Welcome to Penn State, Class of 2029! You’ve officially survived your first couple of days of classes, figured out Canvas (hopefully), maybe ventured down frat row, or even gone into the depths of The Den. But before you become an official Penn Stater, there are a few unofficial rules and traditions you’ll need to follow to survive your first year. This is the real first-year guide—ignore these at your own risk.

1. Freshmen can only walk Shortlidge Road backwards until they learn the Alma Mater.

Shortlidge Road — the hill every student dreads after spending too long at the frats. I don’t make the rules, and the Alma Mater is important here, so you’ve got to know it by heart. The good news — after enough football games, it should come naturally. Also, bonus points if you’re still doing this in January after a snowstorm.

2. At the Creamery, freshmen must order two flavors in a cup.

You’ve got to try as many flavors as you can at Berkey—why not two at once? The Creamery has the best ice cream in town, if not everywhere, so don’t pass up the chance to double up. It’s also how the staff can spot you, so help them out.

3. You have to scream “We Are” as many times as you can before you lose your voice during the White Out.

The White Out isn’t just a game—it’s a survival test. Each year, freshmen are judged by how long they can last yelling “We Are” before their voices inevitably give out.

4. Freshmen are only allowed in the Pattee and Paterno Libraries at certain hours.

Even though the library is pretty large, there are only so many seats available before it gets too crowded or too loud. To keep things manageable, freshmen are limited to being allowed in the library from 7:45 a.m. to 11 a.m. and after 7:30 p.m. Sorry, upperclassmen have priority here.

5. Run to catch the Blue and White Loop buses.

The CATA buses are notorious for never being on time—they’re either really early or incredibly late, with no in-between. It’s almost impossible not to miss one at some point on campus. If you miss either the Blue or White Loop, tradition says you have to chase the bus all the way to the next stop. Good luck being that one kid sprinting through campus.

Congrats first-years! You now know a few of the unofficial rules and traditions Penn Staters follow. Of course, you don’t have to stick to this guide—but use this wisdom wisely.