Ask Ellie

Did you know that over 90 percent of new students did not know what a Royal was when beginning the new year at EMU? Many of us may laugh at that fact, but the truth is, there are a lot of basics that incoming freshmen have no idea about. If the title of freshman applies to you, here's some advice about life here at EMU.

Campus Life - You guys are lucky because EMU is a small school. This means that if you live on campus, you only need to leave yourselves about five to ten minutes for walking to class. Of course if it has iced or snowed outside (for those living in the Woods dorms), it may take longer because you'll be battling to walk or slide to class on the icy sidewalks. It may also take you longer to get to class if you have a class located in the DC. The DC is the Discipleship Center, and is located on the top of EMU's hill. Now, having a class there can be a good or a bad thing. It's a bad thing because it may take forever to get there and then take your breath away by the time you get up the hill to class, though it's a good thing because you can count that as your daily exercise. Then when class is done, if you're tired you can always just roll down the hill. Watch out for grass stains, though, because you are doing your own laundry now.

Dorm Life - Every dorm at EMU has its benefits, so if you're bummed about your dorm, don't be yet. It's likely that you just don't know everything about your dorm. We'll start with Oakwood. Oakwood, as you may know, is the only all-guys dorm on campus. The benefit of this dorm being guys-only is that if you live there you can look forward to a year full of testosterone, sports on TV and in the halls (for example--wall ball, hall ball or just plain old tackling each other), and the occasional video games on the big screen in the lounge. Also, don't fret guys--you'll still have plenty of girls visiting.

Next is Maplewood, which is a co-ed dorm. This dorm is nice because, well, it's co-ed, and also because it has the Maplewood basement. Now, the basement is the best part of this dorm. It's good for group movies, all-night movie marathons, pillow fights, and other fun activities. The great part of it being the basement is that it's out of the way and quiet.

The last dorm in the Woods is Elmwood, also a co-ed dorm. This dorm is good because it's the closest to the center of campus, and when there are movies or other happenings on the Quad, you have the ideal viewing spot (out your window) without even leaving your dorm.

The last underclass dorm is Northlawn. It may be the only all-girls dorm, but remember--girls just wanna have fun. If you live in this dorm it's like having a year-long slumber party with your girlfriends. Plus, this dorm is also located in the middle of campus and above the cafeteria. This means when the cold months roll in, all you girls have to do for a meal is to take the elevator down a few floors and you're at the caf without leaving the building.

Dorm life is fun and crazy, but remember that sleep is essential and one of the most important things that you need in college. So have fun, go crazy, but get those "z"s in somewhere.

Student Life - College is a crazy time of trying to figure out who you are and who your life-long friends are going to be. Although EMU is a small school, it can still be hard to make friends. There are a few things you can do to help you meet more people, though. First of all, really get to know the people on your hall. These people will always be there for you because they live with you. Another thing is to join clubs and intramural sports. Find a club or a sport that interests you join it and get to know the people in it. If you do this, I can almost assure you that you'll come out of it with some really awesome friends. Lastly, attend campus activities and sports. Many people go to these events, and, aside from having a great time, you'll also meet cool people and make friends along the way.

I could think of so much more advice for all you new students, but for now this is all I'm going to give you. The rest is up to you to figure out for yourselves and with your friends. Everyone have a great year, don't forget to sleep and just to let you know, a Royal is a lion and our school mascot.