First Week
-If you are an international or out-of-state student: buy an umbrella! Flash downpours can catch you off-guard.
-Come to campus early, even a day early if you have a poor sense of direction, and find the buildings and rooms where your classes are scheduled.
-Don’t listen to anyone’s opinion about the food on campus. Decide for yourself. You might be surprised and find something you like.
-Chat with people in your classes, no matter what mood you’re in. You will be surprised how many times you will see them again: on campus, in another class, even several semesters later.
-Don’t take a class just because your friend is signed up for it. One of two things will most likely happen: You will hate the class and resent your friend for talking you into it, or you will spend so much time talking with your friend that you waste your time and get a bad grade.
-And don’t even think about buying your books until after the first day of classes, because some professors will change their minds or make books optional.
Financial Aid
-Don’t expect your loan money to cover the cost of books. You won’t be seeing that money until midway through the semester. If you truly can’t afford books, sign up for an “emergency loan” through financial aid ASAP. This will cover up to $300.
-Never assume that financial aid has all of your papers – ASK!
-When you go to the financial aid office, go with the expectation of being in line for a while.
-Try and get to the Financial Aid office as early in the morning as possible.æ
Campus Secrets
-Find yourself a quiet niche on campus to hang out in between classes. A few good spots: behind the Art building there is a little “lake” with fish and benches, the concrete seats under the SO building are shady and cool, and the outdoor cafeteria is nice
-When you see people sitting at tables on the Breezeway, don’t just walk past them: They may be members of an on-campus group giving away cool prizes, or even food.
-Studying is important, as much as we try to deny it. A few good hints: There is a 24-hour computer lab in the residence halls. Outside of the library there is a 24-hour study area. There is a study area, a computer lab and a commuter lounge in the University Center. If you want DEAD silence to read/study, try the third and fourth floors of the library.
-Don’t let yourself get too wrapped up in schoolwork. Find something else on campus do to in your spare time, such as joining a club or starting your own.
