50 Survival Tips for Freshmen... (draft)

1) Your R.A. is your best resource during the first few weeks of school- don't be shy if you have a question or need help, that's what they're there for!

2) Attend your floor's, residential college's, and campus wide events- not only are they fun and free, but they certainly help in making friends and bonding with those you live with.

3) Don't miss CaneFest in the beginning of the year- you can sign up for clubs, activities, organizations, and get tons of free stuff and coupons for local restaurants.

4) Keep track of your CaneCard! It gets you into tons of free events (home football & basketball games, special events at the Bank United Center, free movies at the Cosford, etc.) as well as giving you access to everyday necessities (entrance to the dining hall and elevator lobbies of your building), so don't lose it!

5) If you do lose you CaneCard, make sure to go to Allen Hall as soon as possible to get a replacement for twenty dollars.

6) Learn your C number- you'll need it more frequently than you might think.

7) The 3rd floor of the Ungar Building is your center for technological needs- they can help you with computer problems as well as get you amazing discounts on software.

8) Take advantage of the many programs offered (such as S.T.R.I.V.E., Miami Commitment, IMPACT, etc.)- they offer great life experiences and enhance your resume ten fold.

9) Don't forget that the Academic Resource Center offers free tutoring services and open labs. If feel that you need more help than your current tutor can offer, talk it over with them and see if there's another student who may be a better fit.

10) There are vending machines on the way to the elevator lobbies of the residential colleges- these come in handy when it's late at night and you don't want to walk all the way to the C-Store for a snack.

11) The Blackboard site is the epicenter for all information concerning your classes and programs such as Miami Commitment- take note of which of your professors use it, how frequently they expect you to interact with applications on the site, etc.

12) Worried about getting to class on time? Catch the HurryCane shuttle to get from one side of campus to the other within minutes.

13) Be aware of what isn't allowed in dorms- it isn't worth getting in trouble for, so ask your R.A. for a full list if you're not sure.

14) The dorms can be a little intimidating at first- making them feel like homey may seem impossible, but curtains, posters, and rugs can help make it feel less like a holding cell.

15) Don't want to take a cab to the Grove but can't walk in those heels? The HurryCane runs to the Grove from Thursdays to Sunday.

16) Although the campus is surrounded by a wireless 'cloud' of internet access for students, it's helpful to have an ethernet cable when it gets sluggish.

17) Don't worry about getting your own printer- the computer labs offer them to students, as well as a 100 dollar credit for the service.

18) Learn the dining hall schedule- it can be troublesome if you always go to eat when they're closed.

19) The gym is open late, perfect for busy schedules. If you still feel like you don't have enough time to go to the gym but worry about staying healthy, remember to take the stairs instead of the elevator.

20) Remember to bring a surplus of sunblock and aloe vera- especially if you're not used to Southern weather. During the spring and summer months it can be necessary to apply a layer when just walking to class.

21) Become familiar with the student health center- where it's located, what services it offers, and when it's open.

22) If you find that the student health center can't fulfill all of your health needs or isn't open when you need it, it's always helpful to have a list of local doctors and dentists who take your insurance.

23) Communication is key between roommates- you don't need to be the best of friends, but saying hello and keeping up conversation can help more than you might think.

24) Believe it or not, it does get a bit chilly in Miami! For fall semester, bring some scarves, light jackets, and boots for the surprise cold fronts.

25) Have a problem with the AC in your dorm? Are the storm shutters broken? Accidentally throw something down the trash chute? Call (305)284-2273 (or 8-CARE if from a University phone).

26) Worried about not having enough room in your dorm? Lofting your bed is a great option!

27) Kosher meals (as well as other fantastic food options) are available at the Oasis.

28) There's a plethora of religious services held on campus- Shabbat, Friday night mass, casual dinners and bbqs, holiday celebrations, vigils, etc. Everyone is always invited, regardless of religious affiliation.

29) Need to de-stress after a long week of classes and exams? There's a DJ playing the hottest music poolside on Sundays.

30) Your CaneCard can be used to make purchases at the food court, and you can keep track of your balance on MyUM.

31) The second floor of the bookstore is where you can find textbooks (including discounted used copies), calculators, and other necessities for your classes.