Does the road wind up-hill all the way? Yes, to the very end. Will the day's journey take the whole long day? From morn to night, my friend.
—Christina Rossetti

What makes the college experience unique? Here's a hint: it's not what you see when you take a tour, when you go sightseeing, or when you come back as alumni. The culture surrounding today's institutions of higher learning has to be absorbed while you're experiencing it. Or while you're just beginning to give it that freshman try. Often all you need is a little jumpstart from the upperclassmen. Today, that attitude takes on the general theme of bet you didn't read that in any prospective guide book. It's the lingo, the hotspots on the weekend, the ways you get involved, and oh yes - the traditions - that matter. Even the admissions offices are realizing the trend to share the more casual facts about university life makes the place seem a little more down to earth (it doesn't connect with mom and dad, but it's cool to the kids). So when it comes to bringing in the first years, what better than to turn to the current students who can help them learn the ropes?

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