May 31 2019 • Volume 105, FASET ORIENTATION GUIDE • nique.

net

Design by Beatrice Domingo Student Publications

2 • May 31, 2019 • technique FRESHMAN SURVIVAL GUIDE //WELCOME

technique
The South’s Liveliest College Newspaper

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF:
Zoie Konneker

ZOIE KONNEKER
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
Whether Georgia Tech was
your first choice, or you were like
me and Tech was your very last
choice, the next four -- or five,
or six -- will be life-changing. If
you come out of your Tech expe-
rience the same person you were
before you picked up this paper,
well, then you’re doing some-
thing seriously wrong.
Let go of all the expectations
you had for your college experi-
ence because Tech is different.
One of the most important as-
pects of the Institute is the pleth-
ora of options you have now as a
student. There is a vast sea of op-
portunities for you now -- study-
ing abroad to a place you never
thought you’d see with your own
eyes, changing majors and seek-
ing your passions, finding a mi-
nor that sets you ahead of other
people in your desired industry,
joining endless clubs that bring
you closer to like-minded (and
very unlike-minded!) people and
connecting with professors that
will steer you in brand new di-
rections.
It is important to not let
these opportunities pass you by,
but equally as such to be sure to
avoid burnout. My motto going
into college was “no regrets,”
but not in a typical way. If you
are considering skipping out on
something, think to yourself,
“Will I regret not going later?”
If the answer is yes, participate!
But if the answer is no and you
need some time to yourself to
relax then that’s good too! Take
care of yourself, but seek adven-
ture and lasting relationships
along the way as well.
Tech is made up of the best
kind of people: determined, am-
bitious learners with open minds
and hearts, but also the worst.
The most important advice I can
give to you is to surround your-
self with those who want to lift
you up and see you grow. Fresh-
man year can be hard, especially
if you’re coming from out-of-
state or are wanting to start
fresh after a tumultuous time
in high school, but it gets easier
with every friend you make. Put
yourself on the mailing list, form
study groups, go to the campus
organization fairs and never stop
meeting new people. You never
know how these groups will pro-
pel you toward the person you
are destined to be in the long
run.
On a more serious note, Geor-
gia Tech is rough. The academics
are rigorous, regardless of major,
and sometimes it is hard to look
at your GPA on Buzzport. Know
that you are not alone. In fact,
there are hundreds if not thou-
sands of other students like you
who need support and reassur-
MANAGING EDITOR:
Will Finch
ance that no matter what it looks NEWS EDITOR:
like, it is most important to just Jonathan Jeffrey
do your best. Your best, whether OPINIONS EDITOR:
that’s a C+ in an LMC Elective
Vivian Wang
class or a D- in Chemistry, is al-
LIFE EDITOR:
ways enough.
Jaimee Francis
Take failures in stride; fail-
ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR:
ures are the best way to learn.
Josh Trebuchon
And that’s why we’re here, SPORTS EDITOR:
isn’t it? We take the hard class- Emily Dykstra
es, we do the time-consuming DESIGN EDITOR:
extracurriculars, we push our- Beatrice Domingo
selves outside our comfort zones PHOTO EDITOR:
to make friends so that we can Taylor Gray
learn -- not just about our ma- ONLINE EDITOR:
jor, but about ourselves and the Baylee Friedman
world around us. WEB DEVELOPER:
With that, I want to welcome Jahziel Villasana-Espinoza
you to Tech. Like I said, the HEAD COPY EDITOR:
next four years are going to be Avni Shridhar
life-changing, but in the most
exciting and wonderful of ways.
Good luck, freshman.
Founded in 1911, the Technique is the
Us upperclassmen will be student newspaper of the Georgia In-
here, at least for a little while, if stitute of Technology and is an official
you need us. publication of the Georgia Tech Board
of Student Publications. The Technique
publishes on Fridays weekly in the fall

