In his sophomore year, Lin moved to a six-person suite made up of students from four different ethnic backgrounds.

“It was really good because we would go out to all these different kinds of ethnic restaurants, and then we would have lots of discussion about politics and just general views on life,” Lin said. “It was actually a pretty richly rewarding experience.”

Lin is one of many University students to live with students of another race in residential housing. Over the summer, interracial roommates came into prominence in the media after several high-profile studies were published about them.

One study at Ohio State University found that having a roommate of another race can reduce students’ prejudices and broaden their friend circles.

Senior Heather Skanes, last year’s director of Black Anthology, said she agrees with this finding. Skanes, who is black, had a white roommate freshman year and said this led her to meet more white friends than she otherwise would have.

“I feel like at Wash. U., it’s really tempting to just be friends with people of your own culture,” Skanes said. “The fact that I had a roommate who was white led me to meet white friends that I otherwise wouldn’t have met.”

Skanes said her freshman roommate also connected with Skanes’ black friends, so the Ohio State study’s findings can go both ways.

The same study at Ohio State also found that black freshmen with high standardized test scores who room with white students earn better grades, even if their white roommates’ test scores are low. This was not true of white students or black students with low test scores. The study’s authors suggested that this effect might occur because having a white roommate could help black students adjust to studying at universities made up mostly of white students.

Skanes said her grades do correspond with these findings—she earned her highest GPA in her first semester freshman year—but that she does not feel her freshman roommate was a factor in her studying.

Skanes is a pre-med student, and her freshman roommate was in the art school. Skanes said she studied more when she lived in an all-black suite, mostly because she had a roommate at that time who would go to the library with her.

“I feel like I definitely did my best studying when I roomed with three black girls,” Skanes said. “It’s more about the person [you live with].”

Not all the findings on interracial roommates were positive. Another study at Indiana University found that three times as many randomly assigned interracial roommates had broken up by the end of their first semester, as compared to a control group of white roommates.

According to this study, white students’ prior negative attitudes about race were successful indicators of these breakups.

Jill Stratton, associate dean of students in the Office of Residential Life (ResLife), said that in her 17 years of working at the University, she can recall a few incidents of roommates separating due to racial problems. But she said such occurrences have tapered off in recent years.

“In the last five years, I’ve not been aware of a specific incident that dealt with roommates moving out or changing roommates because of racial problems,” Stratton said.

Stratton cites the University’s commitment to diversity and the visibility of this to prospective students as a reason the University experiences fewer racial problems in housing than other universities.
As for interracial roommates who stay together, Associate Director of Residential Life Josh Walehwa said these students should “take full advantage” of their experiences.

Walehwa, who advises the diversity committee in ResLife, said he feels that students stand to benefit from having their pre-existing attitudes about race challenged by their roommates.
“I believe that we benefit from people who might have different ideologies, backgrounds, beliefs,” Walehwa said. “That’s what college really is all about.”

But I have spent the last 18 years of my life surrounded by cornfields, singing to farmhands about happy little blue birds and traversing the space to and beyond rainbows and other light-induced phenomena (I exaggerate, but only a bit). The song is over now and I find myself translated to an unfamiliar world with a new pair of shoes—they aren’t ruby, but I’ll get over it—and more questions and excitement than I ever imagined possible. The Lollipop Guild is still MIA.

I haven’t been here long, but the contrasts between home and Washington University reveal themselves to me more and more with every new experience.

Set against the backdrop of the country music and rows of soybeans of almost-rural southern Illinois, my parents always told me that I needed to make good grades so I could gain admission into a respectable school. Their encouragement and admonitions propelled my desire to further my education somewhere beyond the limits of my home town and set in me the expectation and anticipation of college. It would be amazing. It would be fantastic. It would be the best experience of my life.

I didn’t realize how close the would-be’s were until a couple of weeks ago, when I started to pack for my first year at Washington University, and I barely managed to cram my last box of clothes into my parents’ car before the whirlwind of Aug. 16 swept me westward to a campus that I thought was worlds removed.

Agriculture and a small-town feel have been at the forefront of most of my life, but I now live miles from any fields, surrounded by buildings for the first time. When I awoke this morning, I realized that I had regained consciousness on the campus of a university that houses thousands of people in a city of almost 3 million. I feel like a stanza in an epic poem: almost too small to be noticed, but still very much a part of the imagery and symbolism.

