Now, we like to have as much fun as anyone else. However, this seems to be a growing problem on campus. It puts people in dangerous situations that we don’t want to have to write about in the paper. It’s just sad to waste good money here at school to get drunk each weekend. Just a note: Remember, beer is not a major food group.

*Make friends with your professors: Not only will you benefit from this come the end of the semester, but you will find a mentor that will stick with you the rest of your college career. It’s very easy on a campus this size to get to know your professors. Remember they’re people too! Also get to know staff members around campus -- you never know when it might come in handy to be buddy-buddy with the cafeteria manager or the head of Res Life.

*Avoid the freshman 15: This can be all too easy to fall victim to, but is preventable. Don’t eat every meal in the Grille, your flex dollars will be gone before you know it and healthy food is a rarity. Also avoid the hamburger line in the Cafe — look to your right, there’s a salad bar! Beware the 2 a.m. pizza feedings or Denny’s late night Grand Slams. Take advantage of the P.E. courses, you get credit for working out and it’s a great break from the tests and papers you face in other classes.

*Schedule your time wisely: Don’t become too overwhelmed with classes and activities and your social life. Learn how to say no, it helps prevents mid-semester burnout. Set your priorities, keep a calendar and find some free time when you can just take a break.

*Most importantly, maintain a sense of humor: You never know what will come your way next week, next month or next semester. Keep an open mind and a positive attitude. After all, these are the best years of your life!