I've been attending Indiana University Southeast for three years. I'm going into my fourth out of about six (that's what I get for adding pre-med requirements in my third year), so it's needless to say that I have some experience going to school here. The fall semester is just kicking off, and, as such, I'd like to offer some tips for all incoming freshmen, specifically for our fine school.

1. Beware of the geese.

The geese are infamous on our great campus. They're known to take over parking lots, inhabit every body of water on the property, and literally attack people. Seriously, don't even go near them, especially in the Spring. The pic above was posted on the IU Southeast Instagram as an April Fools joke, introducing this goose as our new mascot, "Gus the Goose." They may be cute and funny to look at, but really, folks, leave them be. (Don't even get me started on the squirrels.)

2. Utilize your resources!

There are so many amazing resources on campus for students, you wouldn't believe it.

The personal counseling services, led by Dr. Michael Day in the University Center, are for anyone feeling like they need some help. Whether you're severely depressed or just feeling stressed over living on campus away from home for the first time, there are counselors there to help you.

The writing center, in Knobview Hall, will work with you to help you craft the best paper you can write. They have employees and volunteers there at all times to help you whenever you need it, and even offer online consultation! There's also a math resource lab, set up similarly to the writing center, and free tutoring in the sciences!

Always, always, always use your advisors. As a freshman, you should have just gone through your first advising appointment. Keep going! Obviously you should be able to know for yourself which classes you should be taking and what direction you're heading, but your academic advisor is there to help you put everything together cohesively and answer any and all questions you may have. Use them!

There are a host of other resources out there for students, and you should be proactive in seeking them out because they will only help you!

3. Use your UCard!

By using your UCard at the University Grounds coffee shop or the commons food court in the UC, you get a discount! Also, you can use your UCard at many off-campus locations, from convenience stores to health food stores, and from fast food places to restaurants. You can also use it to charge books and supplies at the campus bookstore. Your UCard is important, so use it!

4. Build good relationships with your professors!

Now, obviously this can apply to any school, but I want to make a special appeal to the students at IUS specifically. I feel our school is just about the perfect size. It's just large enough that there's always someone new to meet, but it's just small enough to maintain a good rapport with professors, advisors, and instructors. By having a good, mutually respectful, professional relationship with your professor, they are more likely to be understanding when things come up. For example, when my nephew had an emergency appendectomy last year and I missed a day of classes, my chemistry professor, whom I'd gotten to know and who knew me fairly well, was extremely understanding, despite her attendance policy. She gave me an extension on homework and allowed me to make up missed extra credit. Now, obviously, I'm not saying make nice so you get good grades. What happened in my case was that my professor knew me and my determination in my education, and knew that I wasn't just slacking off or lying to her, so she was more understanding of my situation. Small class sizes pay off, kids, and IUS has a pretty good student-faculty ratio.

Good luck, Grenadiers.