1 What items, aside from clothing and bedding, are essential for students
to bring to college?
Shower Shoes! Shower caddy, umbrella, extra toothbrush (you will drop it on the floor), ethernet cable for internet, laundry hampers (I prefer ones with wheels), a mini refrigerator is very nice to have, extra storage containers with drawers...the list goes on and on. There are great lists online that give extensive lists.
2. What is the best way to find out about clubs and activities on campus?
At Mizzou, we have a Web site (getinvolved.missouri.edu) that lists every single student organization along with contact information. At MU there are more than 530 student organizations and getting involved is very important in order to make the university smaller. I’m sure other universities also have Web sites similar to what MU has. Also, resident assistants (RAs) or the equivalent are fantastic resources for incoming students. Just ask!
3 What is the best way to stay away from the “Freshman 15” or “Mizzou 22”?
The number one way to stay away from gaining weight your first year in college is to use the recreation center on campus. Most high school students are usually involved in sports practices every night so when they come to college they need to continue working out to stay in shape. Intramural sports are also a great option and a great way to meet people. Also, the dining halls on campus do have healthy eating options. You cannot eat burgers, fries, ice cream, and cookies every day no matter how good they look. The salad bar is a great option, vegetables are always offered, deli sandwiches and fruits are also available.
4 How should students balance their school work and studying with their
social lives?
School comes first no matter what. You are paying to be at college so you need to know when to say no to a social activity. Also, there are often breaks between classes during the week that can be used for vital study time. Maybe instead of taking a nap, stay awake to study for a couple hours so you can enjoy your evening later. Everyone ends up working out a personal schedule that works best for them.
5 What’s the best way to find a job on campus or off? Are there any resources that Mizzou provides to help students seeking employment?
There are numerous resources on campus to help students find jobs. There are two Web sites that Mizzou uses, hiremizzoutigers.com and careers.missouri.edu. Both help students with job opportunities. We also have a career center on campus that works one on one with students helping them with jobs and work study. The best thing to do for other campuses is ask your RA or visit the university Web site.
