Coming to a new school is always a scary process that is full of uncertainties and a plethora of questions. Troy University, despite the smaller size and comfort, can easily leave you scratching your head or running in a panic. Quite frankly, you can never be prepared enough when it comes to college. So, here is a compilation of Trojan Tips that every incoming student needs to know about Troy University.
1. Wait on getting your books
Some professors will tell you that you don't need to buy the assigned textbook for the course and others will swap to an online access code. Just wait until after the first day of class to prevent from buying unnecessary stuff.
2. There are tricks to saving money on books at Troy
Joining Troy University Textbooks on Facebook can save you hundreds of dollars by putting you in direct contact with other students selling books for super cheap prices. If you can't find your books there, rent them used in the book store instead of buying them. The used books tend to be in pretty good condition.
3. TroyU professors care about you
Despite the intimidatingly bad rep professors tend to get, Troy's professors are beyond willing to help you, learn your name, and want to see you succeed. Professors here get life happens and they want to help you as long as you're willing to help yourself. Drop by during office hours, ask questions, and show some initiative and they'll always be on your side.
4. Your advisor needs to be your best friend
Too many people think an advisor is just for setting a schedule, but they're there to advise your college experience to get you into a solid career. They know the ends and outs of the specific field you're in, what scholarships to apply for, where to look for internship opportunities, and what people to connect with to send you forward. Make nice with them, because they can either make or break you.
5. Take Computer Concepts with Thomas
Almost every student has to take Computer Concepts at Troy and it's considered one of the hardest undergrad classes. Take Thomas and use the quizzes in the book before each class and you'll be much better off.
6. Take snacks to class and embrace the sound of the food wrapper
Most professors don't care at all. Some may even ask you to share.
7. Moe's and SAGA are separate places
If you want to go to Moe's or the other restaurants above SAGA, either enter the building and immediately take the stairs to the right or enter from the stairs outside. You do not have to swipe into SAGA to go to Moe's, and if you do you're wasting like $12.
8. TC is chaos between 10 am and 2 pm
Don't expect to get a seat inside between these times at the Trojan Center food court. You're more than welcome to eat outside, but you should probably just expect to get your food and go.
9. Einstein's sandwiches are heaven
Einstein's does more than just coffee, and their sandwiches and salads are a healthy option.
10. DO NOT DRIVE THROUGH THE CENTER OF CAMPUS BETWEEN 8 AM AND 3 PM
SERIOUSLY PPL. Seriously. You will be super late to where ever you're trying to go. Go around campus to avoid the pedestrian chaos.
11. Sit in the front of the room, especially in Patterson
Big lecture rooms can be difficult to hear in, so sitting in the back will guarantee you some problems. You should never want to sacrifice your GPA to avoid looking like a "teacher's pet". Plus, professors tend to favor the students in the front and that can really pay off at the end of the semester.
12. Always carry your Trojan Card and memorize that number
You will use it almost every day for many things, including in the convenient stores on campus. You can also check your balance and add money to it with the machine in the library.
13. Troy's campus has two convenient stores
One is called Herb's place and it's located in Trojan Village building 400. The other is in the Math and Science building. If you have a problem spending the money on your Trojan card by the end of the semester, use it in the stores since you don't get that money back.
14. Troy U has a lot of clubs and groups to join, just check the walls
If you feel passionate about it, Troy probably has something for it. For example, Troy at one point had a Quidditch team and we regularly play Humans vs Zombies on campus with Nerf guns. Aside from that, there are many political, religious, and athletic organizations to get involved with. The opportunities here go way beyond just going Greek.
15. If you commute, AVOID the 8 am class.
The motivation for early classes will die and you're probably not going to go, tbh.
16. Troy embraces diversity, and so should you
Troy is the largest international university in the world, so a good majority of the student body and professors are international. Absorb the diversity, talk to people from other countries, and get comfortable working with people who may not speak English as a first language. This is part of what makes TroyU so open, tolerant, and accepting of opinions and differences.
17. Please, use the counseling center like the great asset it is
Troy is going to challenge you in new ways. There will be times when you feel lost, drained, and at a breaking point trying to adjust and keep your grades up. Your grades are not as important as your mental health, so Troy offers amazing counseling services for free to help. They also counsel for abuse and other personal issues as well. Don't hesitate to use free, high-quality resources when you feel that you may need them.
18. Eldridge is life saver
Want to change your major or career path? Hit up their career services center.
Need help with writing? Hit up their writing center.
Could use some tutoring? Hit up their tutoring center.
Can't find a way to print? Hit up their printing service.
The list continues...
19. Troy loves individuality
If you want to ride through campus in a Barbie car, do it and I promise you'll get high-fives. We don't care that you wore it yesterday because we probably did too. We love that you love to be comfortable, bold, or dark in your fashion. We love that you express yourself through art, music, writing, playing board games, or singing Hakuna Matata in neon orange pants on the Quad (true story). We're Trojans one and all, we're all unique, and we all support each other for it.
20. Don't stress about knowing where everything is
By the end of your first semester, you'll know the campus well. If not, ask anyone else for help. It's the Trojan Way to help each other out.
21. Forget the GPA for a few seconds and enjoy the experience at Troy University
Grades aren't the only important thing about college. You need to enjoy yourself, go out, and start your own unique path to a successful future. The best people and opportunities are right at your finger tips. So sing the fight song with us at Jordan-Hare, love your campus, and be proud to be a fellow Trojan.
Welcome to Troy!
