Class
- Skipping: Don't over-do it. Skipping class a couple times won't hurt you, but if you realize you have no idea what chapter the class is on, you've skipped too much.
- Don't lose the syllabus. Yes, those boring, three page long class descriptions are valuable. Keeping up with it will prevent you from sounding like an idiot when you ask a question and the professor answers with, "It's on the syllabus." *burn*
- Make friends in your classes! If you end up skipping too many times or you lose the syllabus, hopefully a friend can email you a copy of their notes/syllabus.
On-Campus Dining
- What is the best meal plan? The answer is the Block 70. It includes 70 meals per semester and 700 flex dollars! Flex dollars are worth more than gold at JSU, because they are used for all the restaurants in the Theron Montgomery Building (Freshens, Baja Fresh, Chick-fil-A, and Cocky Q).
- If you're someone who doesn't get full easily then the Jack Hopper Dining Hall (aka the "Caf") is the place for you. It's an all-you-can eat buffet of several types of foods—salads, pizza, hamburgers, Asian, Mexican, and more.
- If you like your plate made for you and you don't mind waiting in line, the Gamecock Diner is perfect for you. They serve made-to-order plates and have specials everyday. Most importantly, they have a free salad and dessert bar!
Getting Around Campus
- Biking: It's not worth it. I don't see how people do it. The sidewalks are too small and people will not move out of the way. I realized biking to class was a bad idea when I took a spill into the middle of Pelham Street.
- Gamecock Express: not as bad as it seems. Students always joke about how behind schedule the campus bus system is (see #12 in 30 Things Only Jacksonville State Students Can Relate To), but if you use the JSU app to track the buses, you can actually plan a punctual ride to class.
- Walking: Your best option. JSU is a relatively small campus, so walking to class isn't a big deal. Hey, you might burn some calories!
Get Involved!
- Getting involved in campus organizations is key to a successful freshman year at Jax State! College is so much easier when you have others pushing you to do your best.
- There are organizations for absolutely anyone. Greek Life, Freshman Forum, Student Senate, Clubs, Honor Societies, and religious organizations are great ways for freshman to get plugged-in at JSU!
- Dorm. life. is. not. as. bad. as. you. think. It really is a great experience! Trust me, living on campus your freshman year is the best decision you can make.
- Community Bathrooms? Don't freak out. They are cleaned daily and do not resemble the bathrooms from "Orange is the New Black."
- Keep up with your student ID! You have to swipe your ID to enter your residence hall, so its important to have it on you at all times.
- Don't be afraid to ask your RAs questions. After all, it is there job to help you!
More Helpful Tips
- If you don't have a book scholarship, use Chegg.com (or a site similar to it) to buy your books! It is a rental service that has extremely discounted prices!
- Don't be afraid to take 15-16 hours your first semester! Most students can handle the course load, and you'll be better on track to graduate in four years.
- Just park in your zone. You'll get the thought that maaaaaybe today UPD won't notice that you're in the wrong zone. They will. Don't risk the $25.
- Stay Active! The "Freshman 15" is all too real. Take advantage of Stephenson Hall (recreational and exercise facility) free of charge.
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
