by Katie Bradley
Since this is my forth and final year here at UT, I figured I’d share some of the knowledge I’ve gained and hopefully spare some of you “newbies” from making the same mistakes I did. First off, do not fret about the school you chose. The University of Toledo is actually a highly well known and respected college, ranking amongst the top 30 schools in the U.S by the Princeton Review for Engineering, Law, and Pharmacy. There are over 22,000 students currently enrolled, with the most freshmen enrolled this year than any other. Part of that is due to the UT Guarantee of course, which gives all incoming freshman free tuition as long as they meet certain criteria, such as having a 3.0 G.P.A in high school.
Our campus is beautiful and if you happen to be from out of town and are stuck living in the dorms for your first year or two, don’t worry about not having anything to, there’s plenty! If you’re a sports fan, there are games to check out almost every weekend, including our home football games, which you get into for FREE with your student I.D. The glass bowl can hold 40,000 or more, and home games are always a blast to attend, even if you’re not the biggest football fan. The REC center is another cool place to check out; ask for a calendar of events next time you go, as there are usually various activities going on throughout the year. Its not just a place to work out, you can go wall climbing, play pool, tennis, basketball, swim, take special work-out classes like spinning (very cool way to work out girls!), palates, or yoga. Or maybe you just want to mellow out in the hot tub or sauna? Whatever your mood, it’s a good way to kill some free time!
If you’re more of an artist, I’m sure you’ll want to spend a lot of time at the CPA-our Center of Performing Arts. As the semester goes on, there will be films, plays, concerts, and other performances to see, usually free with your I.D. Other things to do on campus are movie nights at the union, eating at all the different residence halls with your meal plan to find your favorite (mine was always Ottawa!), and walking to places nearby like Maxwell’s, Campus Oasis, or Omni.
Another piece of advice I have to offer: get involved! Now this doesn’t mean you have to join a church group, volunteer, or spend all your free time in an organization. But it does mean you should probably join something your interested in, why not? You’ll meet new people and make friends, have something to do, and it’s a great resume builder. UT has over 100 organizations, there’s something for everyone! There are honor societies and Greek life if you’re thinking about being in a sorority or fraternity. There’s UTTV and WXUT if you like film or radio. There are groups for almost every major, just check out the UT site and your bound to find something!
Financially speaking, all college kids are in the same boat. Unless your one of the lucky ones to get the UT guarantee or are having your parents pay 100% of everything, your probably as broke as it gets, and its only gonna get worse. Relax. Live within your means. Do not sign up for credit cards no matter how ‘good it sounds’, and take advantage of what your already paying for. That’s right-with your tuition and general fees your already paying for a lawyer, therapist, and health care. Get prescription meds and all your doctor visits through our student medical center! You can see a therapist for free at rocket hall, and if you do happen to get into legal trouble you get a FREE lawyer! (As long as you paid the $10 law fee, of course.) These services can save you so much money; you’d be crazy NOT to use them! Oh and lastly, as far as books go, buy them from half.com at the beginning of the semester if you can. They are usually half the price or less as the ones at the bookstore, and you can sell them back! Now I don’t want to diss our bookstore or anything, so if you can afford their books than great-good luck with selling them back at the end of the year. The good thing however, is you can usually sell them on half.com if the bookstore wont take them back.
Having discussed the things to do around campus, you’re probably somewhat curious about life outside the dorms, right? Well for your first year at least, I wouldn’t bother with your car. You can’t even park on campus your first year, and I’m sure you’ve noticed how outrageous our parking situation here is at UT. There are only about 8,000 spots available for over 20,000 students, you do the math. I say, if you live on campus, stick with campus. If you have friends that live around here, you are certainly in walking distance of U-hills, Campus Village, the Townhouses, and places behind engineering. Parties are always good fun and all, but be careful! I’m not trying to play your mom or anything, but as an experienced senior I know what the risks are, and sometimes its just better to stay on campus. Toledo is pretty famous for undercover cops that like to give out citations for underage drinking, not to mention the crime that happens behind engineering to unsuspecting freshman. I’m definitely not trying to use scare tactics, just facts.
And as far as the freshmen 15 goes, it’s more like the freshmen 10 and it is due to all the junk food and alcohol your more than likely going to consume. So if you’re worried, work out! Use the REC and don’t get a burger and fries everyday with your meal plan. I know it’s tempting, and being a lover of fast food myself, it’s not easy. The good thing is, it’s kind of like a cycle. You may gain the weight now, but by the time you’re a junior or senior-more than likely living in an apt and cooking your own food- you’ll lose it again.
The last subject I would like to offer up advice on is why you’re here in the first place-to learn. College is an amazing place filled with opportunities around every corner, and you will surely learn a lot about yourself and your goals in the four years that you are here. Your major may change (more than once), you may fail a class for the first time in your life, have roommate wars or relationship problems, and may feel like giving up. Don’t. We all go through set backs and college is hard, it really is. Only 1/3 of all college students enrolled actually make it to graduation day, but when you finally do, its worth more than all the B.S you had to endure to finally have that diploma in your hands. Because YOU did it, on your own. And that’s why you shouldn’t just coast through it, feeling satisfied with Cs instead of As, putting in the minimal effort just to get by. With all the time and money you are investing, don’t you want to look back four years later and know that you actually LEARNED something? This isn’t high school; your parents wont be waking you up for class or making sure your homework is done. The responsibility is on YOU to balance your social life and school life. Its very possible to have both, you just need to learn how to manage your time. I have two jobs, 15 credit hours, and go out at least four nights a week. It’s very possible.
Remember, going to class is 90% of the work, it really is. Just try to attend as often as you can, and the rest is downhill from there. Be responsible, be safe, join a group, and above all, have fun! Embrace these years, they really will fly by. Feel free to leave questions and maybe I’ll post some more tips. Good luck guys!
