Even though Washington University students come from different backgrounds, all freshmen can bond over entertainment. Almost everyone entering the University this fall has brought with them the staples of relaxation: music and movies. Students here may plan on activities, classes and athletics, but there is nothing like a little study music or a favorite television show to help relax after a long day.

The general opinion among the freshmen class is that nothing helps you relax more than laughter. Regardless of whether the first DVD packed was “Arrested Development” or “Super Troopers,” cinematic entertainment is kind of a big deal here.

Knowing what kinds of entertainment a person prefers is an opening into their personality.

“[Movies] are a great way for people to get to know who I or others are without asking the same questions. If they bring all this comedy, you can tell they’re kind of lighthearted, but if they bring all these heavy dramas you can tell they’re kind of intense,” said freshman Natacha Lam.

Regardless of movie choice, DVD collections can be conversation starters.

In fact, movies are Umrath 1′s floor theme. Over the summer, students gave the Resident Advisor a list of their four favorite movies. The RAs used these to make door signs with the students’ names, their favorite movie cover and a famous quote from the movie. According to RA David Kramer, walking into the dorm room gives the residents an instant bond.

“Any movie that’s really funny, you can always feel comfortable quoting that movie and it gives you an instant connection with that [other] person,” said Kramer.

Since all of the dorms have televisions in their lounges, it is not necessary to bring your own television or DVDs to enjoy college entertainment.

“A lot of floors bond over shows like ‘Lost’ or ‘Grey’s Anatomy,’ and everyone finds a friend’s dorm room or the floor’s lounge,” said Kramer.

International students enjoy their entertainment as much as the rest of us, but between the laws regarding what they can bring into the country and traveling halfway around the world, DVDs and CDs take a back seat to the necessities for college.

“We are just as into [entertainment] as you guys, it’s just that we can’t lug our stuff around like that. So we have our iPod, our laptop and that’s it,” said freshman Aparna Misra.

As tuned into the entertainment scene as the freshman class is, few people know about the perks Wash. U. offers students.

Ruckus music player allows college students to download unlimited music from the Ruckus site. The one drawback is that songs cannot be added to CDs or iPods. Most students, however, agree they will listen to music on their computer.

As everyone moves into the dorms this year, try asking questions about music or movies too, not just about classes and majors.

See if when your roommate thinks of college, they think of “Animal House” as well.

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