New college, new life, new you.
I know people say this about every university, but Southern Methodist University is truly unlike any other. Located in the heart of Dallas, SMU embraces esteemed professors from around the world, a comfortable and diverse milieu at every turn, and immaculate lawn care.
Now, if you’re not impressed by our incredibly well-kept Dallas Hall Lawn – which you should be – we also have some of the best Greek life in the nation, a student center with hundreds of ways to get involved around campus, and the deadliest mascot in the world, our badass black stallion Peruna.
You’re excited, I’m excited that you’re excited, and we’re all excited about SMU. You might be concerned about how you’ll contribute to the culture at SMU, so allow me to offer some advice on how to fit in at your wonderful new home.
1. Don’t step on the Dallas Hall Seal
The Seal is the official university seal embedded in the floor in Dallas Hall. You will most definitely have classes in Dallas Hall, and if you value a degree from SMU, you will not step on the Seal. Tradition states that whoever steps on the Seal before graduation will not graduate. I made that mistake once. I cried in my dorm for two semesters. Don’t do it.
2. Respect the sprinklers
SMU sprinklers will strike out of nowhere. At any time, day or night, sprinklers will rise from the ground and ambush any and all who walk in their path. No one is excluded from their wrath; students, faculty and staff are fair game. When it hits you, simply take it and be proud because once you’ve been soaked by the SMU sprinklers, you’re officially a Mustang.
3. Wear Vineyard Vines
If there’s any way to determine that someone attends SMU, it’s if they wear Vineyard Vines. The hallmark apparel for Mustangs, the Vineyard Vines whale finds itself on an overwhaleming number of students. If you don’t believe me, whale, I guess you’ll have to see for yourself.
4. Don a Louis Vuitton
Why slug a simple backpack around your shoulders when you can parade around with a Louis Vuitton? Some may ask, “What should I keep in my $2,000 handbag?” In class, I’ve seen girls pull out books, makeup, a straightener, a Katy Perry CD, Starbucks drinks, sushi, another Louis Vuitton and a pair of Uggs. Feel free to leave your bag unattended – no one will steal it because everyone already has one.
5. Be you
You’re now in college, a new home with a new life, and the best way to add to the great culture of SMU is to simply be you. If you’re outgoing, be outgoing; if you’re shy, be shy. We have clubs for almost all interests and hobbies you can think of. And if we don’t, start a club yourself and I guarantee more Mustangs will join. If you enjoy sports, join an intramural team. If you like volunteering, join Mustang Heroes. If you like writing, write for the SMU’s newspaper The Daily Campus.
Ignore numbers one through four and just be you: an individual, a proud Mustang and most importantly, a world changer.
