#5 Get a tattoo/piercing

You're in college, you're 18, you don't need mommy and daddy's permission for everything anymore. Be a rebel, and do it because you can.

     The day I turned 18 I got my nose pierced. Two weeks after moving into college I got my first tattoo. College is the fun, exploratory time in your life. I'm not saying go out an ink your whole body. Tattoo's are permanent so be sure it's something you'll always want on your body. My favorite tattoo is the one I drew for my grandfather after he passed away, it's special to me and makes me smile every time I look at it.

     If tattoo's aren't your thing, consider getting a piercing. Still fun and rebellious but it doesn't have to be in your skin forever. I got my monroe done freshman year of college, but I took it out now that I am looking to get an internship. You can barley even tell I ever had it done.

     Tattoo's and piercings aren't for everyone, but my advice is if you want one, get one. If you're worried about future jobs, get one in a spot where you can easily hide it. That's not hard, believe me. And lastly, one thing to really look into is your tattoo artist. Nobody wants a bad tattoo. Trust no one until you've seen their work. Trust me on that.

#4 Take advantage of our campus

One thing that no one can argue is that Slippery Rock is a beautiful campus. Stop and admire its beauty every once in a while.

     It's no secret that college is expensive, but what you have to remember is that the money we pay goes towards the things we have access to on campus. For example, the ARC, the guest speakers and concerts, the new Student Center, the Health Center, the Happy Bus, etc. Our school provides us with all the things, make sure you are taking advantage of them.

#3 Live off campus

     As a Slippery Rock freshman, you are required to live in the dorms your first year here, but after that you are free to do as you please. The new dorms here are extremely nice as far as college dorm rooms go, so lots of students decide to live in them for multiple years. If that's what you want to do cool, but I'm telling you, spend at least one year living off campus in an apartment or house.

     I'm sure every student can recall the immense amount of freedom they felt when they first got to school. That's what it feels like moving into your very first apartment with your best friend. Yeah paying rent and utilities stinks, but it's totally worth it to have your own bedroom and a kitchen.

     There are a lot of places to live off campus in Slippery Rock. The Heights, The Ivy (University Village), and The Grove are three really nice ones to consider, but they are also higher in cost. If you're looking for cheap but fun, Keister (Pine Glenn) is always an option. There is also South Rock, Cooper Street, Stone Crest, The Summit, and lots of little college houses!

    You won't find anyone who lives off campus that doesn't love it. Dorms are nice, but an apartment is home.

 The Ivy

 The Heights

South Rock