It’s a love-hate relationship. The new year brings new memories, relationships and knowledge, but along with it come new classes, projects and papers. We all want to be back, but we also want to avoid classes. It’s a weird feeling, but after the summer, we accept the start of classes as a compromise to spend time and make new memories with new and old friends.

But regardless of the compromise, the new year brings new pet peeves that accompany the start of every year. 

1. Carmichael Recreation Center lacked enough oxygen to support the masses during last week’s influx of students. Last week, in the mid- to late- afternoons, the gym was occupied by an incredible number of students. The newcomers could be seen walking around aimlessly, and the veterans of the gym could be seen protecting their turf. But in case the veterans need reminding — sit back and watch the rookies filter their way out. The phenomenon will occur faster than you think, and soon you will have your earned space and machines. 

2. The textbook rant could fill an entire column by itself — the ridiculous prices, the N.C. State “custom” additions, and the excessively expensive Internet access codes. With each new access code comes new online registrations and new usernames and passwords you have to remember to add to the already extensive list. Even after browsing the Web in search of the cheapest alternative, you might have to wait an additional seven to 10 business days for the books to arrive. The textbook dilemma will never become easier and the battle will continue to be fought at the start of each semester. 

3. Campus can still yield surprises for members of the Wolfpack who have been here for a long time. New classes mean new locations and brand-new buildings that you didn’t know existed until they appeared on your schedule. To make things worse, you find out that a room number beginning with “1” doesn’t always mean the room will be on the first floor. The solution lies with the clichéd phrase “Practice makes perfect.” Everyone needs to look like a lost freshman at some point. 

4. Moving into whichever domicile you choose this semester is never simple. Whether it’s moving into your gem north of Hillsborough Street or funneling into one of the numerous dorms on campus, the moving process is not supposed to be enjoyable. For those filling their first unfurnished house or apartment, there is a long list of miscellaneous supplies needed to keep your place running smoothly. Unfortunately, there is no easy way to find out until the very moment you need that supply. 

5. Lastly, the technical difficulties that occur during opening week never get old. You might have been a part of the large number of students attempting to get into your MyPack Portal last Wednesday, only to find it inoperable. While you were trying to make those last-minute changes to your schedule, technology decided not to cooperate. And don’t think it ends there. As the semester progresses and due dates come along, coincidentally, technology decides to fail … so learn not to procrastinate. 

For newcomers here, pet peeves will evolve, and for veterans, pet peeves will try to be solved. Aptly named, the small annoyances stay by your side through thick and thin, but don’t let them hinder you, because the larger obstacles will present themselves throughout the semester. With all your new-year hiccups and speed bumps, best of luck for the upcoming year.