Imagery changes, however, and a time comes to experience new ways of interacting with the surrounding world and people. As an only child, I have never had to worry about who took a shower when or whether my room was too cold or if my clothes did not completely fit in my closet. Now, though, I find myself trying to keep everything organized and open so the 14 people I live with won’t kill me.

Just like every other student, I have left behind lifelong friends in exchange for a group of strangers that is not as strange as I had imagined. I already feel the bonds of friendship beginning to form. The beauty of college resonates not in the four-part harmony of “We’re Off to See the Wizard,” but in the quirky personalities and eclectic backgrounds of my new companions. I have befriended photographers, an aspiring fashion designer, a less-than-tall business student with advice for every problem and a purse-toting neuroscience major who aids in the abduction of rubber ducks. Quite the posse to journey down the yellow brick road, no?

Glenda has yet to make her appearance, arrayed in sequins and clad in her shimmering evening gown, and I do not expect that she will. I am in college now, and, in effect, responsible for my schedule and myself. I realized last night while looking at my already-cluttered desk that Mom is not around to mandate that I clean my room or make my bed or give Toto a bath. The only person who can make me study or do work or steal the witch’s broomstick is I.

It feels so strange, looking at myself only a few days ago and who I have become in such a short amount of time, but I suspect that is what college does to a person. I pay attention to street names. I eat Thai food. I examine and discuss book themes and intricacies. I laugh at myself and don’t care who hears.

There’s no place like home—I know. Black-and-white is classic, but I’m starting to like Technicolor.

If you didn’t need it at home, then you most likely won’t need it in college.
A backrest with cupholders and pockets for snacks? A lamp with five different colored bulbs? Sure, these items may sound amazing, but have you ever found a need for them before college? Many stores will try to convince you that you’ll need a lot of different items for college, but be sensible with what you buy! The same goes for bringing stuff to college that you already own. While you’ve become accustomed to that big stuffed elephant on your bed or that hanging basketball hoop on your door, that doesn’t mean that they have to make the trek all the way to your new Washington University dorm.

Let your walls speak for you.
Sure, the bare walls in your dorm room may not seem like much at first, but they give you the chance to express yourself. Posters of your favorite sports teams, bands or even funny sayings provide a great talking point for when your new hall-mates wander in. But don’t just limit yourself to posters—you can create funky wall art with simple blue tape or make an interesting collage of old ticket stubs. You can even coordinate with your roommate beforehand to decide if you want a particular design for your room and plan out decorations according to the theme.

If at first there is no apparent use for it, then find one.
Keeping an open mind is important in college and decorating your dorm room is no exception. Even if you may not be the typical “starving college student,” it’s still important to make the most of what you have. For instance, basic items like crates are great not only for storage but also for makeshift stools and tables. And who needs fancy plates and bowls when you can use microwave-friendly and resealable Tupperware containers?

Win the race to find space.
It’s no secret that space is a bit cramped in college, but there are plenty of ways to improvise and expand your room without magic. Many students lift their beds higher with bed risers in order to store stuff underneath. If you’re running low on floor space, then take a tip from NASA and look up. You can hang shoe racks from your doors and keep your life organized by posting a bulletin or dry-erase board on your wall. You can also replace bulky floor lamps with cool hanging lanterns or mini lights.

Keep home close to heart.
However you choose to decorate your dorm room, it’s important to give it a personal touch. A photo collage of friends and family members can be great to look at when you’re feeling lonely. A meaningful gift from a loved one can bring old memories to your new lifestyle. College may be a new transition, but that doesn’t mean you have to leave your home life behind!

South 40 Fitness Center
One of the most basic workout areas available, the South 40 Fitness Center is filled mainly with cardiovascular exercise machines, such as treadmills, bicycles and elliptical machines. Also available is weightlifting equipment, but the selection is very limited. So, if you’re looking to build up some upper body muscle, this may not be the place for you. On the plus side, the center is perfect for that spur-of-the-moment-type workout, since it offers a place near the dorms for a nice, air-conditioned run. The new fitness center is located in Wohl.