The History of the Technique

The ‘Nique, as we call ourselves, had its humble
beginnings on Nov. 17, 1911. Apparently, we were
just as preoccupied back then as we are now with
our football rivalry against U[sic]GA — our first issue
revolved around an upcoming game against our old
foe (a game that we lost, incidentally) and featured an
article by legendary coach John Heisman.
At the time, we were Tech’s second student news-
paper, preceded by The Georgia Tech. In 1916, the
papers merged, and since our name survived, we like
to pride ourselves on being Tech’s longest running
student newspaper.
We have chronicled everything from the first ap-
pearance of George P. Burdell on Tech’s rosters in
and spring and biweekly in the summer.
ADVERTISING: Information can be
found online at nique.net/ads. The dead-
line for reserving ad space is Friday at
1920 to the peaceful, voluntary desegregation of the 5 p.m. one week before publication. To
Institute in 1961. Of course, we have kept up faith- place a reservation, for billing informa-
tion or for any other questions please e-
ful coverage of Tech sporting events, including the
mail us at ads@nique.net. You may reach
222–0 whopper of a football victory (the largest col- us at (404) 894-2830, Monday through
lege football victory in history) over Cumberland Col- Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
lege in 1916.
Today, we are published monthly during the sum- COVERAGE REQUESTS : Requests for
mer and weekly during the fall and spring semesters, coverage and tips should be submitted to
with the exception of “Dead Week,” Finals Week and the Editor-in-Chief and/or the relevant
Spring Break. Around 30 students keep our paper run- section editor.
ning year-round, and of course, we always welcome
Copyright © 2019, Zoie Konneker,
new writers, photographers and editors, so please Editor-in-Chief, and the Georgia Tech
come check us out if you are interested. We meet at Board of Student Publications. No part
7 p.m. on Tuesdays in the Flag Building Room 137. of this paper may be reproduced in any
manner without written permission from

Fast Facts: the Editor-in-Chief or from the Board of

Student Publications. The ideas expressed
herein are those of the individual authors
• Circulation: 7,000 papers/week • We want you to join us! and do not necessarily represent the views
of the Board of Student Publications, the

• New issues come out every Friday • Check us out at nique.net

students, staff or faculty of the Georgia
Institute of Technology or the University
System of Georgia. First copy free — for
additional copies call (404) 894-2830

sliver
nique.net

If you ate a saxophone, it would become a snacksophone.

can you guys flippin sliver PLEASE
Teeks beware
Tradition is just peer pressure from dead people.
“Remember you’re not the worst, Grad students are the worst”
Don’t share bottles! 1 in 6 people have herpes
Are we “F*ck them kids” or not?
Who knew Teen Titans Go! To The Movies would be so good
with words
<air guitar strumming intensifies>
One can only hope to be a goldfish on Elmo’s World
Whenever people talk about their fakes, i dont know if there talk-
ing about finsta’s or id’s
Your hands smell like coffee but your fingers smell like coconut
I’m scared but please don’t ever hug me
Get away from me poopy
Why is our cat a monster, we have fed her until she’s started to
burst at the seams
21&up is only a suggestion
What even are non-GMO pretzels
Can Pride Month Get Here Already
I need to find another fortune teller to tell me that I’m a rockstar
so I know it’s true.
Thinking someone is a model is the best compliment if it comes
from little kids
The nique must really be fishing for views if they’re putting little
kids on their podcast
//RESOURCES FRESHMAN SURVIVAL GUIDE technique • May 31, 2019 3

JAIMEE FRANCIS ACADEMICS

LIFE EDITOR
Congratulations on joining the
Tech community!
Between emails, flyers, FASET,
and more, you have had tons of
information thrown at you in a
short time span. The Technique is
here to clear up that information
overload and to help guide you
around campus. (A friendly tip is
to download the GT Portal app
on your phone, as you can access
important information such as
the bus schedule, course websites,
and a campus map. To the hungry
reader, despair not: food will be
covered in its own article!).
HEALTH AND WELLBEING
The Clough Undergraduate
Learning Commons (Clough) is
one of the first places to visit for
academic assistance. There you
can find 1-to-1 tutoring and Peer-
Led Undergraduate Study sessions
through the Center for Academic
Success. Within Clough, you can
also find the Communication
Center, which offers feedback on
papers, presentations, and even
resumes. It can also be helpful
to find a place outside your dorm
to study: sometimes a change of
scenery works wonders for mo-
tivation. Nice study spots can be
found within the Price Gilbert
Library, the Clough, and the Stu-
dent Center.
Photo by Taylor Gray Student Publications

