- Be proud to be a Forbesian! People in other residential colleges will give you grief for being in Forbes because it's far... but they don't know what they're missing out on. Forbes is a really tight community and of course, we're the best! :)
- Don't bring too much stuff with you. You can always get essentials on, or near, campus.
- Bring a bike, or get one from U-Bikes. Campus isn't large, but it is so convenient to have a mode of transportation when you're rushing in that ten minute block between classes
- Talk to as many people as possible in the first week. Even if you're shy, get over it, and just do it. You won't regret it if you do, but you definitely will if you don't.
- Spend time getting to know your roommate, your zee group and other Forbesians well--they will be some of your best friends.
- Take the roommate agreement seriously. When you make rules for your room, realize that you must stick by them. So if you want to be in bed by 1am every night, make sure your roommate is aware and understands the arrangement (must work in the hall, lights out, library, etc.). (Link to Roommate Agreement.)
- Don't just sign up for things at the activities fair, actually TRY things that you see at the activities fair. Thinking about how cool something sounds won't get you involved
- Course shopping is important. Attend 5 or 6 courses for the first week, then drop down to whatever you feel comfortable with taking.
- When planning your class schedule, try to pick a range of class sizes (from lectures to seminars) so that you can check out the different class styles and what suits you best. Also consider what bulk of work you're going to have for each class during midterm and finals weeks. You don't want to get stuck with 5 papers and no exams, or vice versa. Try to find a balance.
- Get to know at least one of your professors well each semester. Most of the faculty here are really cool people, and it's also good to know someone who can write a good resume for your summer internship, etc.
- Call your parents every now and then to let them know you’re alive. Mine hate it when I don’t, and when they’re unhappy, I'm unhappy.
- Going out to the street is fun, but keep it in check. I know its college, but don’t go out 4 nights a week. You’ll feel terrible, and you won’t be able to get everything (work, extracurriculars, etc.) done.
- Find a way and time to get physical activity early on and stick with it; it makes you happier and healthier, even when you have a ton of work to be doing instead.
- Identify all sources of free food and caffeine. Whether its study breaks, stuff left out in dining hall, or the Forbes cafe (which is amazing), make sure you know whenever anything edible is being given away. There's a reason we're called "starving college students."
- Eat breakfast..."It's the most important meal of the day." Seriously.
- Have fun. It may be Princeton, but college is still a time to make memories. Go see a Broadway show, have a picnic on a nice day, go for a hike into the woods-you'll remember those moments for the rest of your life.
- Don't worry so much about keeping up with other people. You're here for yourself, it doesn't matter how everyone else is doing-- compare yourself against yourself, not against someone else.
- Get to know the people who keep Forbes running: the office ladies, the Dean, the Master, Carol, Tony...seriously, everyone. You'd be surprised how cool they are, and how much help they can be when you need it.
- Read everything that anyone in the college office sends in an email. Even when you don't think it's important, it probably will be.
- Relax! We are all stressed out. Just come ready for a great time. And don't forget to pack your toothbrush.
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