Beautiful weather, the Cubs stinking out loud, and Wisconsin Avenue jammed beyond comprehension outside of McCormick Hall can only mean one thing: that it's late August and school is about to start. Gone is the dread that accompanied the beginning of school during high school or earlier, now the beginning of school brings hope of seeing friends again, partying like it's your job, meeting attractive members of the opposite sex, and, oh yeah, maybe taking some interesting classes.

Of course, it's also interesting to meet the new freshmen class and see how they'll stack up to our proud Marquette standards and traditions. It is to the freshmen particularly, that we address with some advice passed down from class to class to help you survive and hopefully thrive at Marquette.

First and foremost, don't burn yourself out worrying about how much work it seems you have. Come the beginning of December it is not unusual for someone to have four, eight page research papers due within a matter of two weeks. While it can seem insurmountable, if you pace yourself you can finish on time.

Secondly, enjoy your newfound freedoms responsibly and with moderation. Partying at Marquette is a constant, so skipping going out one weekend will not be the end of the world, there is always next weekend. Partying is a marathon, not a sprint. Drinking and getting good grades are not incompatible, but drinking heavily and getting good grades are. In fact, according to the latest statistics from the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, 25 percent of 18- to 24-year-old students reported academic consequences due to drinking. Furthermore, annually at least 1,700 deaths, 696,000 assaults and 97,000 sexual assaults result from alcohol use on college campuses nationwide.

Another freedom you will have is the freedom not to go to class. Use this freedom rarely, if not for your grades, then for your pocketbook. Marquette is getting more and more expensive every year and every class you miss is dollars wasted. For instance, a student taking 15 credits a semester will forfeit approximately $46 per hour of class missed. Think again when you hit the snooze button — you aren't paying $22 grand a year to sleep in.

Finally, be active in the community. Marquette has over 200 clubs and organizations, including Greek life, intramural sports, and cultural groups. It's a great way to meet new people. Check out O-Fest Thursday, Sept. 1 from 1-4 p.m. behind John P. Raynor, S.J. Library, to get information about the variety of groups at Marquette.

So, class of 2009, if you heed this advice you should be good shape for the rest of this year. College is awesome but just remember to pace yourself academically, party in moderation, get out and join clubs, and, of course, read The Marquette Tribune regularly.

This editorial was published in The Marquette Tribune on August 29, 2005.