Balancing school, work, fam-
ily, friends, and extracurriculars
can get tough, but seeking sup-
port can often help us overcome
these challenges. Tech offers a
variety of support found within
Stamps Health Services (Stamps),
the Flag Building, and the Center
for Student Diversity and Inclu-
sion. Stamps is located next to
the Campus Recreation Center
and includes services for primary
care, pharmacy, women’s health,
psychiatry, radiology, and dietary
needs.
Additional support for well-
being can be found in the Flag
Building, which is opposite of the
Student Center and Ferst Cen-
ter for the Arts. Flag features the
Counseling Center, Office of Dis-
ability Services, LGTBQIA Re-
source Center, and more.
The Center for Student Di-
versity and Inclusion provides
additional programs and other
pathways to success for under-
represented minority groups as
well as women students on Tech’s
campus.
STUDENT LIFE
There is much more to the
college experience than just aca-
demics. The Student Center hosts
activities such as bowling at Tech
Rec, musical exploration at Under
the Couch, and creative fun at Pa-
per and Clay. The Campus Recre-
ation Center includes an aquatic
center, rock climbing wall, gym
equipment, classes, and sports
fields. Tech Green is a popular
place for students to enjoy nice
weather outdoors, while Tech
Square offers many shops and res-
taurants.
FRIENDS
If you need advice on life, help
with class, or someone to distress
with, the value of having a friend
cannot be understated. Mean-
ingful support often comes from
those who know us best, and the
most enjoyable experiences are of-
ten shared with those special peo-
ple by our side. With over 26,000
people on campus, it is splendid to
think of how many unique indi-
viduals we will get to know.
Pictured above is one of the many Tech Trolleys, which run from the mid-
town MARTA station to the always busy Transit Hub next to the Student Center.
JAIMEE FRANCIS
LIFE EDITOR
Coke or Pepsi? Dogs or cats?
Facebook or Twitter? Not even
these pressing questions compare
to the debate that is spurred by
discussing campus transporta-
tion. Tech is rife with people
who are exclusive to one mode
of transportation and one mode
only, shunning any other alterna-
tive. The Technique is here to shed
some light on this debate and offer
some flexibility in traveling.
The bus system is a popular
mode of transportation. Its routes
and schedule can be found on the
GT Portal App, albeit with some
hiccups in timing. Because buses
are often off-schedule and incon-
sistent, buses are not recommend-
ed for those running late.
However, buses are useful for
those who allocate sufficient time,
as the campus is quite large to
traverse. Various buses also come
in handy for off-campus destina-
tions: there is a shuttle to Emory,
a weekend bus to the Atlantic
Station Publix, and a Tech Trol-
ley which stops at the Midtown
MARTA station. The Midnight
Rambler, operating every 20 min-
utes from 9 p.m. to past 3 a.m., is
also recommended for those who
need to travel past dark.
Bicycles are another popular
way to travel around Tech. GT
Starter Bikes, located in the CRC
parking garage, sells and repairs
bikes. Bikers can even register
their bikes with the Georgia Tech
Police Department (GTPD). The
GTPD also hosts classes on bike
laws and safety. Scooters, such as
those by Bird and Lime, are also
available on campus. Although
they are rapidly increasing in
popularity, many users are un-
aware that GTPD treats these
scooters as vehicles under state
law. In order to ensure safety for
yourself and those around you, it
is important to know the rules of
the vehicles you choose to operate.
If you happen to attend a GTPD
bike safety classes, know that it
might also contain some scooter
safety tips.
Despite the different methods
of transportation offered, walk-
ing is still a popular way to get
around campus. It not only serves
as a form of physical activity, but
it is also a quick way to explore the
campus.
Although it is tempting to look
down at a phone buzzing with no-
tifications, walking offers a chance
to destress and enjoy the small
amount of time students have be-
tween classes. It provides a chance
to get to know the more than
12,000 trees that certify Tech as
Tree Campus USA, to learn more
about sustainability from the 15
LEED Certified buildings or to
discover any of the hidden gems
waiting for you throughout the
metro area.
4 • May 31, 2019 • technique
TAMIR GONEN COHEN
CONTRIBUTING WRITER
Tech’s location in the middle
of Midtown comes with its perks.
So, the Technique has put togeth-
er a list of some of these off cam-
pus gems for incoming freshman
new to the Atlanta area.
Opened for the 1996 summer
Olympic Games, the Centennial
Olympic Park is located in down-
town Atlanta. It houses multiple
Olympic monuments, alongside
beautiful green spots. It is as full
of history as it is lovely to walk
around.
Nature lovers will also love the
expansive Piedmont Park just off
of the rainbow crosswalk. This
beautiful spot of nature is located
right in the middle of the Mid-
town area. Within the park are
jogging paths, outdoor fields, gar-
dens, and more. It is perfect for a
walk, a picnic, and so much more.
The same people might like the
Palisades Trail. This part of the
Chattahoochee River National
Recreation Area is located on the
