FRESHMAN FACTS

It’s another promising semester on the Yard, which means a “fresh batch” of freshman. There are many questions on their minds about where to go, whom to call, etc. Well, as an experienced Jaguar who has earned her spots throughout the years, I have compiled a quick list I hope you all (including upper-classmen who have “floated along) find helpful.
*Eat right, eat cheap
You have your shiny new ID in hand and a choice of where to eat with it. You have the cafeteria and you have the union. I know you want to grub at Taco Bell or the Chicken Shack, but be aware that you only have an allotted amount of funds for the union. The “caf” is not so bad on some days…use the union in case of emergency. Trust me, you’ll understand this later.
*Rent whenever possible
I can just imagine the look on some of your faces when you went to the bookstore to buy that book your professor said you just had to have. Yeah, I had that look too. Thank goodness for textbook rental places. The closest one is across the tracks on Scenic Hwy. You can rent a book for half the cost of buying it. They also sell them. I’m not knocking our beloved bookstore; they do have great deals on certain books, new and used. You also may have a chance to sell them back at the end of the semester. Oh, also be on the lookout for upperclassmen that are selling books, too. You don’t have to look too hard, just look on the walls in your lobby. Do buy the books that are pertinent to your major…you will use them again and again.
*Make friends EVERYWHERE
On the real, you need to make acquaintance with at least two people in each of your classes. This can be an advantage when you’re not able to attend. Also, make yourself known in your department. You will be around these people for the long haul.
*Get involved
Southern has various programs going on constantly. From book reviews to jazz concerts to poetry readings, you can find it here on the yard. Be on the lookout for postings all around campus. Also, get involved with your department (i.e. honor societies, clubs, etc.)
*Book it
Our library is huge. However, it may not have all of the resources you need to get that huge paper done on time. Baton Rouge has a number of public libraries that can help you out. A favorite among students is the East Baton Rouge Branch on Goodwood Avenue.
*Be advised
With JAGCALL and JAGNET, you probably think, “Hey, I can just punch in my information and I have my schedule…piece of cake.” Yeah, cake without much needed icing. You still need to be advised. Your advisor is there to help. They have information pertinent to your college career.
*Use your refund wisely
Just because you have a “g” in your pocket doesn’t mean you can waltz in the mall like you’re cashing checks like that everyday. Get a bank account or something. Enough said.
Here are some more helpful hints:
*Get ahead on financial aid
*Map out your college career ahead of time
*You do not have to attend every party there is throughout the week
*Take advantage of the shuttle buses
*Don’t procrastinate
Last but not least…you’re in college…an institute of higher learning. With that said, have a great semester.