Welcome freshman to North Dakota State University. This is my last article of the year, so I thought I’d share some wisdom from my freshman year. Just a few tips and tricks to help you make it through.

1. Studying is a crutch

If you can’t hack it now without trying, you won’t be able to pass later. Just sit back and ignore classes as long as possible. If it’s really important, they’ll give you an extension.

2. Party as much as possible

This is the easy semester; get it out of your system now before it impacts your work. You may be tempted to sit at home and be productive, but that’s a Sunday night issue.

3. The freshman fifteen is unavoidable

Embrace it. Live it. Love it. Some people might tell you to practice “good habits” but those people are hippies and geeks. Teach them a lesson by piling it on in the dining center. Remember that ice cream, cake and a couple cookies still qualifies as one desert.

4. Don’t believe everything you read

Trust me; they’ll give just about anyone a spot in The Spectrum these days. Most of it’s fine, but every once in a while you get some jackhole who comes along and writes complete crap. Real shame if you ask me, someone ought to write a letter.

5. A record builds character

You ever hear of the whole “punch the biggest guy in prison on the first day” thing? It’s the same thing. If you want to be known as a real man’s man who does real man’s man things, do something to make a name for yourself. Steal signs from residence halls, get a minor or punch the biggest guy on the first day. There are no wrong answers as long as you leave people going “wow, that’s Grant! Dude threw a skee ball through a window!” True story, but I was like five so it loses some of the punch.

Point is, college is whatever you make it out to be. And it’s made of a lot of things at the same time. How hard or little you work, how much fun you have and even the people you choose to surround yourself with. It’s choices, and it’s up to you to decide what kind of person you’re gonna be. Don’t worry, you’re gonna have a great time.