eastern side. It is home to a unique
combination of mountains on the
river banks.
And finally, one of the most
popular outdoors locations, Stone
Mountain. A world renowned lo-
cation, this is good for anything
ranging from casual walks to in-
tense hiking. The stunning views
never disappoint.
For those that like good views
and air conditioning, visit the
High Museum of Art. A renowned
art museum, they constantly host
new artists and exhibitions. They
even offer free admissions the sec-
ond Sunday of every month from
12 p.m. until 5 p.m.
For more history, check out
the World of Coca-Cola. There is
a reason that Pepsi is not allowed
on Tech’s campus! This building,
which tells the story of the Coca-
Cola company, can always be
seen on campus. The company’s
president Robert Woodruff, was a
Georgia Tech Alum.
Last but not least of Atlanta’s
bigger landmarks, the iconic
Ponce City Market provides an
experience anyone could enjoy.
An impressive historic building
turned into a modern open space,
this is a great spot to get a light
snack or a heavy meal and to
browse the wide variety of shops.
But one of the main appeals of
a big, diverse city like Atlanta is
the chance to find its food gems,
many of which are coincidentally
close to campus.
One of these is Antico’s, a pop-
ping pizzeria known for its huge
and delicious authentic Italian
pizza. Communal seating makes
it all the more fun.
Another option for students
that like ethnic options for food is
Satto Thai & Sushi Bar. A quick
two minute walk from campus,
Thai classics and sushi rolls are
served in modern setting. Most
importantly, Monday and Tues-
days are ‘$1 Student Sushi Nights!’
As for groceries, there is a
Whole Foods next to campus
for students’ healthy or organic
needs. Recently opened, this is
the biggest Whole Foods in the
Southeast. Spanning multiple
floors, it even has a roof garden
with a dining area.
In addition to great places for
spending your free time and lunch
money, the key to a healthy stu-
FRESHMAN SURVIVAL GUIDE
dent life is finding great places to
study off-campus.
Honey Bubble is one such
café. This generally quiet location
serves an endless variety of milk
and clear bubble teas, along with
some sweet bites. Plus, there are
multiple couches for study breaks!
Another great café is Sweet Hut
Bakery. As stated on the Sweet
Hut wall: “stressed spelled back-
wards is desserts!” This upscale
bakery offers East Asian sweet
buns, savory bites and bubble teas.
And finally, the staple of any
college lifestyle is a Starbucks.
While a very familiar brand, the
one on Peachtree is branded as a
‘vintage’ one with its unique de-
sign and extra space. As a fresh-
man, you are in the perfect posi-
tion to go out and explore all these
off-campus highlights!
Design by Beatrice Domingo
JAIMEE FRANCIS
LIFE EDITOR
The chances you will be able
to fit every belonging of yours
into your freshman dorm is pretty
slim. Deciding between what to
bring and what not to bring can
be a challenge, but despair not:
The Technique is here to help re-
mind you of some must-haves for
your new room.
MULTI-OUTLETS
Not only is a multi-outlet a
great item to have you in your
room for all of your different ap-
pliances, but they also come in
handy around campus. Trying
to find a spot in the library or
the CULC next to an outlet is no
easy task, and if you have multiple
things you want to plug in, the
task becomes more difficult. For-
tunately, multi-outlets can help
you share what was once a single
outlet with a new friend, and can
help you find a place to plug in all
of your different electronics you
need to conquer the day.
technique
Join the
Technique
Flags Bldg 137 t Writers, Designers, Photographers
// TIPS&TRICKS
DESK LAMP
For many freshmen college
is their first experience sharing
a room with someone else. You
most likely won’t share the exact
same schedule as your new room-
mate, but don’t let that stand in
the way of your ambitions. Bring-
ing a desk lamp will give you flex-
ibility to work around both you
and your roommate’s schedule.
UMBRELLA
Those not familiar with hu-
mid weather will soon have learn
how to manage the Atlanta rain.
While poor weather conditions
are more easily avoided in high
school, walking across campus in
a monsoon is almost unavoidable.
An umbrella does make that walk
through the storm slightly more
enjoyable, and with the unpre-
dictably of Georgia weather, you’ll
never know when one will hit!
REMINDERS OF THINGS PAST
Although we all love sunny
days (and this time, we are not
just referring to the weather),
sometimes it does rain.
Having a favorite childhood
stuffed animal or an especially
thoughtful letter from a loved one
can help add a little light to those
stormy days. More than that, re-
gardless of external factors, these
old keepsakes can help keep you
grounded and make you feel more
at home in your new room.
SOMETHING NEW!
We all have those interests that
we would like to start pursuing,
but never found the time. The
more flexible schedule college of-
fers provides the perfect time to
try these new things. Have you
been wanting to start sketching,
or have you been hoping to run a
half-marathon?
Now is the time to bring
that sketchbook or those run-
ning shoes and to start exploring
new paths!
/thenique
@the_nique
nique.net
//SPORTS FRESHMAN SURVIVAL GUIDE technique • May 31, 2019 5

