So you’re a freshmen. Questions are racing through your mind, ranging from “Where do I go?” all the way to “What is my name again?” and you haven’t eaten a real meal in two days. After all, living off of macaroni and cheese and ultimately depleting your nutrients is much less risky than braving the dining hall without a friend. If this sounds familiar, I have words of comfort and encouragement for you, beginning with “relax.”

Every sage professor carrying the weighty title of doctor has stood where you stand now, and every campus-savvy upperclassmen with their flawless style and finesse was once at least a little lost and confused. So breathe deep, take another bite of macaroni and know you are not alone.

While only time and experience can fade the “freshmen glow,” there are some people to know, places to go and things to consider that can put you on the fast track to owning the campus. Figuratively, of course.

People
- Your adviser: It’s easy to get lost in the deluge of work, and unless your adviser doubles as one of your professors, interaction with them may not be a priority. But they are experts in their fields, and not taking the time to pick their brains is robbing yourself of a great resource.

- Vice presidents: Names like Walt Mauldin, Carolyn Dirksen, Gary Ray and Chris Conine are ones that you will not only hear often but want to know. They may seem like very important people who sit in far away offices, but students are the reason they come to work everyday. They care about you and the quality of your college experience.

- Tyrone from Baltimore: If you haven’t heard of him yet, you will soon, and it may take some time, but he will eventually get your name. Your time at Lee is not complete until you’ve shaken his hand.

Places
- Lounge on the 3rd floor Humanities: One of the best kept study secrets of Lee’s campus is found in this little nook. For those willing to brave the long trek up the stairs, the reward of peace, quiet and a couple of soda machines awaits you.

- Leonard Center lounge: This underpopulated study location offers a convenient escape for anyone staying in the male dorms. Before you load up all your books and equipment for the harrowing journey to the PCSU, remember how accessible the new Leonard Center is and take advantage of it.

- President’s Office: While Dr. Conn’s office is not intended to be a tourist destination, it would certainly be an honor to be invited in.

Things
- Books: Let’s face it, folks. Textbooks hurt. There really is no way to get around not buying them. However, there are some alternatives, like buying online. The pros to buying books from places like amazon.com or half.com are that they are usually significantly cheaper (even with shipping and tax), and the bookstore will still buy them back, with some specifications. The cons, however, are that you run the risk of not receiving your book or, much to your professors’ chagrin, it’s the wrong edition. In this case, all there is to say is choose your battles.

- Cars: Walking saves. If you haven’t noticed in the first week at Lee, parking is a small factor we deal with. By planning ahead, you can do yourself several favors, from saving gas to losing calories.

- Jobs: If you are able, take your first semester or two to get your feet underneath you and just enjoy all the different aspects of the university setting. You’ve got all your life to slave away to the sound and rhythm of the time clock.