Athletic Complex
For those a little more serious about fitness, the Athletic Complex (AC) provides a treasure trove of athletic facilities. On the main floor, there is a large recreational gym that can be altered for games of basketball, volleyball and tennis. If you venture down to the lower levels, you can find several racquetball courts and, for the select few who play the sport, two squash courts. For those who like a traditional workout, there is a vast cardio section complete with the standard treadmills, bikes and elliptical machines. Into heavy lifting? The AC is the place to go because it has its very own weightlifting section on the bottom floor. But the conveniences don’t stop there—also included for your workout pleasure are locker rooms, complete with separate saunas for both genders.

For those who prefer to take a more Michael Phelps approach to keeping fit, the Olympic-sized pool in the AC is perfect for swimming laps and diving. Also, near the AC are the Bushyhead Track and the Tao Tennis Center, which are great for training athletes. Chances are, no matter what workout mood you are in, the AC has what you need. The AC is located on the northwest side of the Danforth Campus.

Forest Park
This large park located directly east of Wash. U. is more than just a great picnicking area or a place to see penguins at the zoo: the many paths throughout the park offer a great opportunity for a long run, in which you can forget your worries and just appreciate the beauty of the scenery. You can stick to the basic paths or be a little more adventurous. Either way, Forest Park is a great area for jogging, walking, and biking…weather permitting, of course.

Sports/Clubs
Not into machine-based workouts or solitary runs? Wash. U.’s wide array of clubs can solve your fitness dilemma. All sports are represented and available for joining, from the completive to the intramural level. There are also clubs dedicated to keeping active through enjoyable means. For example, the rock climbing club takes you off campus to a compound where you can rock climb to your heart’s content. Also, the running club allows for you to run in a decently sized group of other students across campus. What’s great about keeping active within clubs is the level of commitment is flexible. They also provide a great opportunity to meet other students while letting you stay fit at the same time.

Miscellaneous/recreational
At Wash. U., fitness can be maintained with even the tiniest of effort. This is made evident by the small pool available next to the upperclassmen housing in the Village. Unlike the AC’s 25-meter pool, this mass of water is intended for a more relaxing swim. The best part: You are still burning calories. Unfortunately, this pool, like most, requires a lifeguard to be present, and it seems there is rarely one available when you want one.

Don’t fret, though, if you don’t have time to set aside a specific workout period/swim time for the week. Just taking that long walk to classes every day keeps your heart racing. It may not seem like much, but you will soon come to appreciate that small level of fitness once you discover that yes, that carrot cake in the Wash. U. café is indeed delicious.

I am grateful to all of you for making the important decision to join the Washington University family. The Class of 2013 is one of the most academically gifted in our history. Equally impressive is the diversity of personal abilities, intellectual interests and life experiences you bring to us. We feel fortunate to have so many talented individuals join our community, and I expect that we will learn a great deal from you. In turn, you will benefit from the exceptional students who came before you, and our world-class faculty will serve as your mentors and guides during the next four years.

Alumni of Washington University often tell me about the wonderful memories they have of their undergraduate years—an experience they had in a laboratory or classroom, a leadership role they held in a Greek organization, a friendship with someone in their Residential College or a professor who influenced their career choice. Time will tell what your memories will become, but I am confident that numerous opportunities lie before each of you. The path ahead will be both challenging and rewarding, and I encourage you to make the most of your time here.

You are joining a thriving community of young scholars. Washington University students consistently impress me both in and out of the classroom. In the Class of 2013 are student athletes who will continue the outstanding legacy of the Washington University Bears. Some among you will lead efforts to improve the environment by educating your peers about recycling and energy conservation, serving as advocates for decreasing our carbon footprint and improving sustainability efforts at the University. Many will continue our proud traditions of community service through programs like Each One Teach One and Relay For Life, while others will start new traditions. Dozens of you will spend time studying in another country, discovering new languages and cultures—experiences that will broaden your views of the interconnectedness of our world.

The Class of 2013 arrives at Washington University during an important era in the world’s history. The global and national financial crises represent important challenges. We see unrest in many countries as citizens struggle with the complex issues of energy resources, nuclear weapons, proliferation and the principles of democracy in government. It is easy for one to feel overwhelmed about the challenges that we face. However, there are two things that give me great hope.

First, Washington University remains strong. While we are not immune to the present financial realities, we have been around for a long time, steadily growing in quality and impact over the past 156 years. We have loyal alumni and friends, exceptional faculty and staff and many unique and innovative initiatives that will be a source of strength for us in the era ahead.

