Walk on the Wilde Side: Advice for Freshmen

Now that the class of 2029 has done a bit of settling in, I think it’s time to make my return. Sure, the first years might have already attended an entire week of carefully scheduled panel discussions, Mammoth circles, and advice seminars, but the real learning has yet to happen. As such, I hope to use this column for good and to spread some Amherst advice as I reflect on my first year at the college on the hill. 

Making Friends

To begin, I’m sure that you have by now exhausted the readily available script: “Hi, I’m [insert name], I’m from [city, state, country]. I’m (maybe?) going to study [major].” By now, you might have already found your crew and don’t feel the need to branch out, but if that isn’t the case (or even if it is), here are some tried-and-true conversation topics for you to test out during your friend-making escapades: 

1. What is the process for getting a driver’s license in your state?
2. What’s your go-to bagel order (especially loaded for New York natives)? 
3. If you were on Dancing with the Stars, who would your dance celebrity partner be?
4. Do you believe in God?
5. Which of your parents are you more like? How do you feel about that?

Exploring Majors

Take full advantage of the liberal arts education!  You may have an idea of what you want to study, but Amherst’s open curriculum demands exploration. Hop on over to the other side of the STEM/Humanities aisle and find out what life is like beyond late nights in the science center or Frost Library. If your original plans don’t work out and you’re rushing to find a major, don’t worry, the math department’s got you!

While I’ve never taken any of these classes myself, I’m happy to supply some recommendations for a few great introductory classes at Amherst for otherwise STEM-oriented students:

1. LJST: I’ve heard that “Arendt’s Judgments” is a cult classic with a light reading load once you get past the first 477 pages of “The Origins of Totalitarianism”. 
2. Classics: “Introduction to Ancient Greek” is a breeze; name a few UMass sororities and you’re already halfway through the Greek alphabet. 
3. Political Science: Any class analyzing Marx, Nietzsche, or Freud should be pretty light work. 

I’m also happy to supply a few classes I’ve heard Amherst STEM students raving about for the humanities kids trying to branch out! 

1. Physics: “Oscillations and Waves” has been mentioned as a really good intro to physics course.
2. Math: Pretty sure “Proofs” is just a lot of writing — perfect for a curious humanities student!
3. Chemistry: While there are murmurs that CHEM-155 is a “weed-out class,” I’ve heard what it really does is help students grow into their full blossoming potential. 

Navigating Campus

While I know the Mammoth Mobile map is a helpful tool, the Amherst campus can still be a bit of a maze for newcomers. Because of this, I figured some basic geography and navigation instructions could be beneficial. 

Amherst building names themselves have been the cause of many lost first-years and confused wanderers. Let me break down some of the major danger areas:

1. Yes: Morrow, Moore, and Morris Pratt are all right next to each other — good luck!
2. No: Seelye House and Seeley Mudd aren’t named after the same person and are, in fact, different buildings, how silly!
3. But, yes: Charles and Morris Pratt are related, father-son goals???
4. No: There isn’t an actual zoo on Amherst’s or UMass’s campus.

Beyond that, while many have their coveted study spots, I feel compelled to share a few recommendations as midterms approach:

1. Frost C-level: A place where you can truly lose all track of time and really dive into your work — no windows, no problem! 
2. Third-floor Frost clear cages: The more you feel like everyone is watching you, the less likely you are to slack off.
3. Val: preferably a booth during peak dining hours. Don’t be intimidated into letting people take spots at your table — those are reserved for your books! 
4. The whole Science Center: a new home away from home! Where else can you stay a whole 24 hours without leaving?

For all the first years who are still figuring their way around campus, I hope that my insights give you a little something more to work with. Best wishes!