As not to mislead you by the title of this article, please refrain from making assumptions that there are long-held traditions here at Wash. U. of connecting the aforementioned items. In fact, my first piece of advice to you is on behalf of your floormates: do not eat ramen noodles for breakfast. You can smell them from all the way down the hall and at 7 a.m. this is not exactly a tantalizing aroma. I speak from experience.
The title of this article, rather, is meant to evoke images of the stereotypical college experience (at least how I pictured it): diets consisting of ramen noodles and macaroni and cheese, wearing pajamas to class and attempting extravagant designs of body paint in order to cheer on the campus football team. I promise I am not trying to crush your pre-collegiate dreams, but I must warn you that this stereotype does not fit your future alma mater. There are great things in store for you, but you are more likely to find them in our unique (and sometimes a little quirky) campus culture rather than the layman’s image of college life. For example, though we have some great sports teams, you will probably find yourself cheering on some of our fabulous a cappella groups in Graham chapel or enjoying a cultural show in Edison Theatre with the same enthusiasm others might divert to athletics. Your competitive side, however, will come out in full force during a water balloon and mud fight on the Swamp that takes place every April.
As far as food is concerned, I have yet to see anyone go hungry on this campus. The University will assure that you have a more than adequately sized meal plan, but if you do happen to run out of points, at least 50 percent of your classmates will be attempting to sell off their surplus supply. Late-night eater? Not to worry. Bear’s Den is open into the wee hours of the morning, and if you just can’t live without ramen noodles, you can use your meal points to stock up on the prized cuisine at Bear Mart. With a campus chock full of food options, fitness centers and even a dietetic consultant, a few wise choices will keep off the so-called “freshman fifteen.” So, if you would like to eat your ramen-noodle loving heart out, feel free. I prefer a grilled chicken salad with a smoothie from the DUC Cafe.
It is with a little pain in my heart that I pen/type this last bit of forewarning. People do not wear pajamas to class at Washington University. Perhaps it is due to the 10 minute walk that separates the dorms from the classrooms, or maybe we all are just too embarrassed to let our favorite professor see our fuzzy bunny PJ pants, but, alas, even for those early morning classes, it is a rare occurrence. After hearing story upon story from my admittedly “party school”-attending college comrades about rolling out of bed minutes before Intro to Psychology, I was a little disappointed with this discovery. If you find yourself needing to be amused by wardrobe selections, I know someone who wears shorts year-round and I could also direct you to a few professors who make some “interesting” wardrobe choices.
I don’t tell you all of this to disappoint you or give you a harsh kick of reality, but rather in the hopes of exciting you for the unique experiences that are in store. Wash. U. is a great place to be, and you will find yourself quite happy with the way your expectations pan out…and the ways in which things are totally different.
Finally, remember that all of this is just one person’s opinion. Though myself and my esteemed colleagues work hard to dole out bunches of advice to you all, don’t let anyone else’s opinions or ideas determine your college experience (except for maybe the great scholars of your chosen field). For now, try not to worry too much; it will all work out. I promise.
Tricia Wittig is a senior in Arts & Sciences and can be reached by e-mail at forum@studlife.com.
