<p>The first few days of orientation are an absolutely unique opportunity - people haven't made friends yet, everyone is an open book. After about a week, people form cliques and it becomes a lot harder.</p>
<p>COOP clearly helps a lot with getting a jump-start, people-wise. I couldn't afford to go, but everyone who came back already had 3-6 friends. Made things a lot less lonely sometimes, from what I could tell.</p>
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[quote]
but orientation only happens once. For instance I wish i had gone on some of the walking tours they had...even though i'm a native new yorker it would'v been fun to check out a couple of them.
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oh sure, there's definitely stuff i'd want to go on. The walking tours in particular are great, grab a friend or two and amuse yourself for the hour and a half, then grab a bite in whatever neighborhood you're in. But stuff like the diversity/sensitivty schtick they do right before CUnity (also an abhorrent time) is a waste of space, as is the library thing and a lot of academic presentations. I'm just saying, don't feel obligated to do anything just because they say it's "required", just stick to what you want to do, and be outgoing. you've got 4 years to get a cup for the library, too.</p>
<p>The one thing you absolutely want to wake up for, no matter how hung over, is the activities fair. It's after classes have started so you've got a little time, but it's a great time for all involved.</p>
<p>-Steve</p>