5 fresh tips for ID115

True to Lasallian culture, it’s a widely known rite of passage to go through the bottom of the food chain once thrown into the shark-infested pool that is college. And you, dear freshmen, are swimming as baby guppies. Perhaps the most evident manifestation of this is the catch-all response of “Frosh may kasalanan!” to everything and anything that happens. The DLSU Green Archers are on a losing streak? Isisi sa frosh. Animo.sys crashing? Eh frosh kasi. Insane traffic gridlock? Well, you guys get the point. It’s nothing personal, though. Consider it tough love from your dear upper batch mates, along with a legacy that you can pass on to the next generations, when the time comes.

However, while it’s still your batch stuck in the throes of this cycle, how do you survive? The hurdle is sometimes easy to overcome, but the outcome varies from person to person. Some may get a semblance of culture shock as they get their first bittersweet taste of freedom, and with it, a chance to develop that new sense of liberation. Others, however, dread the near instant change in their daily existence, away from home and old friends. Whatever the case, we put together a list of tips and tricks. Consider these your swimming lessons, young guppy.

1. Outfit-repeating is not a mortal sin.

Spoiler alert: There’s no circle in hell for outfit-repeaters. Unless you came to school wearing a neon green ball gown with an equally neon sign above your head that read, “NOTICE ME”, people are not going to remember what you wore to school on a Tuesday. Even if they do, they’re not going to gun you down for it or think any less of you. While dressing up for school can be fun and a cool way to express yourself, there’s no need for the excessive self-consciousness.

2. Agno food is a gastronomic experience waiting to happen.

Legend has it that somewhere hidden between the crevices of Taft, one can find… a filling meal that doesn’t burn a hole in your wallet. Eh, wrong. A common misconception is that spending below 100 pesos on a meal in Taft is virtually impossible. Agno, however, is home to numerous food stalls that will satisfy your hunger at 90 pesos or less. But if you’re pinching an even tighter budget, fret not—seek farther from Taft, and you shall find. Food along Leon Guinto St. offers some of the cheapest meals around. Some other places can even offer meals as low as 40 pesos (sometimes with free soup!). The most well-known of the cheap eats is Noel’s BBQ along Agno St., just past Andrew Building—some say the Lasallian experience isn’t quite complete until you’ve dined here.

For a more in-depth guide, check this out.

3. There are computer spots all around.

Not all Lasallians have laptops. One alternative most people take is going to the numerous computer shops in the school’s vicinity when they need to work on academic papers ad requirements. DLSU, however, saw through that little conundrum a long time ago. Aside from the several computers available for use in the Learning Commons, found in the sixth floor of the Henry Sy building, the University has its fair share of computer laboratories and other similar areas spread throughout the school. Computer labs are available for any student to use, so long as there are no classes ongoing. Gokongwei building, in particular, is home to several of the computer labs in the University (not to mention that this is the home of the CCS and the DLSU servers).

4. Whoever said Las Vegas was ‘Sin City’ has obviously never been to Taft.

If you haven’t already heard, Taft is a haven for crimes, both petty and serious. From pickpockets who pretend to be your friend, to more serious crimes in the dead of night, it isn’t always butterflies and pretty things in your perfect frosh world. While college is an exciting, new environment, one must never forget the harsh realities that come with it. Always be vigilant as much as possible, try not to walk outside campus alone, and never lose track of your belongings.

5. Extra-curricular: extra work, but extra worth it.

In this day and age, grades can only get you so far. Gone are the days when life skills were equated to academic performance. While it might be a bitter pill to swallow for more traditional, corporate folks, extra-curriculum can and will make a world of difference to your college experience, and ultimately, how you grow and mature as a person. Whether it’s the chess club, the theater guild, your professional organization, or a magazine internship, these are what will equip you with ammo you need to conquer the real world. Not only will it get you to expand your network, and meet people who can inspire you, but it’s guaranteed to push your boundaries outside of plain textbook studying, acting as an avenue for things you may be more passionate about.

The green and white halls of the University can be a daunting ocean for freshmen, what with unfamiliar professors, intimidating upper batch men, and a brand new campus to get lost in. Don’t worry, though—navigating the waters isn’t as hard as it looks. Keep swimming, and you’ll be sharks in no time.