ESSENTIAL SPORTING EVENTS
JOHN EDWARDS
ASSISTANT SPORTS EDITOR
The “Tech Experience” is unquantifiable.
One cannot seek it out or mark down when
it will happen on a calendar – instead, the
“Tech Experience” is the sort of thing that
is sprung upon students without warning,
while simultaneously leaving one anticipat-
ing the next surprise. Getting the most out
of your personal Tech experience involves
seeing all that Tech has to offer, including
Tech Athletics. Here are the quintessential
Tech sporting events that are must-see expe-
riences for freshmen.
TECH VOLLEYBALL
Typically the first sporting event on the
Jackets’ calendar entering the fall semester,
Tech volleyball games serve as a warm in-
troduction to Tech sports. The games have
a fun and lively atmosphere, the band plays
all of the songs which incoming freshmen
learned during convocation, and spectators
can get in on the fun by screaming along
with the crowd, “Point Tech!”. Tech’s sched-
ule for the upcoming season has yet to be
announced, but the Jackets tend to host
several home games early in the semester –
a great chance to bust out that free t-shirt
someone gave you in exchange for your
email address at FASET orientation.
TECH FOOTBALL
There is no greater and storied tradition
than Tech football, although it has had a
tumultuous past few years. From head
coaches John Heisman – yes, that Heisman
– to the newly retired Paul Johnson, Tech
has a long history of success on the gridiron,
a trend which new head coach Geoff Col-
lins seeks to continue. As evidenced by the
record-breaking attendance of Tech’s spring
game, Yellow Jacket fans are excited for the
new regime, even if it takes Tech until the
incoming freshmen’s fifth year to win a
bowl game. For the authentic Tech football
experience, expect a 2 p.m. start time, and
bring sunscreen.
TECH BASKETBALL
Aside from your own academic prog-
ress report, no other aspect of Tech can
serve a student as much of an emotional
rollercoaster as Tech basketball, the perfect
team for losing games that they are not sup-
posed to and winning games in which they
seemed to never have a chance. The outlook
of Tech’s program changes like the weather,
but with most of last year’s squad return-
ing and maturing, there is reason to hope
that maybe – just maybe! – the Jackets will
scratch the surface of being good next year.
McCamish Pavilion is at its most spectacu-
lar against ACC opponents, so for the best
experience, plan to wait two hours in line in
the freezing cold outside the stadium for the
chance to see Tech blow yet another half-
time lead against Duke. But hey, the airball
chants are fun, right?
TECH BASEBALL
Looking to take things a little slower?
Baseball always feels like the game where
you can kick back on a warm day and re-
lax while watching the birds fly overhead –
but not at Russ Chandler Stadium, though
not for lack of birds. There is no relaxing
for Tech baseball. There are only dingers –
lots and lots of dingers. As one of the best
squads in the country this past year, Tech
baseball’s high-powered offense has primed
the Jackets for a deep postseason run. Keep
an eye out for the Jackets as they continue
into the NCAA postseason with an end
goal of reaching the College World Series
which takes place at Omaha in mid-June.
WHY GEOFF COLLINS?
EMILY DYKSTRA
SPORTS EDITOR
Incoming freshmen may have heard
about the recent retiring of Tech’s former
head coach of football, Paul Johnson, but
who is the new face taking his place? Geoff
Collins rebranded the Tech image in his
first few months as the new coaching fig-
urehead of the Jackets by stressing “Three-
Stripe Life” as a nod to Adidas and pushing
a heavier presence on social media thanks to
the football marketing department. Along
with his quick adoption of the Atlanta cul-
ture that appears throughout and around
campus, Collins wasted no time making a
name for himself as a recruiting superstar.
The coaching staff as a whole seems young-
er, possibly due to Collins’ youthful appear-
ance and constant energy on the field, the
latter of which is reflected through the new-
found excitement of both incoming and cur-
rent players. Coaches are “mic’d up” during
practices, similar to what is done with play-
ers in the National Football League, to give
fans a glimpse of the daily work and grind
of the team. This implementation adds an
element of intensity to a collegiate program
that did not perform up to expectations to-
wards the end of Johnson’s tenure.
Collins played football at Western Caro-
lina as a linebacker before making his way
up the coaching chain, a process which is
often a long and winding road, but one in
which the rewards can be astronomical.
After coaching as an assistant at his alma
mater, he moved to Franklin High School
within the state of North Carolina to take
on a similar role. He then served a multi-
tude of stints in a variety of position-spe-
cific coaching gigs, including a few years
at Georgia Tech as a graduate assistant be-
tween 1999 and 2001. After a promotion at
Tech to tight ends coach, Collins returned
to Western Carolina as a defensive coordi-
nator. Something about the Flats drew him
back to Atlanta yet again for a single year in
2006 before he traveled to Alabama, Flori-
da, and other schools to sharpen his skills,
coaching players such as Keanu Neal and
a number of All-Americans along the way.
