Freshman Year - Second Semester

Freshman Year - Second Semester

Shelby Strattan

So the freshman year saga continues. From the first week of school to the first week of second semester (where did the time go…), my love for New Orleans and Tulane grows exponentially as I meet new classmates, get to know my friends here on a more personal level, and experience this beautiful city in its entirety - not to mention making it through the first round of finals. Everyday is something new, and the excitement of each adventure makes it seem as though time is nonexistent. Until I look at my calendar. *GASP* The time is passing entirely too quickly here at Tulane, so I’d like to share with all of you prospective students, interested readers, or my mom and dad who may be the only people that actually care about the content of this blog, just how us students spend our precious minutes of each day.

RESIDENTIAL LIFE

        The people in your residence hall, particularly those on your floor, get a lot face time. And by that I mean you see them ALL THE TIME. This isn't always the case, but in a large and very social dorm, people are always looking to hang out, which is rather convenient with a common room. All freshman residence halls have their own perks, but I am rather obviously biased towards Monroe as it is my current home. From the very first week, my floor has developed a strong, family-like bond. We all had the opportunity to get to know each other through our large common room that separates the girls’ side from the boys’ side. Not all floors have common rooms, but those that do are filled with floormates doing homework, unwinding, watching TV, or my personal favorite - eating food. What kind of food? Everything you would ever expect from college freshman: Ramen, Easy Mac, Papa Johns delivery, etc. We are an exceedingly eclectic mix of students; from New Orleans natives to football players to Paul Tulane scholars to semi-professional Irish dancers - our floor sums up the definition of the most random group of kids ever thrown together on one floor. And we somehow made it work. We have movie nights, go to concerts, and frequent Bruff together. Wait…what is Bruff?        

DINING

        Bruff is our on-campus cafeteria that is open from 7am-10pm most days. Convenient, right? Most freshman and some sophomores have a meal plan that allow them to swipe into Bruff anywhere from 1 - ∞ times a day (unlimited meal plans!!!!). Bruff offers a wide variety of options, both healthy and not, and you can always find something new. They have Milkshake Mondays and other special events such as Tabasco Day in which they gave out free prizes and special foods made with Tabasco products, and Cram Jam - a finals week favorite. However, eating in the same location, no matter how many options they provide, gets a little old from time to time, so my friends and I enjoy venturing off campus to try new restaurants. Whether its a snack or a five course meal, we are always enthusiastic about eating delicious and authentic New Orleans food. Some of the places we have ventured to include Sucre, Maple Street Deli, Amici, Arana, Lil Tokyo, Satsuma, and Commander’s Palace. But, my absolute favorite eatery I have visited (multiple times…) is District Donuts. The ornately decorated, and oh so tasty, hand-crafted pastries make for a truly life changing experience.

District Donuts

SO… WHAT ELSE?

        Let’s see… Directly across from campus is Audubon Park. Students love going here to run, lay out, play frisbee, or just lounge. The pond, surrounding tress, and beautiful landscape make for a beautiful atmosphere to relax in. The Audubon Zoo and golf course are also located here for those interested. The fairly temperate, warm weather allows for outdoor activities, festivals, parades, etc year round. At the beginning of the year, there was a large parade and celebration for Southern Decadence. With the high spirits, jocose dispositions, and colorful costumes all around, it was hard for anyone within miles to be in a sour mood. Voodoo Music Festival is another very popular event that occurred on Halloween weekend this year. During each of the three days there were unique live performances, beautiful light shows, and the an undeniable sense of unity through music for all art lovers alike. Aside from a few of my favorite bands (Zedd, Skrillex, Arctic Monkeys), Voodoo supplied fantastic food vendors from all over the country, cute local boutique tents, and eerie halloween decorations. The most recent festival I’ve been to however, was the Po Boy Festival on Oak Street. The street was blocked off and local food vendors lined the sidewalks, ready for all hungry students, locals, and tourists. Local bands played on several stages throughout the area as people munched on the famous New Orleans sandwiches. This next semester, I look forward to Mardi Gras and many other festivals!

At beautiful Audubon Park!

Southern Decadence festival

SCHOOL WORK

        Aside from all the fun and quirky things we do in New Orleans, we also spend a good deal of time in class and completing our assigned homework. There are countless places on campus to study that provide a different atmosphere to fit everyone’s study preferences. When you need a break (on Monday and Thursdays), theWell has excellent masseuses come in for two hours and give students free five minute massages. Ahhhh-mazing right? Additionally, the majority of professors make themselves so readily available to assist with any questions students may have, so many students meet with their teachers outside of class for supplemental instruction. Tulane students pride themselves on hard work, integrity, and academic originality. We are a creative and innovative body that supports each individual and group and their respective goals. We collaborate effectively in all aspects to accomplish academic excellence and social success, which is why when you can’t find us in the library, we are off exploring and simultaneously learning about our surrounding community, interests, and forming life long bonds - a holistic NOLA experience that goes hand in hand with that of the classroom.

Rushing a Fraternity at Tulane

Rushing a fraternity at Tulane is extremely low-key and stress free. In keeping with the Big Easy, the process is slow and laidback. The rush process formally begins in the fall, with each chapter having a minimum of two highly publicized, formal rush events. Beyond those two events, if a student has interest in a specific fraternity it is up to them to maintain contact with brothers. Usually, this entails anything from a BBQ to stopping by a tailgate tent. Bids are then officially given out in the spring after a few more formal rush events.

