Navigating Around Campus

            From figuring out what buildings your classes are in to shortcuts on how to get to classes, there are many things that could occur. You could potentially be late to your classes on the first day, maybe even the first few days, since some campuses can be pretty big. DO NOT STRESS OUT THOUGH! Try to go with a friend, roommate, parent, or even just by yourself to discover where your classes are. There’s usually about a week or so before classes start after you move in so I would try to use that time to figure it all out. I went with a friend and probably made a fool out of myself trying to find the buildings. I live on a pretty big campus so that is no surprise, especially since I am horrible with directions.

            There’s also some nicknames, lingo, or slang for different places usually. For my college, Wescoe Beach is one of those funny places. Wescoe is the name of one of the many buildings on campus and there’s a big space outside that people call “the beach.” It is basically just a place with some benches and plenty of space for people to talk about different events, advertise, preach to students, etc. I was so clueless my first week that I told someone I knew where Wescoe was but that I had no idea where Wescoe Beach was. Don’t get me wrong, I knew it wasn’t a real beach but for some reason it didn’t click that it was actually just the area outside of the building. You will definitely embarrass yourself at some point but that’s totally okay.

            The bus system is another fun adventure on a large campus. For my college there are a ton of different buses that will take students a billion different places on and off campus. You have to make sure you get on the right one or you’ll be on quite an adventure. I have yet to get on the wrong bus so far because I know one bus that will take me to my classes and my dorm and I stick with it. There’s usually bus route pamphlets at different places on campus and you’ll even probably get one when you move in. I got mine in a little care package in my dorm on move-in day.

            Overall, just stay calm and try to get it all squared away before your classes actually start. Professors probably won’t be too strict on being late that first week but it could be embarrassing if you come in late. Try to get a map of the campus if you can too but look over it before you actually are walking or on the bus because you don’t want to look like a tourist. Also, don’t be afraid to go on crazy adventures in case you get lost. It might be a little nerve wracking but it could be a great way to figure out different short cuts to get to class or even just a place to go to relax on some stressful days.