Before landing the position of head
coach for the Jackets, Collins was named
the head coach at Temple University in De-
cember 2016. He led the Owls to the pro-
gram’s first bowl win since 2011 at the 2017
Gasparilla Bowl, which is a good indicator
of what he may be able to accomplish in his
first year with the Jackets. Switching coach-
ing staff can be tricky, especially when the
former coach stuck to the infrequently seen
triple-option as Johnson did; however, Col-
lins seems to be as fit for the job as anyone
could be.
As a native of the Atlanta area, Collins
has represented Waffle House and the “404”
area code since his position was announced,
creating hats and “swag” for fans. He drew a
record-breaking crowd to the spring game,
even during a busy finals week that typi-
cally takes heavy precedence. Between his
work, the energy of the newly hired coach-
ing staff and the ever-growing vision for the
Tech Athletics programs that Athletic Di-
rector Todd Stansbury possesses, the Jack-
ets are in good hands going into the 2019
season, especially from a fan perspective.
The Tech team seems to be underestimated
by rankings programs even after hauling
in an impressive recruiting class. Incoming
freshmen should be thrilled to watch what
Collins and the Jackets can do, but should
also be patient with the team as the Jackets
navigate inevitable challenges. Tech kicks
off the season at 8pm at Clemson, creating
history as the first game to be aired on the
newly launched ACC Network.
6 • May 31, 2019 • technique
TAYLOR GRAY &
JANAT BATRA
PHOTO EDITOR &
CONTRIBUTING WRITER
SUMMER FRESHMAN
Starting college in the summer
is like learning how to swim by
getting thrown into the deep end.
By the time you stop flailing and
realize everything is going to be
okay, the short semester is already
over and by the end of it, you’ve
learned how to doggy paddle well
enough to somewhat survive the
ocean that is your first full semes-
ter at Tech.
If you had told me when I was
a senior in high school that spend-
ing the last summer of my youth
at college would benefit me in the
end, I would have told you you’re
crazy. Little did I know that start-
ing freshman year a semester early
would end up being one of the
best decisions Tech forced me to
make.
Of course I had my appre-
hensions: having to potentially
deal with constant FOMO from
watching my friends back home
enjoy days by the pool without
me, not making friends because
of how small campus seems in the
summer, and most importantly,
dying of heat exhaustion walk-
ing to class in the blazing Georgia
sun. It wasn’t until my first fall se-
mester that I realized how benefi-
cial coming to Tech early was for
my academic, social, and profes-
sional career.
Despite the constant sunburns,
sweat stains, and dehydration,
there are a lot of benefits of start-
ing college in the summer. One
of the best advantages summer
freshmen have over fall friends is
their acquaintance with the layout
of the campus. With more time to
familiarize yourself with the ins
and outs of the surroundings and
environment at Tech, summer
kids spend less time stressing on
how to get to class on the first day
of fall semester. This confidence I
found in knowing where I was go-
ing and being able to point others
in the right direction followed me
into my transition into the regular
semester.
Another huge advantage is
learning how to study with a
smaller class load before attempt-
ing a full 12+ credit hour semes-
ter. If you’re smart about schedul-
ing, your summer semester can
also serve as a cushion for your
GPA. The 4.0 I earned in my
summer semester acted as a shield
to protect my hopes and dreams
from the full effect of the C I got
in Calculus in the following fall.
Even with the small number of
FRESHMAN SURVIVAL GUIDE
students on campus, the iGniTe
program stuffs all of the sum-
mer freshmen into a community
like none other. This community
ended up becoming familiar faces
that made the fall semester less
frightful.
While our fall semester coun-
terparts may come in feeling re-
freshed from their vacation days,
the summer first years are no
doubt superior, because our grind
never stopped. We spent our sum-
mer learning how to navigate the
waters, and because of it we are
better prepared and padded for
the storms that may come in our
first full semester.
FALL FRESHMAN
Running a marathon is a huge
accomplishment. Naturally, you
can’t help but feel proud and a
little surprised that it was over
faster than you thought, but at
the same time, it wreaks havoc on
your body. Naturally, your body
would need to recover from those
26.2 miles of hell it just went
through before it’s ready to run
the next race.
Similarly, it’s hard not to feel
the toll that the thirteen years of
school leading up to college takes
on your mind, especially your se-
nior year of high school. That last
year somehow seems both the lon-
gest and the shortest at the same
time- at least for me, it did.
For me, it was essential to have
those gracious few months of
summer in between high school
and college to let my mind reset
and prepare for the next big step
in life, both academically and per-
sonally.
I used that summer to focus
on other endeavors and let myself
remember that there was more to
life than going to class for seven
hours straight, followed by what-
ever extracurricular of the day
was planned. Although I greatly
