Pointers from a veteran SVSUer

August 24, 2007 —

Welcome, freshmen and other new students to SVSU! I hope you have a bunch of expectations and plans for your time here, as this will give you something to laugh about a few years down the college road.

After three years here, I learned a few things the painful way - through experience. So this week I want to give you a heads up on a few items I wish I had known about. And don't worry, I promise not to ruin all the surprises.

Don't buy your textbooks...

Not at the University's bookstore, anyway. Sure, it's convenient and has all your books in one spot. It is also much more expensive than necessary. With a little research, you can get the same books at a much better price.

Thanks to a new feature on the Bookstore's Web site, it's possible to find the title, edition, year, and publisher of all the required and recommended books for each of your classes. The site unfortunately doesn't provide the ISBN (but then that would just make it too easy, wouldn't it?).

After compiling your list of books, surf your way over to a good used textbook site. I've had good luck with Half.com. It is not unusual to find the same books with a few additions (creased corners or highlighting) in exchange for a large subtraction in the cost. My five required textbooks for this Fall cost $250 less than the brand new versions in the bookstore. This way takes a little work, but I think you will like the result.

Ratemyprofessor.com

Long name, big help. (This isn't their slogan yet, but I'm hoping it'll catch on.) This site lists professors from all over the US, along with student-based ratings and comments. As long as you can take the ratings with a grain of salt, this site can help you make an informed decision. Speaking from personal experience again, I've picked some great professors because of this site, and even avoided a few less savory matches.

Get to know your neighbor

Whether it's the student next to you in the lecture hall, or your neighbor in the Suites, take the time to get to know the people around you. Before your college experience is over, you will appreciate having someone to call in time of need. Whether it's for the missed Chem 111 homework assignment, or an egg for an ill-prepared baking experience, knowing your fellow students will prove valuable.

This is also a great opportunity to simply meet people. Don't be afraid to make a new acquaintance or friend. College is more than learning how to calculate a nested trig function - it's about meeting people and making friends and memories that will last you the rest of your lifetime.

Do the activities

In case you didn't know, SVSU is crawling with organizations. Student Association, University Residence Association, and *ahem* the Valley Vanguard, to name a few. Many of these organizations love to sponsor free events on a regular basis, so be sure to go enjoy them. After all, your tuition money helped make them possible. And for the truly motivated and out-going among you, consider joining an organization or two. It's a great way to meet a new set of students, and to spice up your time at SVSU.

So there you have it - hopefully these pieces of advice help make your SVSU adventure all the better. I just wish that someone had told me when I was a freshman. Then again, maybe someone did tell me. In that case, I wish I had listened better.