Q&A with Allison Anderson

Allison Anderson says planning is the best way a prospective freshman can get through his or her first year. Oh, and a shower caddie.

MAJOR: Psychology
HOMETOWN: Zionsville, Ind.
DORM: Collins

Q: If you could give one piece of advice to new freshmen, what would it be?
 
A: My advice would be to just don’t compare yourself to anyone else. You’re going to get there, and it will be hard to settle in at first, and no matter what there’s a place for everyone here. I just think that IU has a lot of different types of communities. Just relax and have a good time. Be open to meeting new people.

Q: How were you able to fit in?

A: Try to find a place with people with similar interests. Really it’s about talking to new people. Introduce yourself and also go the Welcome Week events. If you’re there at the beginning, everyone is trying to meet new people, so you’re all in the same boat.

Q: What do you know now that you wish you would have known earlier?

A: A shower caddie is really useful. It saves a lot of time in the shower. You don’t have to bring everything and then unload it. I had a cloth bag at first, but a shower caddie can just stick in the shower with you, and your showers are a lot shorter.

Q: What other things should people remember to bring or leave behind?

A: You think that you need a lot of clothes, but you really don’t need to bring your whole wardrobe. It doesn’t fit in your closet and in your drawers. There’s only so much space in a tiny dorm room. The less clothes you have, the less laundry you have to do all the time.

Q: What has surprised you this year? What didn’t you expect?

A: Classes are difficult, but it’s nice because they don’t meet every day. You have more time to do things, but you have to be responsible because it’s also a lot more intense. I mean, just go to class. Make sure you make enough time and figure out what works for you. Find a good place to study.