Second, we have you! The arrival of a new class is a significant and symbolic event for every great University and you, the Class of 2013, represent the future of Washington University, our country and the world. Your creativity, enthusiasm, and talents are inspirational. With the help of the knowledge you will gain here, you have the potential to address the world’s most complex problems. Whatever path you choose during the next four years, continue to nurture your intellectual interests and strive to make a positive difference in the lives of others. Again, welcome to Washington University! You have my very best wishes for success in this community of learning and discovery.

New experiences were plentiful during my own freshman year. I’ll be honest: I took on classes that were probably too hard and cried when I didn’t earn the straight A’s I’d expected. I entered a prematurely serious relationship with a graduating senior – and earned a premature sense of worry about the real world. I rushed, pledged, and disaffiliated from a sorority. I threw up in toilets and got kicked out of a fraternity house after falling down on a dance floor (within my first week). I changed my prospective major from English to Econ to PNP to IPH to Econ to English. I gained 15 pounds from a silent trifecta of alcohol, late-night quesadillas, and sloth. I bonded with my freshman floor over the things that one can perhaps only bond over on freshman floors: vodka watermelons, endless Guitar Hero, prank wars, and incessant gossip.

Looking back, I was enthralled – excited that my parents would not be there to witness my walk of shame, thrilled that this university had allowed me to take an upper-level class. Would I do it differently if I could go back to live my freshman year over again? Probably.

But here’s the catch, an important caveat that you may already know, and if you don’t, one that you will discover when you arrive: these mistakes, which you will certainly make – these failed relationships and wrong academic decisions and late-night quesadillas – these are what will shape you. Your most profound truths will be found unexpectedly; they will enter you in the guise of experience.

Over time, you will learn habitual independence: you will learn to wake up for your 9 a.m. lecture, to go to the gym, to talk to your professors, to call your mother without being nagged. Your introductions will change from a sheepish wave to a firm handshake.

So much of the beauty of college consists in an infinite sense of future lessons of experience – this constant feeling that you do not know, cannot know, where you will be sitting in another year. In the end, we are all like these droplets that I cannot keep track of – we are new and fresh and fallen from somewhere, and we will drip somewhere else afterwards, attracting and repelling along the way, enthralled by the experiences that come to shape us.

With tons of AP credits, or even with none, work your schedule to take some courses just for fun. Every semester, take a course that seems interesting or beneficial, even if it doesn’t count toward three different requirements. Try a career-enhancing class like public speaking, or even a muscle-enhancing class like weight training.

One semester, take 12 credits and then take a language pass/fail, if you’ve always been interested in another language. You’ll get more than 15 credits for the semester, have only 4 graded classes, and learn another language!

More importantly than taking these suggestions, however, is finding an arrangement that works best for you. Be adaptable; just because you’ve never dropped a class in high school doesn’t mean that you cannot, will not or should not drop a classes here. Just keep your eyes, ears and course book open for alternatives.

Find a club or two that interests you, and devote time to that. Some people can be in 40 different organizations and manage quite fine, but to explore all that clubs have to offer, and to advance through the leadership ranks, requires commitment. In high school, it was easy to be involved in 40 different activities, since they mostly met during defined hours of the school day. In college, days are defined from when you wake up to when, and if, you go to bed. In between, the time spent in class, doing work, or being involved is all at your discretion. Discern wisely and don’t be afraid to re-prioritize. This may be the first time you’ll get over-involved or in over your head with stuff to do. Realize if that’s happening and adjust your schedule/activities/amount of time spent sleeping accordingly.

Take advantage of the opportunities here. You’ll hear a lot about opportunities in the coming months, and that’s because there is no shortage of them at Wash. U., and not just academically. I won’t explicitly encourage you to cut class to attend an assembly series speech or other interesting event, but take a step back occasionally and evaluate the big picture. A failed quiz, or even a B in a class, will not ruin your future.

Don’t feel the need to do everything first semester. Of course, pursue your passions from the start, but I’m sure you will find that many upperclassmen are not best friends with their best friends from first semester, and a lot are involved in a completely different set of activities than at first. That’s fine, as long as you’re doing what you love.

