College students are frequently painted as vacuous losers hopped up on Yoo-Hoos. All iPods and few brains, people say. So if you'll be a freshman in the fall, get prepared for steady attacks on your newly-formed opinions as well as insinuations that you belong in diapers.

The first few weeks of the first semester of college can be scary, stressful and overwhelming for many freshmen. Whether it is their first time away from home or just their first time with such a crowd of people, the whole college scene may be intimidating.

Will you know anybody on your first day of classes? There is an easy way to meet students in your field of study or interest whether it is finding a cure for cancer or discussing anime. With more than 235 recognized student organizations (RSO) at the University of Louisville, finding a group or groups feeding your interests should not be difficult.

The United States of America is a country that has the world's most prosperous economy, which is one of the reasons foreigners are tempted to emigrate to our country. However, if too many people start living illegally and not paying taxes, plenty of damage could be done to our thriving economy.

Derby Festival supports research efforts at U of L The Kentucky Derby Festival, which ended May 5, not only brought national attention to Louisville, but also brought attention to several University of Louisville research efforts: The Barnstable Brown Gala gave $841,000 to U of L diabetes research, the Derby Festival Foundation gave $30,000 to U of L's STAR (Systematic Treatment of Autism and Related Disorders) program, and the 2007 Mint Jubilee raised funds for the James Graham Brown Cancer Center.

The University of Louisville women's lacrosse team will look to kick off its inaugural season in the upcoming school year when it becomes U of L's 23rd varsity sport. Athletic Director Tom Jurich wasted no time after announcing the addition of the sport by naming Kellie Young as head coach back in July 2006.

Riding a wave of anti-war sentiment and disapproval for the President, Democrats managed to take control of Congress through November elections. In late April, they mobilized their forces to approve an Iraq War spending bill that called for a timetable for troop withdrawal.

With its notable impact on student life, the Student Government Association (SGA) at the University of Louisville is arguably one of the most powerful organizations on campus. "SGA is everywhere," junior Morgan Pace said. "They make a tremendous effect on every student's college career whether it is fighting against tuition increases or funding an organization for students to participate in," said Pace, who is studying political science.

Fearful of the "freshman 15?" Worried you won't be able to keep your intense exercise routine up once you move on campus? Have no fear. The University of Louisville offers several facilities around campus to help keep the pounds off and make it easier for students to stay in shape.

Although there are more than 220 "incidents" recorded in the University of Louisville's Department of Public Safety online crime log since Jan. 1, the opinion of both students and DPS staff seems to be that the campus is generally safe. "It's a pretty safe campus," said sophomore Dina Kulenovic, a psychology major.