The biggest and easiest sign is, of course, wearing your 2017 Camp War Eagle shirt. This does not mean you cannot wear it or there is something wrong with CWE, only the fact that everyone will be able to tell.
If you do not care whether people know, then do your thing.
What is next? The “Seniors 2017” apparel. This one can be hard to avoid though since most of the t-shirts people own before college are high school related. It is also incriminating when you see someone looking lost or very confused wandering around campus and specifically the Haley Center.
Showing up to class late is not the worst thing in the world, but it is not ideal. If you are worried about it, go walk to all of your classrooms the day before so you know where to go and give yourself time to get there. Also, check the website and your email in the morning before because they are often moved to a different room.
The Auburn Plainsman Campus Editor Loren Kimmel is a fantastic example of this.
“Once I went in for an SI in the Haley Center and it was almost about 15 minutes until it was over when I left to go to the bathroom," Kimmel said. "I got so lost that when I returned to the SI no one was there. My advice would be to locate the bathrooms and not be confused by the ‘Haley maze,’ because while in the quadrants it may be easy to figure out — the center is a whole other game.”
“The easiest way to spot a freshman is their confidence level,” said Editor-in-Chief Chip Brownlee. “Just be confident and act like you belong. Whether it’s joining new groups or getting a new job, if you act like you know what you’re doing — even if you don’t — no one will question you. With that being said, don’t be afraid to ask questions about things you don’t know about.”
With this confidence, know that it is fine to not accept the stuff being handed out on the concourse. You do not have to feel rude by saying “no thank you” and keep moving.
If you really do not want to be bothered then putting in headphones is a good trick. The down side is if you see someone you know and want to talk it makes things difficult. There are countless times that you will accidentally ignore someone, or be ignored.
The amount of times you will see someone trip on the concourse are alarming. It happens every day but you can take measures to prevent it.
“Girls, try to wear thicker heels or wedges on the concourse," said Lily Jackson, managing editor. "This University was not built for stilettos and you will break your ankle and embarrass yourself thanks to the deathly red brick.”
Try to keep an eye on the ground. The concourse changes levels so it is very easy to trip over the slight edge, especially if you drag your feet. I have even seen people fall and try to play it off with pushups.
Whatever seems to be going on, do not panic.
“I did not know my way around campus AT ALL on my first day," said Anne Dawson, lifestyle editor. "I remember crying on the green space because I was so lost. I advise everyone to walk campus at least five times before the first day."
“Act like you have your shit together," Dawson said. "Don't show weaknesses, act like you know what you're doing and never second-guess yourself.”
When you find yourself totally lost in any sense, feel free to ask questions. Most people are nice and willing to help because they have been there.
Kimmel said it best: “I'd say it's a pretty freshman notion to worry about ‘sticking out.’ College is a very nonchalant atmosphere so if you act yourself, even at your weirdest, I don't feel like you will stick out.”
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