Congrats!
You’ve made it past the land of curfews and dance chaperones! Now that you’re an official Coug, it’s time for some survival guidelines.
First things first: DO NOT wear any form of University of Washington apparel. You will get booed and be publicly humiliated in front of your peers. Prepare to develop “Cougar Calves”. W-S-U was built on a series of rolling hills and you will hike up these hills all day. Until you earn “Cougar Calf Immunity” your legs will feel like that questionable noodle dish they served in your high school cafeteria. Power-naps are essential to combat this intense leg training. Also, you likely won’t get the opportunity to nap again until you’re about 65…so stock up.
It’s ok if you don’t know what you want to major in. And it’s ok to change your major. Regardless of the salary or job title, or what your parents want you to major in, find something you love, and do that. Talk to your professors. These people are amazing mentors, and most of them are cool with you calling them by their first name.
Procrastination does not work for everyone. I once wrote a 20-page paper in five hours the morning it was due so I really can’t advise much on the matter; but I will tell you cramming all night for an exam does not work. Get sleep. P.S. I got an A- on that paper…but after a good nights rest. 
Stock up on warm clothes. I can’t describe to you how impossibly cold it gets here during the winter. Invest in some boots- no, not Uggs, I mean REAL boots- with traction. I am proud to say, thanks to my Napoleon Dynamite-esque boots, I never fell on the ice-ridden sidewalks of W-S-U. You will probably fall at least once. Brace yourself.
You have access to a ton of FREE or nearly free opportunities; use these resources to your advantage. Join a student group, rent movies from the library, seek help from tutors, take the bus, workout or swim at the rec center. Not everybody is so lucky to have these amenities within reach.
Take a lot of pictures but don’t tag yourself in ALL of them. You never know who is creeping on your Facebook profile. Do not attempt to use a fake i.d.. The bar bouncers and cashiers know what’s up. You will get caught. Wait until your 21st birthday to go to bar…it’s worth the wait!
If you choose to engage in the party scene, BE CAREFUL! But know this: Busch Light is the preferred beer of W-S-U. If you’re a dude, always have a five-dollar bill handy. This is the standard cost to attend a party and it generally guarantees you one can of 11-cent beer. A five-dollar bill will also get you a taxi ride home from just about anywhere in Pullman.
BYOB is a must. You may notice individuals walking around with backpacks well after school hours; I can assure you most of them are not heading to the library. Learn from these people. Multipurpose your backpack and use it to carry your celebration supplies. Ladies, may I suggest a big purse? If you eat at the CUB prepare for a long line at Starbucks, Panda Express and Subway. If you’re in a rush, grab something to-go and eat in class. Yes, you can eat in class! *GASP* If you have extra time The Coug has amazing burgers! It’s a bar but minors are allowed to be there until 9pm. *BONUS* You will sound like a badass when you tell your old high-school friends you were at the bar! Late night dining? Don’t trust Jack-In-The-Box. They are not really open 24-hours so plan your appetite accordingly. Dissmore’s, however, IS open 24-hours.
Don’t be afraid to ask for directions, help or advice. We’re all Cougs and we’re all willing to help out however we can. Be courteous to everybody. You’d be surprised at what a small world it is, you will run into these people later in life. Final note: These really are the best years of your life and there’s no better way to spend them than as a COUG!
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