Much of my senior year of high school and all of the summer before my freshman year at Elon were filled with advice about college and things I needed to know before I headed off to Elon. While all of that advice was helpful and interesting, none of it was specifically Elon related and there were still a few things I wish I had known.

The main thing I wish someone had told me was that no one is here during the breaks at Elon. For Fall Break and “Fake Break” [the few days between Winter Term and Spring semester when sorority recruitment takes place], the campus is still open and students are allowed to stay on campus. However, when I found out I could stay on campus, I didn’t realize was just how bleak and empty Elon really is then.

The dining halls have different schedules and very few students remain on campus. I wish I had thought to find out how many of my friends were staying and if there were any alternate options. Instead, I waited until it was too late to make plans or buy a plane ticket to go home.

Another discovery I wish I had made sooner is Belk Library. With the internet available to me all the time, it is usually easier to do research online in my room instead of in the library. The library though, has so many more benefits than just research. It’s a great place to get away from distractions such as Facebook, talkative roommates or naps. Surprisingly, it is also a great source of entertainment with a fairly wide selection of DVDs and plenty of great novels.

Getting involved in organizations is something parents, siblings and professors will always encourage. Luckily, at Elon there is a huge assortment of organizations and an easy way to get involved. I knew it was important to do extra-curricular activities, but I didn’t realize exactly how beneficial it would be to my college experience.

Organizations are a great way to meet people interested in similar things, and a great way to meet upperclassmen. Developing friendships with upperclassmen is key. They know more about Elon and things outside of the campus, such as the best Mexican restauranst or the best places to shop. They are also the most reliable source of information about classes and professors.

Regardless of what I knew when I first arrived at Elon, the most important thing for me was to find a group of people and activities that fit my personality and made me happy. Without that, my first year wouldn’t have been as great as it was and I wouldn’t have realized that Elon is a perfect match for me.

Copy Edtior: Miriam Williamson - 08/24/07