appreciated this break from the
world of academics, I would be ly-
ing if I said there weren’t moments
over the summer when I worried
that I would come into college al-
ready falling behind my peers.
By the time I finally did arrive
on campus for FASET that July,
I was even more excited to come
to college than I had been upon
graduation. In between FASET
sessions, I saw other freshman
walking around who had already
begun their college journey as a
part of the summer session. For
a brief second, I envied the con-
fidence with which they walked
across campus, already going to
and from classes with ease. Mean-
while, I couldn’t even make it
to the Student Center from the
// SEMESTERS
Ferst Theater without referenc-
ing Google Maps. They seemed
like they already belonged to the
campus community, but the rest
of us freshman were following our
FASET leaders around campus
like puppies while simultaneously
trying to avoid heat stroke.
But, that envy disappeared as
fast as it had come; I knew I was
going to be here for the next four
years, and I was in no rush to get
here earlier than I had to.
Would coming in as a summer
freshman have made me more
prepared for college? I don’t really
believe so. A big part of coming
to college is the mental transition
you make, you’re going from a
routine you’ve known for the past
thirteen years and making a com-
pletely new one in a completely
new location. You’ll never really
be “ready” for it until you’re liv-
ing it.
Did having the summer to
myself before college began help?
Absolutely. I got that opportunity
to work, re-energize, and motivate
myself for school again.
I’m not ashamed to say that I
used Google Maps for a solid week
after classes began, walked into a
few wrong classes, and got lost a
couple of times trying to make it
to West Campus, but hey, it’s all
part of the learning curve.
//ADVICE
MAYA FLORES
ASSISTANT ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR
Tech’s location in the center of
Midtown has a lot of advantages.
Campus close to the MARTA,
there is lots to do, there’s always
an Uber or Lyft nearby, but most
importantly there is a ton of good
food nearby. Here is a categorical
guide to five of the best eats on or
within walking distance of cam-
pus.
STUDENT CENTER: TWISTED TACO
If you are near the center of
campus, have a few extra Dining
Dollars, and are a little peckish,
head over to Twisted Taco in the
Student Center Cafeteria. Their
offerings include everything from
tacos, burritos, salads, quesadillas,
to nachos. Basically, they’re an off-
brand chipotle. And for those who
are trying to avoid meat but get in
some protein they offer a delicious
tofu option for all entrees!
WEST CAMPUS: PANERA
Similar to Twisted Taco, but
the west-campus version, is West
Village’s Panera bread. Their food
is obviously good. Everyone has
had Panera; we all love their cook-
ies, know just how good that mac
and cheese is, and know our You
Pick Two orders by heart. The dif-
ference is that at the West Village
Panera you can use Dining Dol-
lars and Buzzfunds.
FOOD TRUCK: YUMBII
One of the best things about
Tech is the food trucks on campus
during the week. All the trucks
accept Dining Dollars, Buzzfunds
and cash, so they are a great op-
tion for everyone. There is some
tough competition, but Yumbii
is by far the best truck. Yumbii
serves Asian Mexican food, which
includes things like philly cheese
steaks with queso and kimchii,
spicy sesame chili fries and asian
rib-eye burritos. The food is rea-
sonably priced, the servers are nice
and the truck is cute. What more
could you ask for?
TECH SQUARE: YALLA
One of the best additions to
Tech Square is the Canteen. A
food hall with multiple restau-
rants, The Canteen is the best place
to go when you want some good
food and are ready to splurge. The
best stall is Yalla, the Middle East-
ern place. “Yalla” means “let’s go”
in Arabic, and it could not have a
more fitting name.
They sell fresh hummus, falafel
and shawarma, and you can watch
them make everything. They also
have options for every hunger
level, from a bowl, to a more sub-
stantial pita, to an enormous laffa.
DESSERT SPOT: SWEET HUT
A great study spot that hits the
spot is Sweet Hut, an East Asian
bakery with an extensive menu.
Sweet Hut not only has 15 flavors
of boba tea, but they have count-
less desserts, from cheesecake, to
sweet and savory buns, to pastries,
they have it all.
The food is not the only rea-
son to hit up Sweet Hut, there is
plenty of seating and outlets, and
they are open til midnight or 1:00
am. Sweet Hut is the perfect spot
for some late night studying, a late
night treat, or optimally, both at
the same time.
FRESHMAN SURVIVAL GUIDE technique • May 31, 2019 7
number of people, organizations, of advice to incoming freshman,
BAYLEE FRIEDMAN and groups that exist — make one tip to get you through the
ONLINE EDITOR one of them a home for yourself. year — and the years to come —
Find a group of people on campus it is to invest just as much time
I know this goes without say- that make you laugh and that take in your community as you do in
ing, but freshman year is hard. your mind off of school for a bit. your work. I promise, it will serve
Imagine all those things that Sure, there is value in pouring you well.
you’re used to, comfortable and time and effort into school to get While freshman year is excit-
