The transition from middle school to highschool is already a pretty big language gap, but the transition from high school to college is even bigger. There are different names for everything and everyone. Most of which you'll have mastered by the end of your first semester!
1. The Quad : (noun) ; This is usually the center grounds of your campus. Everyone meets here to chill, eat, do homework, stroll, fundraise, etc. Students will be lying in the grass, swinging on hammocks, tossing beaned bags, throwing around a football, or all of the above. It's even more of an experience if you're attending an HBCU - there may very well be someone grilling up hot dogs, blasting J Cole and congregating like its a backyard BBQ.
2. GDI : (noun) ; God D*mn Individual or God D*mn Independent. This is a term that most Greek Organizations use to rudely categorize those that are not apart of a sorority or fraternity. Take no offense to it, it isn't personal at all.
3. Divine Nine : (noun) ; These are the nine, illustrious sororities and fraternities of the African-American culture. They include Delta Sigma Theta, Zeta Phi Beta, Alpha Phi Alpha, Phi Beta Sigma, Sigma Gamma Rho, Alpha Kappa Alpha, Omega Psi Phi, Kappa Alpha Psi, Iota Phi Theta.
4. Darty : (noun) ; A Day Party. Usually starts anywhere from 9AM until about 4 in the afternoon. BE RESPONSIBLE KIDS!
5. Freshman 15 : (noun) ; It's assumed, and most times proven, that during your first year in undergrad you'll end up gaining about fifteen pounds from all of the lounging, partying and eating. Not everyone gains it so don't worry!
6. Intramural : (noun) ; If you are into sports but couldn't exactly make the cut for the actual teams at your school, there are student sports organizations that allow you to be just as active in your sport of choice.
7. Office Hours : (noun) ; These are one on one meetings between you and your professor when they're available in their office throughout the week to talk about homework, tests, grades, etc. These are vital. Most students do not take advantage of office hours until it's too late. USE YOUR OFFICE HOURS!
8. Welcome Week : (noun) ; This is for the freshman, mainly. It's full of activities, parties, events, outings, fun, exploration... and then you realize it was all a scam, lol. It may still be an enjoyable experience for the next four years, but the welcome week is an exaggeration to get the students excited about being at university.
And there you have it, folks.
The Basics.
If there are any other terms that incoming students should know, please feel free to comment them below!
Favor, Peace & Blessings
Mimi
Jermesha Striblet
www.browngirlproverb.com