—As a freshman you're only going to want to go to Van Pelt basement to "do work". Do not get sucked into this trap! I mean if you're idea of doing work is getting dressed up in your most fabulous "casual chic" outfit and updating your Facebook status to "wahh save me from this paper" every five minutes then go for it. However, I strongly suggest you check out your other library options from the get go. Don't be intimidated by the eerie quietness in Fisher Fine Arts. When it comes to college and homework, silence really is golden.
—The high rises' rooftop lounges, with their panoramic views of Philadelphia, are some of the most beautiful spots on campus. They can also be the most deadly. Well, deadly to other people, if by deadly you mean annoying. Here's a little trick to keep you entertained at others' expense; I've done it a couple times and always, always laughed my ass off. After sunset, go up to one of the three rooftop lounges with a strong laser pointer. Then, ducked down, shine it on and around pedestrians. Their confusion is delicious. Watch and awe as they stop, do a double–take, grab themselves in fear, turn around a couple times and finally shake their fists up at you in anger. So simple, yet so satisfying.
—Gia at noon is basically the Santa Monica Fred Segal scene. Don’t go on laundry day.
—Say funny things to people flyering on Locust. They often aren’t there under their own free will.
—This might be the opposite of a secret, but: Reply is not equal to Reply All.
—Are the same old campus bars getting you down? Does the lack of "supreme" nachos and festive decor leave a hole in your soul? Are you from the Midwest? If you answered "yes" to any of these (or even if you didn't), head to Chili's, Penn's best–kept "casual dining" secret on 36th and Chestnut. It's a nice change of pace from the usual; plus, you can order a couple beers and an endless order of chips for about the price of a single beer at Tap House.
—Being extra nice to the people that work at the dining halls makes you look pretty cool. Also, it’s nice to be nice.
—Get on some random listservs just for fun.
—Get a house account with Marc at Cream & Sugar (40th and Spruce) and you may get free candy.
Read our entire NSO Freshman Guide here.
