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The Daily OrangeMan vs. College
Survival guides offer humorous and useful solutions to bizarre college situations
By Eric Meyers
Posted: 8/29/07, 12:48 AM EST Section: Bindings
College doesn't come with an instruction manual, but a few authors are trying to fill that void.
Whether you're a freshman who wants to start college on the right foot or a returning student who wants to make sure this year goes well, college guides can be invaluable. Here are three suggestions:
"The Naked Roommate: And 107 Other Issues You Might Run Into in College"
By Harlan Cohen
Five out of five stars
There are three kinds of naked roommates. The "I'm naked, look at me" roommate, the "I'm naked, do not look at me" roommate and the "I'm naked, but didn't mean for you to see me (or us)" roommate. The solutions for dealing with these people-along with noisy, dating, lying, stealing or drunk roommates-and nearly a hundred problems that have nothing to do with the person living in your room are found here.
"The Naked Roommate" provides the most extensive guide of the three books. Organized into 14 general sections-beginning with moving in and ending with how to leave without any regrets-the book draws you in with advice like the "rules of college love" and "you might be an alcoholic if..." Each tip even includes a story anonymously submitted by a college student, as well as Cohen's "bottom line."
One hilarious pointer is No. 43, "How to Fail." Preceded by a warning to do the exact opposite of everything contained within, the tip suggests you sleep through classes, call your instructor "Professor Stupid" and your TA "Professor Stupid's Friend." Another option is to date your professor, and then cheat on him or her. It's tips like these that keep the book interesting from cover to cover.
And if you're only interested in Cohen's advice on dealing with that titular Naked Roommate, communication is the key. And remember: Always take the top bunk.
"College Rules! How to Study, Survive and Succeed in College"
By Sherrie Nist-Olejnik and Jodi Patrick Holschuh
Two and a half out of five stars
Whether you're a freshman who wants to start college on the right foot or a returning student who wants to make sure this year goes well, college guides can be invaluable. Here are three suggestions:
"The Naked Roommate: And 107 Other Issues You Might Run Into in College"
By Harlan Cohen
Five out of five stars
There are three kinds of naked roommates. The "I'm naked, look at me" roommate, the "I'm naked, do not look at me" roommate and the "I'm naked, but didn't mean for you to see me (or us)" roommate. The solutions for dealing with these people-along with noisy, dating, lying, stealing or drunk roommates-and nearly a hundred problems that have nothing to do with the person living in your room are found here.
"The Naked Roommate" provides the most extensive guide of the three books. Organized into 14 general sections-beginning with moving in and ending with how to leave without any regrets-the book draws you in with advice like the "rules of college love" and "you might be an alcoholic if..." Each tip even includes a story anonymously submitted by a college student, as well as Cohen's "bottom line."
One hilarious pointer is No. 43, "How to Fail." Preceded by a warning to do the exact opposite of everything contained within, the tip suggests you sleep through classes, call your instructor "Professor Stupid" and your TA "Professor Stupid's Friend." Another option is to date your professor, and then cheat on him or her. It's tips like these that keep the book interesting from cover to cover.
And if you're only interested in Cohen's advice on dealing with that titular Naked Roommate, communication is the key. And remember: Always take the top bunk.
"College Rules! How to Study, Survive and Succeed in College"
By Sherrie Nist-Olejnik and Jodi Patrick Holschuh
Two and a half out of five stars
Viewing Comments 1 - 3 of 3
Ron Polomoff
posted 8/29/07 @ 5:52 AM EST
.(parody of DesiRatta)
S U Alma Ratta
***Go placidly amid the japs and jocks, and remember what peace there may be in drop/add forms. As far as possible without surrender, be on good terms with your roommate. (Continued…)
kim
posted 11/21/07 @ 11:23 PM EST
Surprised to see this was headed by the name Ron Polomoff...I just read his obit. Is he still with us?
kim
posted 11/21/07 @ 11:24 PM EST
Surprised to see this was headed by the name Ron Polomoff...I just read his obit. Is he still with us?
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