Classes can offer freshmen many tips on how to survive college but only experience can truly help one through the journey.
All freshmen are encouraged to take the Introduction to The University class, ACAD, but many are required to take it. Some students find that ACAD will only teach the basics of how to adapt to college life, but the important things are learned through experience.
Anyone is originally from Memphis will tell you that trains are a way of life.
"Learn to cope with them and work around them," said Keith Currey, English graduate student. "I have seen too many people risk their lives to beat the train or climb over them when they stop."
If the train itself is not the problem, driving across the train tracks usually can be for those who don't know any better or are overly cautious.
"Learn how to drive through malfunction junction at Patterson and Walker," said Sarah Kinnon, senior social work major.
Once across the tracks and safely on the main campus, freshmen should know ahead of time where to go.
"Know where you are going before the first day of school," Kinnon said.
Jarrid Johnson, senior international business major, said one of the key things for surviving on campus is money management.
Also, take advantage of free items offered on campus.
For instance, student planners are free with a valid student ID at the Information Center in The University Center and at the bookstore on campus.
"Know your due dates," said Kinnon. "You get a syllabus for this reason, use it."
Most syllabi are available online along with most everything else.
"It is important that freshmen learn how to effectively use Tigerweb, eBursar and the main Web site, www.memphis.edu," said Shawn Calhoun, sophomore journalism major. "They get a crash course on it in orientation, but they need to know that everything they need to know or do they can find and do online."
While there is a ton of information online, there is also something to be said for knowing how to find and talk to the right people.
"If you don't know how already, learn how to speak with superiors or people in authority positions and speak to them," Calhoun said.
Getting advice from juniors and seniors is a good idea, too, according to Johnson. "Get in contact with upper classmen regarding what classes to take and what halls to live in," he said.
Learning how to be an adult and live independently is also something freshmen have to do.
Kinnon recommends that freshmen be sure they know how to wash their clothes without ruining them and learn how to cook simple, affordable meals like frozen dinners or Ramen noodles.
"Nobody is responsible for you but you now," Kinnon said. "It's time to grow up."
