Advice to incoming Hampden-Sydney freshmen

An unscientific compendium of advice from theInstagram followers of @hsc_southbound. While this advice is focused specifically on the experience at Hampden-Sydney College, it undoubtedly applies to every incoming college freshman.

• Go to class!
• Behave as a gentleman.
• Buckle up & enjoy the ride.
• Eat every meal with someone new.
• Say hi to everyone you walk past on campus.
• Know the difference between “your” and “you’re”.
• Buy-in 100%.  You get out of it what you put into it.
• Know that you have one chance to make a first impression.
• Do the assigned reading… at least enough to participate in class.
• Take advantage of the opportunity to really get to know your professors.
• Study like your life depends on it… It’s hard to dig your GPA out of a deep hole.
• If you do it right, you will have friends at every fraternity house. Visit every house.  
• Strive to meet people who are different than you. We are all part of this brotherhood.
• If you’re trying to be the coolest guy in the room, you’re not the coolest guy in the room. 
• Don’t be afraid to get involved in things you know nothing about. You will learn along the way.
• Be friends with everyone on campus. You never know who will wind up with a Wikipedia page. 
• Stay physically active. It’s easy to take for granted how much exercise you got in high school 
• You have four years to meet your classmates, but only one to meet the current seniors. 
• Always be on the lookout for new friends, beyond just the first few people you meet. 
• Don’t go home on weekends. Thousands of alumni wish they could be in your shoes.
• Forge your own path, don’t just do things because your friends are doing them.
• Leave your dorm room. You’re doing it wrong if you spend all your time there. 
• Don’t use technology in class. Be actively, mentally present, and take notes.
• Making friends at Hampden-Sydney is as simple as introducing yourself. 
• If your girlfriend comes to visit, encourage her to bring her friends.
• Always meet at least one alumnus at a tailgate… You never know.
• Ask questions daily. Don’t ever be afraid to ask for help.
• Do not lie, cheat, or steal, nor tolerate those who do.
• Stick to your convictions, but keep an open mind.
• Don’t blow your TigerDollars in the first month.
• Use your time wisely. It goes quick.
• Work hard, play hard.
• Be genuine.