By Braeden Ozechowski – Contributor

Your first moments at Bishop’s can certainly be an experience. For some, these moments are graceful, for others maybe not. Being here early for training camp my first semester, I encountered my very first adventure in the Norton residence.

After a few diet sodas at the Golden Lion, I was settling in comfortably in my new residence room when I decided to check out the bathroom on my floor. As I stepped out into the cool air of the hallway I heard a heart stopping sound behind me. “Click!” I whipped around as fast as I could, but it was too late. I’d been locked out of my new home. Luckily, I’d donned my finest Christmas boxers for the occasion and left the phone inside. Of course, my father always told me I’d face adversity at university, but I never imagined I’d have to face it in my underpants. 

The takeaway I gained from my first night was a whole new skill set in picking a lock using laminated papers off the bathroom wall (Sorry maintenance! Love you Terry). And although I do not have the means to teach my ways of arduous entry to the masses, I can provide three tools of preparation I’ve collected from my first year as a Gaiter. 

Number One: Leave the Gucci jacket at home.

I can not begin to tell you the amount of story posts and horror stories I’ve heard about people losing their exorbitantly expensive winter jackets to hands at the Lion. It’s a public place, and hope is limited once it’s gone missing. This same advice holds for shoes as well. Anyone who’s spent the early hours of the morning out and about in Lenn knows that your shoes likely end up taking on a new “weathered” look. 

Number two: The best pre-game for a night out is a Gaiters’ game.

We’ve all been there, 8 o’clock rolls around, or 7, maybe 5, and it’s time for the soda to start flowing. The problem? You live in residence, and you don’t need eight of your buddies wearing their shoes on your bed and spilling drinks in your room. Not to mention, you’re sending an invite to Bishop’s security department. The solution? Check the schedule, and hit a sporting event! There’s elbow room, a buzzing environment and plenty of beverages for sale. Being part of a big Gaiters’ win always provides fuel for a great night out as well. 

Number three: Dress to impress.

People around here tend to dress, behave and carry themselves in expressive and crazy ways – embrace it. By far the best shopping spree I’ve had since moving to Lennoxville has been at the thrift store in search of goofy getups for the nights out with my friends. Coordinate with your friends, and follow the theme of the event. If there’s no set theme, make one up. You’ll end up having a much fuller “going out” experience preparing with your friends, taking silly photos and letting yourself loose. You’ll have plenty of time to wear plain clothes when you’re old.

You’ll always be a gaiter, prepare yourself properly and you can be one suave reptile.