(With special advice to kids living in Stouffer Mayer)

It's been a while. I've finally gotten my laptop in the mail, named him Yukito (after the dude from Cardcaptor Sakura) and now I can blog! Yes I can blog!

So. The first week at the University of Pennsylvania. Jesus. Hard to sum up in one post so instead a running list of advice:
1. Go to every NSO event. They're genuinely a lot of fun. Even the toga party, though it was sweaty, was fun. You wanna put yourself out there and meet people. Even if you're normally shy (like me, so shy I can't speak in any logical sequence while simultaneously looking into someone's eyes) just do it.

Take down numbers.

Have fun.

2. Idk about the other preceptorials but Mad Potter's Wheel was awesome. With substantial help, I made a bowl in the shape of a cat. It is now glazed and sitting on my shelf.

3.Go out and eat in the dining halls. You paid for NSO meals separately so you might as well, and, especially the first few days, you can pick up a lot of new aquaintences by sitting down randomly at a table and introducing yourself.

(Note: This happens less and less as time goes on...)

4. I thought I wouldn't get homesick at all, but I did. Bring something from home, a stuffed animal, photos, whatever. If you love books, bring some books. DVDs. Something familiar to ground yourself in this tide of new.

5. Yes, you must bring either an extension cord and/or a surge protector. Especially if you're rooming with other people. Because there are never enough power outlets.

6. Packing a huge crate of water bottles is recommended. Ditto for toilet paper and paper towels.

7. If you live in Stouffer Stouffer or Stouffer Mayer especially, bring light bulbs and a desk lamp. I know it's ridiculous but it is seriously dark and the only lamps are 1. bad and 2. light-bulb-less.

That's it for now. College is crazy, but a lot of fun. The workload is ridiculous and the classes are all damned hard. Even writing seminar, and writing's my best class. Jesus.

But you get used to it. You get used to anything.