Good to Know
10 things freshmen should know (that aren't in the orientation packet)
Katie Rose McEneely
Issue date: 9/10/09 Section: News
Students who've spent some time at Hillsdale can spot freshmen from across the quad - it's the blue folders. These tips might not help the new arrivals blend in, but the following information is helpful if they plan to stick around.
1. CCAs
These one-credit courses don't seem like much in the student handbook, but they can raise your GPA. If you don't mind a crazy week now and then, take more than the required two.
2. Student parking
Aside from the parallel parking on Hillsdale Street, there are student lots on the corners of West and College Streets near Kendall Hall, and at West Street and Galloway Drive by the Dow Center. Better a brisk walk than a parking ticket.
3. Manners
Be polite to people working in the administrative offices, especially anyone listed as a secretary in the directory. They know everything and their help is invaluable.
4. Money
There are two kinds of ATM on campus, and if neither one is your home bank, you can rack up fees quickly. One way around this is the "cash back" option at Kroger - grocery stores don't charge fees for this, no matter how little you spend. Be warned: Broad Street Market charges $1.50 for "cash back" transactions.
5. Laundry
If you run out of quarters, the cashier's window outside the Business Office will make change or cash a check - just ask nicely. There's also a change machine outside Saga.
6. Library
If the library doesn't have the book, movie or CD you're looking for, you can request it on MeLCat or InterLibrary Loan. You can also recommend a purchase to the library though the catalogue.
7. Meals
The line for Saga starts early. Settle in, or wait from a comfortable distance, especially on Monday - that's when the sororities eat in the cafeteria. It gets really crowded at 11:55, but if you wait till 12:20 it'll be cleared out. Also, Saga Steve will probably not remember your name.
8. Fox News
You can change the TV station in A.J.'s Café. No one will stop you.
9. Grades
No matter how smart you were in high school, you'll probably get a bad grade on your first paper. You came to Hillsdale for a challenge, right?
10. ID
Don't lose your student ID - you can't get into meals, check out library books or open building doors after hours without it. If you do lose it, though, you can get a temporary meal pass from the student monitor in Grewcock. It's good for two days, which gives you a chance to find it before you starve.
1. CCAs
These one-credit courses don't seem like much in the student handbook, but they can raise your GPA. If you don't mind a crazy week now and then, take more than the required two.
2. Student parking
Aside from the parallel parking on Hillsdale Street, there are student lots on the corners of West and College Streets near Kendall Hall, and at West Street and Galloway Drive by the Dow Center. Better a brisk walk than a parking ticket.
3. Manners
Be polite to people working in the administrative offices, especially anyone listed as a secretary in the directory. They know everything and their help is invaluable.
4. Money
There are two kinds of ATM on campus, and if neither one is your home bank, you can rack up fees quickly. One way around this is the "cash back" option at Kroger - grocery stores don't charge fees for this, no matter how little you spend. Be warned: Broad Street Market charges $1.50 for "cash back" transactions.
5. Laundry
If you run out of quarters, the cashier's window outside the Business Office will make change or cash a check - just ask nicely. There's also a change machine outside Saga.
6. Library
If the library doesn't have the book, movie or CD you're looking for, you can request it on MeLCat or InterLibrary Loan. You can also recommend a purchase to the library though the catalogue.
7. Meals
The line for Saga starts early. Settle in, or wait from a comfortable distance, especially on Monday - that's when the sororities eat in the cafeteria. It gets really crowded at 11:55, but if you wait till 12:20 it'll be cleared out. Also, Saga Steve will probably not remember your name.
8. Fox News
You can change the TV station in A.J.'s Café. No one will stop you.
9. Grades
No matter how smart you were in high school, you'll probably get a bad grade on your first paper. You came to Hillsdale for a challenge, right?
10. ID
Don't lose your student ID - you can't get into meals, check out library books or open building doors after hours without it. If you do lose it, though, you can get a temporary meal pass from the student monitor in Grewcock. It's good for two days, which gives you a chance to find it before you starve.
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