Where to go on campus...

Once you are all moved in and settled, where are you supposed to go? There are some very helpful places all over campus.

Having computer troubles? Well Oakland has 3 places to help you with that! There is a Residence Hall Network Help Desk (a mouthful right?!?) and if you live in the residence halls they are there to help you out with your computer needs. It is located in 445 Hamlin Hall. Now if you commute don’t fret, the University Technology Services Help Desk (or the UTS help desk for short) is in Kresge Library on the 2^nd floor, 202 to be exact! Their mission is to “provide Oakland University faculty, staff, and students with a single point of contact for all supported services and products.” They can help you with anything you need, from connecting to the Internet to getting you Oakland email on your smart phone. Last but not least we have the STC or the Student Technology Center. Here you can rent equipment like video cameras, photo cameras, laptops and ipads. They also offer mentoring on all types of programs. To check out how to rent stuff or what programs you can learn how to use visit their website http://www.oakland.edu/stc/.

Having problems with a class? Well good thing you go to Oakland because we have services to help you with that! Troubles with writing that paper for WRT 150… go to the writing center. You can find it at 212 Kresge Library. They do wonders with papers! You can get help with anything from grammar to spelling, how to structure you paper, even help with writing your bibliography. Now if you are struggling with a class that doesn’t involve paper (which are most lol) you can stop by the Academic Skills Center (ASC, we have way too many abbreviations here). At the ASC they offer tutoring for most 100 and 200 level classes.  They have group tutoring and one-on-one sessions. There are two offices on campus one at 103 North Foundation Hall and 117 East Vandenberg Hall. To schedule an appointment or see a list of the classes that they offer tutoring for visit their website J http://www.oakland.edu/asc/. Make sure too check out if any of your classes offer supplemental instruction (SI). They are like an extra study session that is scheduled with you class. They really help especially if you are having trouble in the class.

Did I mention that all these things are free?!? (yes you read that right, FREE) These aren’t the only free this you receive. If you are looking for something to do between classes or just enjoy working out, go the Recreation Center. There are so many things always going on there! There is a fully stocked weight room, with free weights, machines for lifting, treadmills, elliptical, and bikes. If the weight room isn’t your thing they offer a ton of classes. Most are free but some there is a small fee attached. They have yoga, ab lab,  zumba, kickboxing, step circuit and so many others!

There are so many things available to help you out!! Make you go see what they are all about J

Moving in...

After graduation, senior all night parties and grad parties what are most incoming college freshmen looking forward to? Moving In! Move in day is filled with a ton of crazy and a ton of fun. There is so much to do! There are a million people waiting to help you move in, to give you free swag, and to persuade you to join THEIR organization. It’s a bit overwhelming, especially if you have no clue what you are getting yourself into, and I was definitely not one that knew what was going on that day.  When my parents and I arrived on campus, I had no clue what to expect. We turned the corner and it was a parking lot, the street was filled with so many people and cars it was ridiculous.  I couldn’t believe that all the people here were freshmen. I had no clue where to go. After driving around the parking lot for what seemed hundred times we finally found spot to park we began to collect our thoughts a bit. I was still so overwhelmed, I was relieved to find there were so many people there to help direct us to where we needed to be. Move in day that year was freezing cold, my mom and I got in line to check in and get the key for my room. However, check in had not started yet and we were freezing waiting in line. Once they opened the doors it was a mad rush to get all the information you need and pick up you’re key. What was next? Well since I lived on the 7^th floor in West Vandenberg it was kind of impossible to carry all of my things up the stairs so we stood in the long line of new students and parents to use the elevator. After about a half hour wait we finally made it in and were on the way to my new home. It was weird to say that home was not my parent’s house. Once on the 7^th floor I saw that my suitemates had already begun to move in, they were Nikki and Lindsay. Lindsay was a friend I had met at orientation and had no clue that we would be living together, this was already off to a great start. After taking about five elevator trips all of my things were in my new room. Time to unpack, it took my mom, dad, sister and I a few hours to unpack all my clothes and things.  Thank god, all the troops came or else it would have taken me forever. By this time is dinnertime so we grabbed a quick bite then it was time for my family to go back to Milford. It was bitter sweet; I was so relieved to be moved in and able to experience all the awesome things ahead of me. As an incoming freshman you have to experience all the things move in day has to offer. Make sure you meet your residence assistant. They are your key to everything on campus; if you have any questions or need help with anything ask them. Meet the people you will be living with, the best way to meet people are just to venture on to the other floors and walk around. Take advantage of all the coupons and free stuff that is given away on the first day! Last but not least have fun, move in shouldn’t be stressful, it is supposed to be fun