Despite daunting orientation sessions warning me of an inevitable breakdown, I made it through my first semester at the University of Michigan. Maybe it was Google Maps, maybe it was my ability to look like I knew what I was doing, but mostly I learned the ropes by messing up a few times. The best way I know how to live life is by diving headfirst with an undeniable amount of confidence in myself. But there are definitely some things I didn’t know in January that I’m glad I do now.
1. Ross is not a person, but a business school
![http://giphy.com/gifs/the-office-smile-eKDp7xvUdbCrC Office.gif](https://www.collegemagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/Office.gif)
If you’re looking for Ross you will never find him, no matter how loud you yell his name across the Diag.
2. Crosswalks at 10 a.m. on South U are merely light suggestions
![anigif_enhanced-buzz-32573-1381413054-4](https://www.collegemagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/anigif_enhanced-buzz-32573-1381413054-4.gif)
Prepare to dodge death glares from angry drivers.
3. Heavy breathing in the law library is frowned upon. Flirting is slightly less frowned upon
![flirting](https://www.collegemagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/flirting.gif)
Passing notes—not just for the third grade. Works like a charm.
4. Don’t for any reason, under any circumstances, ever, wear heels to class
![http://giphy.com/gifs/racked-fashion-law-UGlBCwMWe4gGk anigif_enhanced-23585-1399161438-19](https://www.collegemagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/anigif_enhanced-23585-1399161438-19.gif)
I don’t care how cute they are, no shoes are worth blisters the size of Australia.
5. There is a Panda Express in the basement of the Union
![http://giphy.com/gifs/dancing-happy-jimmy-fallon-2n8480RCQ2jBe XB6pGqvOfJqY8.gif](https://www.collegemagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/XB6pGqvOfJqY8.gif)
Also, there is a basement in the Union.
6. Urban Outfitters does not accept Blue Bucks
![giphy (2)](https://www.collegemagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/giphy-2-8.gif)
Even if it did, you already spent all your money on 57 Odwalla bars.
7. Being surrounded by people who are smarter than you is a good thing
![class](https://www.collegemagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/class.gif)
Class is a competition, baby. Win class.
8. If you run through the Arb around 7 p.m., you run the risk of being chased by a herd of deer
![giphy.com](https://www.collegemagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/giphy-77.gif)
Nothing spikes your adrenaline quite like sprinting away from Bambi’s vengeful descendants.
9. The wolverine is not Michigan’s mascot. It’s the Canadian goose
![http://giphy.com/gifs/spongebob-squarepants-alone-aMrPTqJ3xFCrS ISOckXUybVfQ4.gif](https://www.collegemagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/ISOckXUybVfQ4.gif)
Conformity fights frostbite, folks. Join the Canada Goose jacket cult.
10. Boldness is rewarded
![yes](https://www.collegemagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/yes.gif)
Don’t be afraid to make the first move. If you want that guy’s number, pretend to be his No Thai delivery and get it.
11. If you’re not a certified hipster, some coffee shops will deny you at the door faster than Chris at Rick’s
![coffee](https://www.collegemagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/coffee.gif)
Confidence is the key to conquering both. If you want your Americano in an authentic mug, stop whining and put on a beanie, damnit.
12. Frat boys often travel in packs more frequently than females
![http://giphy.com/gifs/neighborsmovie-neighbors-movie-seth-rogen-bcIbxYQ9xSG8E zac-efron-neighbors-prank.gif](https://www.collegemagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/zac-efron-neighbors-prank.gif)
Bluetooth speakers are always in tow, along with unnecessary laughter.
13. North Quad is not the same thing as North Campus
![http://giphy.com/gifs/ifc-comedy-marc-maron-26AHt0TvAdfEUVxmM ifc](https://www.collegemagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/ifc.gif)
Step off the bus. Your professor’s office hours are just around the corner.
14. Spending eight hours in the library isn’t unusual—It’s called Wednesday
![study](https://www.collegemagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/study.gif)
Bring snacks if you want to survive. Maybe a pillow and blanket if you’re ambitious.
15. Making dinner is easy if you’re content with shoveling copious amounts of dry cereal into your mouth
![giphy.com](https://www.collegemagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/hungryy.gif)
Turns out the Special K Challenge doesn’t work when you eat the whole box.
16. If you pass a guy doting a leather satchel, he is most likely in law school
![http://giphy.com/gifs/the-hangover-dpiJeMFpZgucM satch](https://www.collegemagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/satch.gif)
Befriend him. He can help you get into the coffee shops.
17. Always wear headphones en route. Music is optional
![swag walk](https://www.collegemagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/swag-walk.gif)
Develop a “Swagger Walk to Class” playlist. “Old Thing Back” should definitely make the cut.
18. When the sun comes out, so do the hammocks
![http://giphy.com/gifs/sunny-portlandia-the-sun-ZNL0FvIcb0K6A lilywhite](https://www.collegemagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/lilywhite.gif)
Can’t find a tree? Post up on a porch.
19. Acai bowls are trendier than Adidas
![http://giphy.com/gifs/tina-fey-baby-mama-JmPqvk8zTF00U healthy](https://www.collegemagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/healthy.gif)
If you want to secure your social status, go to Amer’s and order a Berry Bowl.
20. Change is only synonymous with growth if you let it be
![http://giphy.com/gifs/gotham-d2ZdVCCrqt3XjjEc change](https://www.collegemagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/change.gif)
Seek new experiences and challenges. Take it from me, it’s a complete blast.