Here at Penn State, there are hundreds of personality types in and around campus on the daily. They live in your hall, they eat at the same commons as you, and you attend class with them. But it’s no secret that some stick out more than others, especially on the first day of class when you’ve been away from the college scene for a while. Here’s a rundown of a few that you are sure to run into as you make your way around campus today.

The Chatty Cathy

This person is going to make your life a living hell if you don’t catch them right away. This classmate is quicksand, and they won’t just tell you one creepy story. They will tell you anything and everything their little head can muster up in a hot second, and then for a zillion hot seconds after that. It’s great to meet new people on the first day of classes, but you also need to set a good tone for the semester right off the bat. And having your professor thinking you’re involved with someone who won’t shut up and listen to the lesson is the last thing you want.

The Overachiever

You can spot them before you even get in the door. They’ve got color-coded binders, planners (yes, plural), file folders, and all kinds of other stuff your slightly-disorganized mind can even comprehend. They’ll sit in the front and pretty much co-teach the class with the professor via questions every six minutes.

The Upperclassman Who Wants Nothing To Do With You

They’ve either already taken this class required by their major and failed it, or this is literally the last three credits they need to graduate. Either way, they don’t have time for your shit. It’s probably best to keep your distance forever, sit as far from them as possible, avoid eye contact, and, when communication is absolutely necessary, talk slowly so as to not startle them into a rage.

The Placebo Friend

They’re there for you and you’re there for them for one reason and one reason only: fear of being an outcast. Psychologically, they’re there to make it seem like you aren’t alone. They benefit you in more ways than one: someone to shoot the breeze with, a guaranteed partner for projects, and a second brain to recall the class syllabus (aka, the assignment due dates you’re bound to forget almost immediately). They’re relatively normal and you obviously have something in common because you’re taking the same course, but you will never purposely see them outside of the classroom. Sure, the days of your friendship are numbered (15 weeks to be exact) but if anyone on the list is safe and non-hazardous to your grade and/or self-esteem, it’s this guy.

The Too-Cool-For-School-er

Last but not least, we have the kid who shows up with no backpack, no books, and half of an unsharpened pencil. They can spin an interesting tale or two, and they were undoubtedly the coolest kid in high school, but they’re a nuisance to the class as a whole. That much should be obvious by their lack of interest, even on the first day. As nerdy as it may sound, the beginning semester is supposed to be exciting: new opportunities, new beginnings, a fresh start.

So choose wisely who you spend  your class time with. It could be the difference between pass and fail.