There are so many opportunities to get involved at Tulane that Greek life is really not a necessity. As such, first year students have time to get their bearings and explore the school without being restricted to one group of people. This is completely different from anything that you’ll hear about a big southern state school, where you need to arrive on day one with a clear cut idea of who you want to rush, and what connections will facilitate your efforts.

The stereotypes about frat bros DO NOT apply here. Seriously. Everyone is so involved that if a person is in a fraternity, they’re likely participating in a host of other clubs and organizations as well.

Ultimately, if you’re even slightly considering Greek life I highly recommend checking out a few formal rush events and keeping an open mind. Life in the Crescent City is exciting, and joining a fraternity could be one more route not only into the local culture, but also into a brotherhood that offers tradition and sources of moral fortitude, in addition to a supportive network that can be invaluable when searching for jobs. And let us not forget Animal House was released in 1978, hazing at Tulane is strictly prohibited, so you needn’t worry about having to go through the wacky ceremonies you see in the movies.

Personally, my experience at Tulane has been invaluably changed and improved by my involvement in a fraternity. As an initial skeptic, I highly encourage you (especially the doubters) to give Greek life a shot. 

By: Justin Picard

Sorority Recruitment Survival Tips

Sorority Recruitment Survival Tips

Sorority recruitment has already started and people are buzzing! About 40% of Tulane students are involved in Greek life, and recruitment for both IFC fraternities and Panhel sororities take place at the beginning of second semester. At Tulane, we have 8 Panhellenic Council sororities, and luckily, recruitment gives you the opportunity to experience and get to know all of them at least once. While some people may be worried or freaking out, I've compiled 10 do's and don't's to guide you through:

1. Don't be nervous!

The whole point of recruitment is for everyone to get to know each other. While other schools may have a more rigorous process, Tulane Panhel makes sure that everyone has a comfortable, respectful and enjoyable experience. Once you get through a few events at different houses, you'll realize there's no need to be really worried and can try to just enjoy the process.

Alpha Delta Pi (ADPi)

2. Have an open mind

While some people may have preconceived notions about certain houses, it is essential to keep an open mind going in to recruitment so you don't limit any opportunities. Try and base all of your options on the conversations and experiences you have in each house rather than focus on external rumors, gossip, etc!

Alpha Epsilon Phi (AEPhi)

3. Be kind to everyone

The days are long - for PNMs (Potential New Members, aka women going through the recruitment process) as well as members of each house. It is easy to get tired and less excited as the day goes on, but remember to stay as positive and nice to everyone as possible, even if you're in a house that isn't your first choice. 

Chi Omega (Chi O)

4. Wear comfortable clothing

I remember my freshman year during recruitment as I, along with everyone else on my floor, carefully picked out each part of my outfit for each day of recruitment. I focused way too much on the color of my necklace and too little on the actual comfort of my clothing. Again, the days are long and you have to walk between houses in limited time. I can't stress this enough -- wear comfortable clothing, ESPECIALLY shoes! If you're going to wear heels, make sure you can walk and stand in them comfortably and easily (I have to admit, I definitely fell twice during recruitment in heels - not fun). 

Kappa Alpha Theta (Theta)

5. Try to have personal, meaningful conversations

If you just talk about your major and dorm in every event and every house, it'll be hard to get a good reading of the community within each sorority. While you'll cover all the basics within the first five minutes, try to ask more personal questions about the sorority such as their philanthropies and their sisterhood. Obviously everyone loves mixers and cool themed parties, but you want to be comfortable with the actual sisterhood before you can focus on other activities. I always asked the sisters about their favorite events and why they chose their house in order to get a better sense of what each house was really like, and it really gave me great insight on each community.

Kappa Kappa Gamma (Kappa)

6. Be mindful of yourself in the week in between events

Although asked not to, many PNMs choose to go out during the week between Open House/Philanthropy and Sisterhood/Preference. I really recommend against going out - it's awkward running into older girls that you can't talk to. However, if you do decide to go out, be extremely mindful of the way you hold yourself -- you want to present the best version of yourself possible! Moreover, as much as you may want to, don't try to contact your older friends in sororities. Respect the recruitment process: go out to dinner, get froyo, have a movie night in, but avoid the Boot and Palms!

Phi Mu

7. Take this experience as an opportunity to bond with other freshmen

You're all going through this at the same time - why not chat, bond, and get to know each other? You'll not only get closer with the girls on your floor, but also the girls in your recruitment group who you'll spend each day with. Remember to respect everyone's decisions and opinions, and to support each other. Taking the time to bond with each other will only make it more exciting to see more friendly faces on bid day!

Pi Beta Phi (Pi Phi)

8. Make your own decisions and opinions

I went through recruitment with my closest group of friends and we all ended up in different houses. Joining a sorority won't change your friendships; it'll only add new ones! While some parts of recruitment may be disappointing, try not to compare yourself to the choices your friends make or the houses they get invited back to. Focus on your own feelings and decide where you see yourself fitting in best, even if it's not the same choice as your roommate. This is another time when it's important to support one another through the ups and downs so that everyone has the best experience possible.

Sigma Delta Tau (SDT)

9 + 10.  Everything happens for a reason and get excited!!

Remember, it is a mutual selection process. Bid day (see all above pictures) is a wonderful, fun day that everyone should be excited for! No matter which house you end up in, keep an open mind, meet as many people as possible and get ready for an amazing experience! Happy recruitment!