21 things the MBU class of ’21 should know
Words of wisdom from an MBU senior
New students will soon arrive to MBU’s campus and begin a life-changing journey. Some will stay four years, some only a couple years and others longer than four years. Most students come into college and learn as they begin to navigate through the years. Here are some things that current MBU students say incoming freshman should know.
1. Explore St. Louis.
MBU is located in a great city filled with great places to explore. Take advantage of all that the city has to offer, especially the free events. Here are some of our favorite things to do in the city.
2. Go to the free events on campus.
You can have a great time with your friends and there will likely be free food. Free food. Get the food.
3. Take all your Gen. Eds ASAP.
Unless you want to be a freshman during your senior year, go ahead and get Survey of Computing and World Literature out of the way.
4. Always have your order ready when you get to the counter at the Brio.
Unless you want to feel the wrath of Stefan, be prepared when deciding to get Brio for lunch. This will benefit you—and everyone else—waiting in line.
5. Take full advantage of the library printers.
Don’t waste money on a personal printer, paper and ink. Each student gets up to 100 pages a month, which is plenty unless you’re trying to print a novel (or the textbook).
6. Your life plan will change, just go with it.
You may think you have your life completely planned out which will more than likely get messed up and when it does, just go with it. No need to stress over your plan not working out, just figure out what happens next.
7. Go to sporting events.
Some of the best memories you’ll make will be cheering on fellow classmates while standing next to your best friends. Not to mention, we have teams that routinely make it into the national championship tournaments every year.
8. Find a church and get involved.
St. Louis has a ton of great churches. One great way to make sure you stay the course and keep a strong faith is to get involved in one of these local churches. You’ll be able to meet some great people off-campus and create long-lasting friendships.
9. Never, NEVER walk the wrong way through the exit in the caf.
Once you make this mistake one time, you’re sure not to make it again unless you want Ms. Karen coming after you in the middle of the busiest time in the caf. Always remember, what Ms. Karen says, goes.
10. Take a mid-day walk through the trails on your breaks.
Clear your mind and take a walk through the trails behind the chapel building. This can be a quick way to get away from the sometimes overwhelming responsibilities that comes with school.
11. The Student Activities spring break trip is a steal.
A total of $100 gets you a trip to Florida. FLORIDA. All you have to pay for is food while you’re there. What better way to spend spring break when you’re on a budget than on a beach in Florida?
12. Your professors really do care about you and are always willing to listen or help.
It’s always said but rarely believed. If you ever have an issue in a class or in life, professors at MBU truly do care about their students and their well-being. Also it won’t hurt getting to know your professors and them getting to know you, especially when it comes time to start looking for jobs after graduation.
13. Beware the tripping hazard that is the middle sidewalk in the quad.
Always pay attention when walking through the quad where one section of the sidewalk is uneven. 10/10 MBU students have tripped on this sidewalk.
14. Finding color printing on campus is like striking gold.
If you find access to one, keep it a secret.
15. You’ll receive applause any and every time you drop a plate or cup in the cafeteria.
It happens. Just embrace it.
16. It’s ok to change your major.
Most college students change their major. It’s ok to not know exactly what you’re wanting to do at 18. Find what you love to do and go for it. Don’t worry about what makes the most money, just figure out what makes you happy and go from there.
17. To the best of your ability, avoid those 8:00 a.m. Old and New Testament classes.
As interesting and worth-while these classes are, at 8:00 a.m. even the best student can struggle to fully comprehend what is being discussed. Stick to the later ones and you’re golden.
18. Make sure to be one of the first to thePerk: The Event and get one of the coveted coffee mugs.
The mugs go fast and you’ll be disappointed if you aren’t able to add (or begin) to your collection of these limited edition mugs.
19. Pay attention in chapel. You’ll be surprised what you can learn.
While chapel is required, make sure to pay attention because MBU has great speakers that can teach you some amazing things and help grow your spiritual walk.
20. As tempting as it may seem, don’t buy coffee everyday.
Having a coffee house on campus is great. But trust us, your bank account will thank you if you don’t get coffee everyday. While delicious, it becomes a very expensive habit.
21. Go with your friends on random adventures.
College will be some of the last times where you’re able to drop what you’re doing and go out with friends. Do it. Go get Taco Bell, go to Forest Park, Downtown, drive nowhere on a spontaneous road trip, just enjoy the time you have with your new friends because these next four years will fly by.
