Welcome to the first edition of "Ask a Stupid Question," Whim's newest advice column headed up by staffers Amanda Hoffer and Katie Tandler. The two of us will strive to answer actual reader questions, each offering our own unique brand of advice. We encourage you to send all your questions, big and small, to whim@radford.edu, with "ASQ" included in the subject line.

To start off, we thought we'd each supply a few tidbits of wisdom to our incoming freshmen. So here we go.

Amanda: Go to class- It will benefit you in the long run. It's what you're here for anyway.
Keep your partying to a minimum- School isn't all fun and games. It's about learning, networking, and preparing for your future in the working world. And partying interferes with all those things.
Get a planner- Getting a planner will help you keep all your classes and extra-curriculars straight. Plus it gives you a chance to schedule in some sleep and keep track of your classmates' numbers in case you're ever in need of class help.
Keep up with your syllabi- They contain all the important information you'll need for the semester. Losing that syllabus is only going to hurt you in the end.

Kate: Is it my turn? Cool. Here we go then.
Get up early - You never know how many times you'll have to run back to your dorm for something you forgot, like a notebook, a water bottle, keys, the little piece of paper that tells you what room your class is in, or your textbook.
Read instructions! - The washing machines and dryers are mighty beasts, which are to be respected and feared. Always make sure you are using them properly, or they might blow up on you one day.
Wear big scary shoes - As safe as it is, the campus still has its share of scary and rowdy individuals. You never know when you're going to have to 'regulate,' and with all the walking students do, your legs and feet can be powerful weapons. Use them wisely.
Separate myth from reality - There are a lot of stories that circulate around Radford, and freshmen may be confused as to what to trust and what not to. So here's the basic breakdown: Tunnels under Radford? Real. Body in the Dedmon Center foundation? Real. Phantom roaming Pocahontas Hall at all hours of the night? No worries, that's just me. Doctor Covington really a robot? Still being disputed.

We hope that this has been helpful, and we also hope you'll send us your problems and other queries so that we, the fine people at Whim, can make your lives a little easier and our Life Section a little more substantial.