Taylor

I just wanted to take a moment to give a shout out to the W200 ladies of Hillcrest, who have been nothing but sweethearts since I moved in. I highly suggest getting to know your floor. As the year pushes forward there will be hall meetings, events, and you may find yourself needing some math help from an engineering major three doors down.
There are a few I’ve gotten close enough to that I call them my roommates on phone calls home despite living in a single. They’re a great way to start networking, especially if they’re older and willing to introduce you to some of their friends.
And honestly, don’t be a follower. If everyone closes his or her door then you just make it an even bigger point to leave yours open. People will stop by. I promise you. Even if it’s a complete mess inside.

College is all about networking and meeting people (when you’re not studying and going to class). Don’t think because you don’t share any classes or majors that you can’t be good friends.  As of now, only two people in my friend group share my major, and only one of them has a class with me.  It makes it much more interesting when you aren’t all copies of one another. So seriously, say hello to your neighbors. Bake them a pie. Offer to babysit their goldfish.

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Check out the video to meet a few of my hall mates and see how easy it is to get to know them!

Now I’ve been on campus for almost a week now. I arrived early for the Iowa Edge program, which was a huge help. I met so many wonderful adults and students who genuinely care about my future. In fact, two of those students are sleeping on my futon at this very moment. They’ve really been worn out.  Probably because of all the awesome activities Iowa offers the freshman when they get to campus.

The view from the field.

From watching movies in the residence hall lounges to Hawkeye Spirit Night, where we were able to tie dye a free Hawkeye shirt, its been non-stop class bonding. Even the dorm rooms are a social hub to meet new people. I leave my door open all the time and girls just stop in and say hello. I don’t know if it’s the excitement of a new school year or that “Iowa nice” thing I’ve heard about, but either way, it’s never been easier to meet people.  Or Herky the Hawk for that matter, who I’ve had the honor of meeting twice now. Although in all the excitement, I keep forgetting to snap a picture!

But I’ll remember eventually, because it’s one of the things to do on the list of “47 Things You Should Do at Iowa.” I’ve already gotten lost by taking the wrong cambus. Did you know that Blue goes to Burge and Red goes to Reinow? Of course you did. Well I turned it into an adventure and explored the Becker Communications building, which turned out to be where my first-year seminar will be held.

And last night was the kick-off event for On Iowa!

I had been pretty nervous about attending such a large event. I was immediately overwhelmed by the number of people there and I was practically hyperventilating because I didn’t know any of the people around me. But by the time the ice breakers were over I had hugged a complete stranger, made a new friend (exchange of cell numbers and everything) and was able to reconnect with some of the kids I had met last month at my orientation. Being from Connecticut, I had never seen the Iowa Marching Band or learned the cheers, but they taught them to the whole crowd, and I am proud to say I can now spell I-O-W-A with every part of my body.

If you weren’t there, then you really  missed out.  But lucky for you I did record some key moments that I enjoyed (including the spectacular Iowa Fight song finish with fireworks). Click here to watch “Kinnick-in It”

Not to mention Bingo Night. My friends and I bolted from the stadium to the IMU to be the first people there, and with good reason. The free hot dogs and ice cream bar, coupled with the chance to win awesome prizes like body pillows and movie baskets, were a huge hit! Before I knew it it was midnight. What a blast!!