familiar with, and assume this the grades you want (or need), and ing, change can be difficult and
year will be pretty much nothing value in finding an organization school can get you down.
like that. That isn’t necessarily a to dedicate your time to in order The next few years will be full
bad thing, but it’s just new and to gain work and leadership expe- of ups and downs and challeng-
takes time to adjust. rience. But these things become ing moments. Find people who
It may seem scary and intimi- much, much harder to maintain will cheer you on and give you
dating —and trust me, you are without a group of people to build strength. College is hard, and
not alone in those feelings — but you up along the way. none of us should ever have to face
it is also exciting and liberating, But if I could impart one piece it alone.
too.
When I began my freshman
year at Tech, I literally felt like
my comfort zone was hundreds of
miles away (despite only traveling
a mere 30 miles for school). I was
scared, I was lonely and I was re-
ally, really uncomfortable. Those
feelings of excitement kicked in
after the initial fear subsided, and
after I learned to enjoy Tech.
You know what got me
through, what taught me to enjoy
this place? A group of friends and
a community that taught me to
find comfort in the uncomfort-
able transition that is freshman
year.
Navigating all of this newness
is a difficult feat alone. Having a
place to call home, a place that
feels like home with people who
love and support you, can make
the lows feel a little less low and
the highs feel a lot more high.
That is why the most valuable
and important thing you can cul-
tivate during your freshman year
is a sense of community. Photo by Jamie Howell Student Publications
The wonderful thing about The infamous Freshman Hill, which connects East Campus
Tech and life in college is the dorms to the rest of the campus via the steepest hill on campus.
8 • May 31, 2019 • technique
WILL FINCH
MANAGING EDITOR
As with any new relationship,
you only truly learn about each
other’s weird quirks once you
make it official. So, here are a few
things that make the Tech com-
munity wacky.
STEALING THE “T”
Since 1969, there has only been
one feat more honored than grad-
uating with a 4.0 GPA: stealing
the “T” off of Tech’s historic and
primary administrative building,
Tech Tower. The huge letter would
then be returned at the halftime
of the homecoming football game
or the lawn of the president’s man-
sion. While students consistently
celebrated the achievement over
the years, administration increas-
ingly discouraged the practice, go-
ing as far as officially labelling it as
a criminal activity. Students that
attempted to steal the “T” today
would face a hefty fine to repair
any building damages and a mini-
mum of a semester-long suspen-
sion.
MIDNIGHT BUD
This is one of the campus’s
newest traditions. Starting outside
Britain Hall, the Tech marching
band leads their fellow students in
singing fight songs and running
all over east campus. For 20 min-
utes, students can forget about
finals and celebrate life outside of
tests together. And what better re-
prieve for stress than the cacopho-
ny of school spirit?
HOMECOMING SHENANIGANS
There are a plethora of festivi-
ties involving freshman during
Tech’s homecoming, each varying
in absurdity.
The Mini 500 tricycle race
originated from when freshman
fraternity pledges in the 1960s
had to ride tricycles around cam-
pus. Now, the race involves other
student organizations like ROTC
FRESHMAN SURVIVAL GUIDE //TRADITIONS
and sports clubs in addition to fra-
ternities and sororities. The tricy-
cle riders must complete multiple
laps around Peters Parking Deck,
and each might use a different
technique to be more effective —
or as effective as they can be on a
toy meant for children.
The Freshman Cake Race is a
half-mile foot race the morning of
the homecoming football game.
Traditionally mandatory for all
students, today students sign up
to run through East Campus.
Winners of the mad sprint receive
cakes personally baked by the
campus spirit organization, the
Ramblin’ Reck Club. Photos by Jonathan Pennie Student Publications
JONATHAN PENNIE you that you probably did not
CONTRIBUTING WRITER pack enough shorts before mov-
ing on campus. A rite of passage at
Congratulations, regardless of any college is seeing someone in-
what people tell you, the hardest credibly attractive and then never
part has only just begun! We here talking to them. You can listen
at the Technique have a playlist to to “Campus” and “College Girl”
pump you up and help you shake while you wonder if GT offers
off those first day jitters. A GT ‘Flirting 101’. By the way, your
playlist would not be complete parents lied to you, while you’re
without “Ramblin Wreck” to re- here you will screw up but need
mind you to show some Yellow to fear! The Technique has “Ready
Design by Beatrice Domingo
Jacket pride even if your parents or Not,” “Nobody’s Perfect” and,
make the mistake of rooting for “Get Your Head in the Game”to
Georgia. If you’re new to the state, help you at least pretend every-
you’ll quickly learn that it is al- thing is okay. Freshman year can
ways sweaty in Atlanta. “Burnin’ be an exciting yet confusing time
Up,” “Girl on Fire,” and “Feels but remember when in doubt just
Like Summer” are here to remind dance to “Africa” (Toto only).