Some of you might be thinking, “What am I going to do with my life? Where is my future headed?” Well, you don’t have to look any further. As a freshman at the University of Alabama in 2014-2015, I know a thing or two about college life, and how to survive your first year.
On this post, however, I wanted to go through the 5 different types of people you’ll meet….using The Office characters, of course!
1. The Andy
Frankly, this person might just kiss up to you in order to make a friend, or they could be completely evil, and their niceness might be fake, or…they could be the best thing that’s ever happened to you. But, them being the Pam to your Jim is only one of the options. Most likely, they are your Andy. Pre-Regional Manager Andy at that.
If you are planning to go to college, just graduated high school, don’t know what to expect, the first thing to find is a friend. Someone who will stand by you for the entirety of your four years (or more if you want a masters or attend med school). But, don’t jump at the first person who talks to you at orientation. Because there is a 98% chance they are looking for the exact same thing as you.
When push comes to shove, they soon will find more friends, leaving their orientation buddy in the dust. Sure you’ll exchange friendly glances when you see them on campus, but eventually, you will notice that out of your desperation, you jumped at the first thing that was loyal without any forethought.
Now, moving on to the other side of things…your orientation buddy could become your best friend, in which case you should keep them close, no matter what.
2. The Kelly
This person is way too over excited for the whole “college experience.” They are too dumb to realize that they are in for a real surprise. They are the ones signing up for every club at the get on board events, and have no idea that their course load will be taking up most of their time, and they will have no time for anything they signed up for. Also, they genuinely seem to like the dining hall food.
3. The Pam
America’s sweetheart. They can do wrong. This girl is the girl who is perfect for you. You know you are in love from the moment you see her (calm down Jims of the world, you’re not alone). The truth is, everyone wants her to make their copies, even though they can use a copier just fine, and no, they would never leave her at a high school hockey game.
The truth of the matter is, she might seem cute and sweet and perfect, but in reality, she is in no place to date, or a place to maintain a romantic relationship, because she has her boyfriend back home that she’s still in love with. But we all know what happens to Pam and Roy, right? Just wait it out, Jim’s of the world, she’ll come around…probably near the beginning of your senior year, but you will find through your experiences that she is worth the wait. You just have to see it, and be willing to wait.
4. The Jim
Give it time. You’ll find friends. I remember my freshman year, I sat in my dorm every day after class for a month watching One Tree Hill until I found I had failed a lot of assignments and didn’t want to screw up my future…anyway that’s not the point. The Jim is your bro, your wingman, the guy that will hang with you, push you to make better grades, and eventually become your brother for life. You would do anything for him (or her for ladies that are reading).
You two will be causing trouble up in all the college raves and football games and everything that happens in the next four years of your life. A close friend is essential. Even though you won’t see each other over breaks, and might fight sometimes, the Jim will be by your side…always. No matter how much havoc you wreak.
5. The Michael
Last but most certainly not least, the Michael. Your first professor. This professor is probably one who teaches a butt load of freshman courses, and their goal is to be more funny than more insightful…face it, they’ve been using the same powerpoint slides for the past 19 years. They basically have job immunity.
You might find him/her annoying, or offensive, or just boring, but in the end, you will appreciate them for making your segue into a new world better. They will be your favorite teacher ever, and you might even go to them for advice long after you have been enrolled in their class.
Long story short, no matter how bad you think they are, they will make your first couple of freshman classes manageable and possibly fun. Although you might hate it while it’s happening, you could possibly tear up the day you part, because you know in your head, that they had your best interests at heart.
I leave You With This:
The transition from high school to college can be hard. The journey can be long and stiff, and it might not be the best experience you ever have, but you will get through it. Don’t worry, the good times and the fun will eventually come. It just needs a little stimulation on your part.