As a junior at Towson, I've learned many things that I wish I knew when I started here. Here are 19 things that will hopefully make your freshmen experience easier.

1. You will get lost in the Liberal Arts Building.

I'm a junior and I still get lost in this building. If you get confused, ask another student. There are also screens throughout the building explaining the three sections. Before you know it, you'll know the quickest route to your classes.

2. On the Border has $2 Taco night every Tuesday.

It's amazing.

3. Don't buy your textbooks until syllabus week.

Some professors will send you the syllabus via Blackboard but they may not always update the book list. Unless there is an assignment due on the first day, most professors do not expect for you to have the book until the second week of classes.

4. Use Amazon for textbooks.

The school store can get expensive so try to find the textbooks you need on Amazon or Bookholders. Also try to buy your textbooks instead of renting them so you can sell them back.

5. Get to know your RA.

RA's are here to help you and they are amazing resources.

6. If you are in a triple- you will survive.

I was in a triple during my freshmen year and I wrote an article about my experience.

https://www.theodysseyonline.com/how-to-survive-in...

7. You can use your meals at Starbucks after 4pm.

This works at the Starbucks in Cook Library.

8. Papa Johns offers an $8 large pizza if you say you are a Towson student.

This does not work if you order online so you must call and tell them this.

9. Nightlife at Towson is big.

There is always something going on at night. Don't be worried if you aren't in the loop because you are new here. Once you meet more people, you will know what's going on. Towson also plans events for students most weekends.

10. The Psych Building and Hawkins Hall connect.

Education majors- this will be your lifesaver. These buildings are right next to Freedom Square and the further you walk into Hawkins, it turns into the Psych Building. There is also an amazing place to eat called Au Bon Pain in Hawkins Hall.

11. Your PSYCH101 won't be in the Psychology Building.

These tend to be bigger lectures which will take place in the Lecture Hall and the Liberal Arts Building.

12. Go to the Involvement Fair.

There are clubs for just about everything. This is the easiest way to make friends besides the people in your major. Don't see what you like? You can start your own club.

13. Go Greek (or at least try it).

I rushed my sophomore year and it has opened so many doors. I was the girl who said I would never join a sorority when I joined college, but here I am: a proud ZTA.

14. Go to the gym.

Every student pays for the gym in the student fees. It also helps keep off the Freshmen 15. If you are trying to avoid gaining the weight, I wrote an article about it. https://www.theodysseyonline.com/avoiding-the-fres...

15. Learn the attendance policy.

Try to keep track of your absences in your classes because some professors take points off of your final grade if you miss more than 2 classes.

16. Use the shuttles.

Learn how to use the shuttles, the schedules are all available online. There are shuttles that go all the way into Baltimore to shuttles that go around the Towson area. There are even a couple shuttles that specifically go around campus every 20 minutes.

17. Learn when you like to take class.

Not many people enjoy once a week classes but I love them. Your freshmen year schedule might not be ideal but you'll learn if you prefer 50 minute class that meet three times a week, morning/night classes etc.

18. Go to the writing center and academic achievement center.

If you are struggling in a class please use these resources. Towson has student tutors in many subject areas. The writing center is a great source for every student that should be taken advantage of. Some professors even offer extra credit for going.

19. Frequently used acronyms to know:

Places:

THB=Towson Hot Bagels

OTB=On the Border

Buildings:

CLA= Liberal Arts Building (College of Liberal Arts) CFA= Center for the Arts

Organizations:

SGA= Student Government Association

URG= University Residence Government CAB= Campus Activities Board