Aim to achieve what you accomplish. Personally, I came to college to expand my circle of friends and develop a social life. And I tried harder on that front than on the academic front. Now, I’m still graduating on time, and with friends! My goals are accomplished. Now go define, and accomplish yours!

Funny choice of words, since, when I take stock of our student body I’d say if anything we were working hard to make the least of our college educations. The happiest among us take no class before eleven and fulfill our Quantitative Analysis requirements with courses designed not to require quantification or analysis, classes with vaguely insulting titles like “Stars and Galaxies” or “Dinosaurs.” We take glass blowing, guitar lessons, and anything at the business school to pimp out our GPA’s as if they were they point of our education, and even that effort taxes us greatly.

We were all once capable, organized high-school grads like you, and now our idea of fun involves a case of Natural Light, a funnel, a length of tube, and some good ol’ primeval chanting. So I don’t really know what to tell you if you want to make the most of your time here. You’re probably pre-med and already better prepared to meet the challenges of adult life than I’ll ever be. I guess I’ll just tell you the stuff I wish people had told me back when I was a freshman:

The Student Body
You will never have to associate with anyone from your freshman floor ever again if you so choose, so feel free to treat them as a long-running social experiment. Remember, It’s only as awkward as you acknowledge it to be. Also, be very delicate when addressing the subject of Israel, no matter how egregious its human rights violations may strike you.

The Food
At school it’s pretty decent, but the meal point system is kind of a rip-off. At the end of the semester you will almost certainly have a whole lot of extra meal points or know someone who does. These don’t carry over, so you’ll lose any you don’t spend. I’ve heard you can donate them to charity, but more fun is to be had splurging on some expensive bottles of wine at Ibby’s restaurant. I recommend the Cakebread Cellars Pinot Noir, which is exorbitantly priced (but then again, it’s not your real money). When ordering out, remember that all the “local” pizza joints that deliver suck. Pointer’s is tasteless and Imo’s uses a greasy cheese substitute they call Provel which will coat your mouth with an uncanny goo-like sensation, quite slick and deeply unpleasant. Stick with Papa John’s. Saint Louis itself does great frozen custard, decent barbecue and passable Italian. As for more far-ranging fare, eat at your own risk: they put cream cheese in the sushi. I’ll leave it at that.

Saint Louis at large
Explore the city, but don’t get your hopes up. It was one of the most economically depressed cities in America before this depression hit. Then they sold Budweiser to the Belgians. Adjust your expectations accordingly.

Fake IDs
Are essential. No buts about it. There are a couple of places on the landing that are super strict about it, as well as Blueberry Hill. Invest in one that scans, otherwise you’ll just end up having to buy another one after your crappy one gets confiscated. You should always have a second form of ID at the ready, but that doesn’t mean you should keep it in your wallet. You’re liable to lose your wallet or your purse at some point and if it ends up with the campus cops, they will go through it and give you an instant fine. Don’t let the hassle of getting a fake turn you off of one. Without it you risk actually having to look forward to those Frat Row basement parties. That reminds me –

Frat Row Basement Parties
Are as hot crowded and boring every time. They are a yearly thing, and they do not improve. Once is enough, perhaps too much. Guys, you’ll be competing for hookups with upperclassmen. Girls, as freshmen, there is pretty much a price on your head. So if fumbling, meaningless coitus is your thing, you’re at the right venue. Dress accordingly. He will not call you.

Illegal Downloading
The freshmen dorms have encryption all over them, which can make pirating a chore until you move off campus. However, many of the classrooms’ and the entire library’s wireless connections are to date unencrypted. Do your downloading there, but be careful: unlike some schools, Wash. U. does not have your back on this if the RIAA decides to sue you.

So there’s a taste of the useful wisdom I’ve actually gained at this place, but I’m learning all the time. Like, did you know it’s a bad idea to climb all the way up Brookings because that’s where they keep the tornado sirens, which can deafen you if you’re within 50 feet of them? Neither did I.

I was admitted to Wash. U. intending to major in finance while pursing a career in Investment Banking. During my first semester I randomly took a class in Computer Science and really enjoyed it. Now, I am on my way to graduating with a degree in Computer Science and Philosophy. I also came to Wash. U. planning to immediately get involved with student government, but an unexpected sequence of events allowed me to gain leadership positions with Washington University television and the Office of Orientation instead.

