Welcome to the best four years of your life

On behalf of the Xavier Newswire, welcome to Xavier University. It is our distinct pleasure to welcome you to Manresa, college classes, long nights and delicious cafeteria food. But seriously, the caf food is supposed to be really good this year.

Xavier stands to offer you a wealth of memories, opportunities and fun. Let's start with memories—be on your guard. Always remember: bad decisions make great stories.

I remember my first day, after the folks dropped me off from mid-Michigan. Everyone was both excited but also a little bit timid and it didn't occur to us that we were in college until after dinner when one of my roommates decided he, my two suitemates and I were to go on a quest for a classy establishment...a slight upgrade from Hooter's. We proceeded to get lost in a rather shady area of Newport, KY. My roommate, complete garbed in preppy, Ralph Lauren Polo attire, conversed with locals at a gas station for an extended period of time, and then proceeded to conclude the institution he would like to patronize included pregnant entertainers, which was a few miles away. I know I'll never forget my first night at X. Here at the Newswire we look forward to hearing all about yours.

Opportunities. Much like memories, opportunities can have positive or negative connotations. You may very well land a paid position because of good grades you get in college. You might have an opportunity to eat nothing but cheeseburgers until Thanksgiving (I know a guy that came close- he mixed in a chicken sandwich once or twice). You might elect not to go the class until Thanksgiving. Here, here for a land of opportunity!

And last, but certainly not least, we come on the topic of fun. Not only do we hope you have fun, but we're confident there will be fun had by all. Here are a few of our best suggestions for a good time:

One: Find the strangest looking food in the cafeteria and have an eating contest with your roommates.

Two: Paint up for an obscure sporting event and cheer loudly.

Three: Take intramural sports way too seriously. Include team dinners the night before, official team warm-ups and team chants.

Make no mistake, college is the best time of your life. So from us to you, welcome to Xavier.