HERALD EDITORIAL: New student survival guide

We the staff of the Western Herald are all full-time students. Like the incoming freshmen, international students and trasfer students will, we have all experienced the confusion and exhilaration of the first day on campus at Western Michigan University. Years of experience, combined with a little common sense, have granted us insight into the trials and tribulations of new students and the student body in general.
Given that the Herald is a news publication by and for the people of WMU and Kalamazoo, we feel that a few reminders about campus life are in order.

•    Wear a watch.  A common notion among watch defamers is “I don’t need a watch because I have a cell phone.”  However, watches continue to offer quick and easy access, even during exams, where cell phone use is prohibited.

•    Stay vigilant in the Miller Parking Ramp; pillars and speeding cars are everywhere.

•    Until another bank encroaches on National City’s monopoly over WMU’s campus, it is easiest to open an account with National City. Remember that all ATM withdrawals from non-National City accounts will be charged.

•    Carry cash, too.  It is often more convenient.

•    Remember that the Bernhard Center cafiteria across from Bronco Express has excellent meals and the price is never out of line. Their breakfast is especially choice.

•    Purchase your books online or used whenever possible to save money.

•    Don’t forget about the on- and off-campus meal plans.

•    Use the bus system.  Learn the routes and the times for buses that you normally ride. Bus route pamphlets are available on the buses themselves.

•    Read the Western Herald in print (Monday and Thursday) and on the Web (westernherald.com) to keep up-to-date on campus news and activities.

•    Take the time to vote in campus, local, state, and national elections. Students are a key group affected by policies on many levels. Make your voice heard.

•    Always meet with an advisor at the beginning of each semester.  With your advisor’s help, form a to-do list and stick to it.  Stay on top of graduation or WMU will keep graduation on top of you.

•    High amounts of credit hours (18+) require more effort. Adjust your life accordingly.

•    Take advantage of the Student Recreation Center to keep in shape and relieve stress.

•    Integrate yourself with your classmates and professors. They will be much more willing to help you out if you get in a tight spot.

•    Find a Registered Student Organization that interests you. Be an active member of the student community.

•    Read the chalk on the sidewalk.  Hilarious things have, in the past, made appearances.

•    If you are superstitious, avoid stepping on the “W” beneath the Waldo Library tower.

•    Travel around campus and get your bearings.  Find your classes ahead of time.  Once you’ve acclimated to a semester’s traveling routes, begin to time the routes individually.  This will give you an idea of how much time you have throughout the semester.

•    Always read bulletin boards.  Many are for fun and interesting events on and around campus.

•    Keep track of goings-on in the Kalamazoo area.  It is sometimes too easy to seclude oneself within WMU’s pleasant campus. To do this at the expense of a greater community is a mistake.

•    Support East Campus. East Hall and the surrounding body of century-old schoolhouses are monuments of a bygone era.  We should regard their maintenance as a privilege.  If there is any action that should be required of a WMU student, no doubt it is to stand before the steps of East Hall’s rear entrance and watch the sunrise over Kalamazoo.

Short URL: http://www.westernherald.com/?p=7537

Posted by HeraldAdmin on Sep 7 2009. Filed under Editorial, Opinion. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can leave a response or trackback to this entry

Cody Kimball
Web Manager: I'm a Communication Student at WMU, a SCUBA Diver, Boater, Ordained Minister, Notary Public, Web Designer, Film Maker, DJ, and of course a Journalist. Born and raised in Port Huron, MI and a graduate of SC4. http://www.codykimball.com