3 Terrifying Things About Life as a Freshman

Halloween can be a confusing time for those of us just starting off at UCR. What do we do? Do we dress up for classes? Trick-or-Treat in our hall? Or do we just have to accept the fact that we’re adults now, and resign ourselves to a day of spook-less regret? The sad fact is, Halloween has changed quite a bit since we were children—the zombies and witches of yesteryears have been replaced with graphic tees (which are never as funny as you think they are) and “sexy” bees (nothing’s sexier than causing people to go into anaphylactic shock).

But don’t fear, Riversidians! We have plenty of Halloween spirit on campus all year round, if you know where to look. This Halloween, let’s celebrate by appreciating the top three gross, spooky, and downright terrifying parts of being a freshman.

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Hall Bathrooms: If the constant prospect of accidentally revealing yourself to your hall-mates every time you want to take a shower isn’t frightening enough, take a shot at guessing exactly whose hair you’re staring at clogging the shower drain. Better yet, gather up the courage to move that nasty bar of soap left in the middle of the soap tray by the Ghosts of Showers Past. If you want to get really crazy on Halloween, yell “Bloody Mary” in the bathroom mirror three times at midnight to summon your RA’s reminder that it’s quiet hours. Extra points for the dirty looks from the kids brushing their teeth.

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Midterms: That’s right—the quarter’s already halfway over. That 20 question midterm doesn’t seem so scary until you realize it’s 15% of your grade…so study up. Try going Trick-or-Treating for a study buddy, or pop into your professor or TA’s office in a costume made entirely of bluebooks and scantrons. For an extra boost of confidence, follow them around all day in a ghost costume to casually pick up hints for what’s going to be on the test. This is also a good way to meet the campus police.

Rub your scantrons and blue-books on your professor’s head for good luck before your midterms! (Ask first.)

Upperclassmen: Sure, they’re only a few years older than us at most…but there’s something inexplicably terrifying about being the youngest person in a group. When hanging out with upperclassmen, you may get this haunting feeling that they know something you don’t know…and you’re right. Once you get past the fear, however, upperclassmen are infinitely useful—they know all the fun places to hang out, they give great advice and, most importantly, they’ll help teach you what it means to be a Highlander.

As cool as upperclassmen are, don’t throw out your spunk to fit in with those cool older kids. Chances are they’ll appreciate you much more for being that kid who spends all Halloween in full-character wearing a pirate costume than wearing the same “This is my Halloween Costume” shirt that everyone and their freshly pubescent little brother owns.

Source. Notice how he stares downward as he reconsiders his life choices.

Now, go forth my friends! Don your costumes and embrace the fright that comes with being a college freshman.

-Chloe