I knew college would be an amazing experience, but I was not expecting my first week here at Rowan University to be better than any week of four years at high school. In the last seven days on the Glassboro campus, I've met dozens of amazing new people, ate pounds of food I've never tried back at home, and made connections with my professors. Rowan Unversity always has things to offer the "bored" and "uninspired" student, so here are a few tips that'll help you easily maneuver the campus to find things to do.
1. The campus is small, but it can get confusing.
Navigating through a new environment is always a challenge, but navigating around a college campus is even harder. Nine times out of ten, incoming freshmen have no idea where their classes are or how to get to them. Downloading the "Ellucian Go" or "Rowan Mobile" app will give you access to an on-campus map and directions to on-campus events.
2. The Marketplace has the best on-campus food.
I live in the Holly Pointe Commons dorms, so I hold no bias when I say this... the Marketplace in the Student Center is the best place to go to get food (not including off-campus restaurants). They have different varieties of food ranging from pasta to grilled food to vegan food. The ambiance of the eatery is attractive; blue, red, and yellow lights hang from the ceiling adding life to the relaxing environment. I highly suggest you stop by there sometime for some good food.
3. It rains a lot!
In my opinion, rain is pretty relaxing, especially when you want to study. However, when you're walking to a class ten minutes away in the rain, you might not be too relaxed. Always keep an umbrella on you, and try not to wear your best outfits on the cloudy days.
4. The students are friendly.
Even if you don 't know the people in your classes or sitting next to you at lunch, don't ever be discouraged to give a friendly "hi" or wave to someone. From what I've experienced on campus, the students here are generally pretty friendly. Everyone is trying to find new friends and meet new people, so don't be afraid to make your moves. We are all in the same boat.
5. There is always something to do.
One of the best things about college is that there's never a time where everything is closed. If it's 1 A.M. and you're hungry, go to Domino's. If it's a Thursday night and you have no morning classes Friday, hit up a frat party. If you need extra help before a quiz or exam, pay your professor a visit for office hours. No matter what mood you're in, there's always something to mitigate your complacency.
6. There is free stuff, always!
Getting free food and free t-shirts seem to be a recurring theme of being a student at Rowan University. Be on the look out from messages from your RA about community events and giveaway opportunities because chances are, they will probably be giving away some useful things.
7. There are great educational resources.
New libraries and research centers are all over campus at students' disposals. If you ever need a quiet place to study or need an opportunity to further your learning, I suggest you stop by the campus Barnes & Noble, main library, Student Center, or professor's office hours.
8. The professors are great!
All of the professors I have been assigned to are wonderful people who seem to have their students' best interests in mind. I encourage all of you to make connections with your professors and always inquire new information from them. They were once in our shoes and to get to the heights they have gotten to, we must follow their lead.
