Entering college as a freshman is a lot like crossing the street for the first time without your parents. You make sure to look both ways for cars first before you step into the road and you’re good to go. It’s almost the same in college … except there’s an airplane falling out of the sky right above you. As an incoming MTSU freshman, here are 11 things to help you avoid the crash and keep sailing across smooth waters.

1. Make Your Dorm Your Home

Coming from someone who once called Cummings her home, I know it is an adjustment to wear flip-flops in the shower and live with a complete stranger, but that stranger is now your campuswide adventure buddy and those flip-flops aren’t actually half bad.

Think about it: you are never more than three minutes away from food, and if you forget something at home one day, home is only three minutes away!

My memories from living in Cummings, or visiting my best friends in Corlew after grabbing lunch at McCallie or Blue Raider Grille formed some of my favorite parts of freshman year.

2. Campus Food

The best part about MTSU is the many options it holds for your new daily meals! Whether you swing by the Student Union or KUC for lunch, your choices outnumber your fingers and toes, ranging from a delicious Chick-Fil-a sandwich to home-style comfort food at Popeye’s.

Want to go a little lighter? No problem, pick up a salad or wrap at the Happy Tomato or visit a P.O.D. (Provisions on Demand) located in almost every building on campus for a quick snack or midday pick-me-up.

Blue Raider Grille is a Flex Bucks hot spot and gives a restaurant feel while in a comfortable atmosphere, making it a great place to either relax or whip out a textbook and catch up on your studies.

[bctt tweet=”You’re never more than 3 minutes from food on campus.” username=”mtsu”]

MTSU knows that college students don’t sleep … and hunger doesn’t, either. So mosey on over to the Cyber Café on campus for a Subway sandwich at any hour of the night and early morning. It’s a hot spot designed for night owls and proves that campus never sleeps.

3. Late Night Study Sessions

College life consists of many late nights of homework and cram sessions. Lucky for students, the doors to the James E. Walker Library are open all week until 2 a.m.

However, closing time at the library doesn’t mean you have to go home, you can find more of MTSU’s endless resources over in the Business and Aerospace Building, aka the BAS, all 24 hours of the day, every day of the week!

So while you’re up all night working, MTSU works to stay up with you.

4. Writing Center and Free Tutoring 

If you haven’t yet, head over to the library to check out MTSU’s Writing Center, located in Room 362. Appointments are easy to make, but walk-ins are welcomed! This is a great way to get your papers proofed and receive some feedback before having a grade stamped at the top.

Visit this page for more information or appointments:

MTSU student services also offers free tutoring for more than 180 different courses, which can be accessed at the library.

www.mtsu.edu/studentsuccess/tutoring.php

5. Hot Spots

Starbucks is universally a great place to grab a cup of coffee, but if you’re trying to dodge a long line, visit the coffee shop in the KUC!

It brews delicious Starbucks coffee with the same great flavors, but without the line!

6. Get Involved in a Club

As overwhelming as college can be, becoming part of an organization to keep you on track and motivated is one of the best things you can do.

Luckily, MTSU has over 100 different student organizations to choose from. Whether you are interested in campus Greek life, Young Life fellowship, a club sports team, or even recreational intramurals, you can find it all within the four corners of campus.

A few of these activities can be found on MTSU websites below:

www.mtsu.edu/fsl

www.mtsu.edu/camprec/intramural

https://murfreesboro.younglife.org

7. Stay Connected

Getting connected on campus is vital to your success as a student at MTSU. It keeps you engaged and motivated to do your best, not only for yourself but also for your university. With Middle Tennessee’s Connection Point, stay up-to-date and involved on your own time.

8. Dress For Success

Whether it’s a job interview or a class presentation, dressing up always sends a more professional message. That’s why MTSU provides what is known as Raiders’ Closet in the KUC in Room 327.

At Raiders’ Closet, you will find an assortment of different styles of business clothes to choose from, whatever the occasion may be. This way, even through the financial turmoil of being a broke college student, you are not any less prepared to achieve success!

www.mtsu.edu/marketing/raiders_closet.php

9. (But also) Dress for Middle Tennessee

Be careful wandering around campus if you’re not sporting the truest of the blue, or you might be met by air horns and no chance to explain yourself!

MTSU’s spirit team has a keen eye for “Raider Traitors.” If you don’t believe me, see for yourself.

10. Library Help Center

If you ever find yourself in the library without your laptop or even a phone charger, the Help Desk on the first floor is there to help! With just your student ID, you can check out and rent electronics and charging devices. Just return them when you’re done!

11. Best Study Spots 

Last but not least, if you’re looking for some of the best study spots on campus, you might be surprised to know they’re right in front of you.

The third floor of the Student Union holds a calming balcony that makes for a peaceful focus spot. It also has tables and comfortable chairs right inside that always seem to be empty.

A personal favorite of mine would be the courtyard between the Media and Entertainment building and the library. It’s open and spacious, and with a pair of headphones and a good playlist, anything can be accomplished.

Don’t count out the Science Building just yet either. The layout gives an urban feel that hones concentration and makes for an incredible study spot.

MTSU makes it so simple to always find a solution to whatever problems arise and float your way. With all the resources accessible to MTSU students, crossing the street all by yourself will be the best walk of your life!