Our first piece of advice-we hope it isn't coming too late-involves critical insider information regarding the food at Valentine. To his misfortune, one of our editors, who shall remain nameless, sampled Val's scrod at dinner his very first night on campus. According to him (since the rest of us haven't tried it), no one eats the scrod (or the cod) for a reason. Stay away!
On a more serious note, you've probably already noticed that people tend to segregate themselves while eating (items other than cod) in Valentine. Be it by sports team, dorm, age or race, please don't get locked into sitting in one section or with only one group! The diversity upon which Amherst prides itself truly goes to waste when different groups of students don't bother to mingle. We know the importance of sitting with a team or organization (we do it ourselves on production nights), but make an effort, however small, to leave your comfort zone once in a while, and we think you'll be rewarded.
If you don't want to be identified as a freshman, we think we can help. Don't arrive at Valentine in groups larger than five (it's a dead giveaway when your whole floor marches from the quad to Val in a pack), don't leave Valentine 20 minutes before class starts (you only need 10), trade your purple Amherst lanyard for something else and finally, do not befriend people on the Facebook whom you have never met. If you've never met before, you're not friends. You'll make real ones soon enough. [P.S. We understand that eating in herds is more fun-who really cares if you look like an eager beaver? We definitely all ate in herds as first-years.]
Once winter comes around, if you're from a warm-weather state, our resident Californians advise that you not underestimate the frigid temperatures and early sunsets. Winter here can be long and bleak. Sledding on Memorial Hill is a good way to alleviate stress and a good reason to leave your dorm room, but be wary of drunken sledders. (Drunken sledding is a very good way to wake up with strange bruises and a headache that won't go away.)
You'll figure out the party scene on campus yourself-it's more diverse than it seems at a glance. We strongly encourage you to attend TAP and to dress in costume. Another nameless editor requested boys to dispense of shirts at luau next weekend.
A few more things that seem premature, but we have to get off our (currently shirted) chests. Don't be afraid to use your freshman drop, and start practicing for Lip Sync. Now.
Last, and most certainly not least, join The Student! We're having an organizational meeting on Wednesday evening, and there's no better way to promote yourself for free.