As you can see, my time as an undergraduate has been characterized by a certain degree of spontaneity; sometimes out of necessity, but most often unintentionally. As I look back, I tend to admire the laid-back attitude that I exhibited at times. In fact, I think my spontaneity is the reason that I have a diverse array of options for post-graduate pursuit instead of a singular tract that can be jeopardized by any one decision I make.

Now, I’m not advising the Class of 2013 to be careless. Each of you should approach your college experience with the necessary thoughtfulness and prudence that has characterized your journey to Wash. U. But I do recommend that you plan for spontaneity by being curious, flexible, and open-minded.

Curiosity is a fundamental aspect of learning. Come to Wash. U. with a curiosity about St. Louis, the people around you, and the different activities on campus. This curiosity will greatly enhance what you learn outside the classroom. Use the MetroLink to travel to places beyond Forest Park and the Delmar Loop; talk to people who don’t share aspects of your background; join clubs and activities that you did not join in high school.

Be flexible as you explore. Focus not on the destination, but the journey you want to experience. Fight any urges to plan your entire four years or decree what your life will be like after college. Taking things a day at a time will give you the flexibility to take advantage of opportunities that will greatly enhance any destination you eventually reach.

Curiosity and flexibility are only beneficial with an open mind. Try not to hold on to rigid views about yourself and your future that were developed in high school. Many students come to Wash. U. intending to pursue one area of study and end up pursuing something else. If this happens to you, it is okay. In fact, it will be a good thing! There are so many opportunities, many of which you have yet to learn about. You will only be in a position to consider them if you have an open mind.

So throw all of your assumptions out the window. Come prepared to take advantage of opportunities that you probably have not even considered. Your first few weeks will be an exciting time, and I hope you get off to a good start by embracing a little bit of spontaneity!

So when I was asked to join the chorus of advice-givers, I thought carefully about my freshmen year and the lessons my friends and I wish we had known before it all began. Here is the list of greatest hits:

1. If you are a neat freak and your roommate is, well, not, resist the urge to position your beds into an L-shape. Your messy roommate’s stuff will magically expand into the center of your room and you will want to cry. Divide the room in two equal halves and you will keep your roommate’s sky-high sock piles away from your meticulously color-coded desk organizers.

2. Buy the smallest freshman meal plan. Most freshmen end up with tons of extra points at the end of the year and, even if you need more, it’s cheaper to add them later. Of course, feel free to ignore this advice and make friends by feeding upperclassmen.

3. Use the Writing Center, Cornerstone, Career Center, tutors in your ResCollege, professor’s office hours and all other academic resources available to you. There are a lot of people on this campus who want to help you get good grades and succeed.

4. Same goes for the non-academic resources on campus. Whether it’s your RA, Uncle Joe’s, Student Health, religious leader, or even a trusted friend, don’t be afraid to ask for help when you need it.

5. If you are really set on a major after two semesters, declare early and take advantage of the resulting advising and massive flood of departmental e-mails about upcoming events and internship opportunities.

6. Another thought about majors – you only need one. Given that most WU students acquire majors almost as readily as free t-shirts, I might be missing something here. I believe, however, that in the real world, your four extra majors will be generally unnecessary.

7. When you stay up all night writing a paper, do not go to sleep until AFTER you turn it in. Trust me on this one.

8. Frozen waffles are not really meant to be microwaved.

So that’s it. The best advice I can give you. True, advice about frozen waffles, furniture arrangements and major requirements may not be particularly profound, but it is the most useful advice I’ve got.

I can assure you that I am learning a lot more in college than simply the odd lessons contained above and those listed on my course syllabi. It would do little good, however, to list those lessons here.

That’s because one of the most important lessons I am learning is that my life will not and need not follow the simple, straight line I’ve tried to lay out for myself. No matter how much good advice we receive, we have to make a few of our own mistakes.

All of the ink in the world will not help you learn your alcohol tolerance as well as one bad hangover. Bold headlines about the freshman fifteen will not send you to the gym as quickly as the number on the scale over Thanksgiving weekend. Being in college means having the freedom, safety and responsibility to figure out these life lessons for yourself.

So instead of life lessons, I offer you a few wise tips and wish you the best of luck. Enjoy the ride.