Ten Things You Should Do Your First Year at Gettysburg

By Kim Tenure and Hanna Ackerman

10. Look For Ghosts on Campus-­ Admit it, everyone does it at one point. It is a great bonding experience for the people on your floor. Some things to watch out for: do NOT go after the parks close– the park police do not appreciate it, and hate it especially when the college students “get lost” on the battlefield; also, watch that you don’t get too into the moment, make sure you do not freak yourselves out too much.

9. Go to at Least One Student Senate Meeting – this is a great way to get involved at Gburg. Even if you are not a class senator or officer, meetings are open for everyone. Your voice can be heard and it is a great stepping stone for ways to get involved in the future.

8. Make Use of Your Common Room — Some of the common rooms have a lot of space, and almost all have television sets. This will give you a chance to meet people off your floor and know your building better. Personal note: I met some of the best people I know in Fort Rice in the Common Room. Suggestion: build a fort

7. Visit Pizza House — a must for that late night snack say around midnight or one. You may kick yourself for going, just as the pizza kicks you in the mouth with it’s complete lack of flavor, but for some strange reason you will keep going back. After all, what you can’t taste in the early hours of the morning can’t hurt you.

6. Stretch Yourself! — Whether it’s attending a meeting of a club you would not normally attend, speaking up in class, or asking someone out — you never know. College is a great time not only to reinvent but to define who you are and who you want to become.

5. Take your picture with Abraham Lincoln — You’re now officially in Gburg, take advantage of the reenactor culture and get that snapshot to send home. There are two reenactors that do a great job with Lincoln and they’re easily located, they kind of stand out.

4. Get involved in some type of community service – With so many opportunities it’s almost impossible to attend Gettysburg for four years and not be involved, why not start early. Maybe you’ll even discover something new about yourself and/or lead you to a different type of goal. You never know what experiences you’ll have.

3. Check out the Frats – It is absolutely not for everyone, but take the time to go to at least one frat party during your first year. Think of it as a part of stretching your boundaries. Who knows, you might really enjoy it and find people who you identify with and like. Or, you might just ruin a good pair of shoes and smell like beer for a good 48 hours. Why not try it?

2. Go to Class – Why are you here again? Oh, that’s right, to major in something so you can have a career in four years. Go to class, preferably more than just once.

1. Have Fun – It might be hard at first, it might be easy, but remember you are here for the total package, the whole experience. Make it count by enjoying yourself. Nothing is worth doing if you don’t love doing it.