{"594631":{"#nid":"594631","#data":{"type":"news","title":"Freshman Survival Tips","body":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EHealth and Wellness\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\r\n\r\n\u003Col\u003E\r\n\t\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EExercise.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/strong\u003EExercising can be a great form of stress relief and an easy way to stay healthy. Check out the\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022http:\/\/crc.gatech.edu\/\u0022\u003ECampus Recreation Center\u003C\/a\u003E, walk to a few classes each week, and dance around your dorm room during study breaks. Tech also offers\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022http:\/\/www.crc.gatech.edu\/intramurals\/\u0022\u003Eintramurals\u003C\/a\u003E\u0026nbsp;and\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022http:\/\/www.crc.gatech.edu\/sport-clubs\u0022\u003Eclub sports\u003C\/a\u003E\u0026nbsp;for every level of athlete.\u003C\/li\u003E\r\n\t\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EDon\u0026rsquo;t wait until you\u0026rsquo;ve caught the plague to go to Stamps Health Services.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/strong\u003EIn a residence hall, there\u0026rsquo;s a special time of year when nearly everyone gets sick. Illness spreads widely and quickly when students are sharing bathrooms, bedrooms, and kitchens. Remember to\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/health.gatech.edu\/appointments\u0022\u003Emake an appointment at Stamps\u003C\/a\u003E\u0026nbsp;when symptoms develop.\u003C\/li\u003E\r\n\t\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ESleep. Sleep. Sleep.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/strong\u003EEven after drinking three coffees, chugging a Red Bull, and taking a cold shower, a student is not at their best without sleep. Rest is necessary to rejuvenate the body and the mind. Young adults should get at least seven hours of sleep each night. Remember to relax, unwind, and catch some Z\u0026rsquo;s.\u003C\/li\u003E\r\n\t\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EClean your clothes.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/strong\u003EThe daunting task of laundry intimidates many freshmen. Thankfully, all Freshman Experience residence halls have laundry facilities within walking distance. Grab detergent, your\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022http:\/\/buzzcard.gatech.edu\/\u0022\u003EBuzzCard\u003C\/a\u003E\u0026nbsp;(with a few dollars of Buzzfunds), dirty clothes, and some study material to pass the time. (If you\u0026rsquo;ve never done laundry,\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022http:\/\/www.realsimple.com\/home-organizing\/cleaning\/laundry\/how-do-laundry\u0022\u003Etake a few tips from Real Simple\u003C\/a\u003E.)\u003C\/li\u003E\r\n\t\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EWear shower shoes.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/strong\u003ECommunity bathrooms are a new experience for college freshmen. Wear flip-flops in the shower for foot protection. Invest in a shower caddy to hold soap, toothbrushes, and any other bathroom items.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/li\u003E\r\n\t\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EMental health is important.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/strong\u003EFind campus activities to get involved in and remember to take breaks. Hang out with friends, explore Atlanta, or take up a new hobby. For professional support, check out the\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022http:\/\/counseling.gatech.edu\/\u0022\u003ECounseling Center\u003C\/a\u003E, which offers group workshops and various counseling services. It is located on the second floor of the Smithgall Student Services (Flag) Building.\u003C\/li\u003E\r\n\t\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EDining halls.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/strong\u003ETech offers a variety of dining halls to fill all nutritional needs. The dining halls include Woodruff (West Campus), Brittain (East Campus), and North Avenue (East Campus). The Freshman Experience includes unlimited access to any of these locations. Alternatively, dining points or BuzzCard funds can be spent at retail dining locations including Subway, Chick-fil-A, Dunkin\u0026rsquo; Donuts, Highland Bakery, Blue Donkey, and Starbucks. New for fall 2017, the\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.gatechdining.com\/dining-choices\/west-village.html\u0022\u003EWest Village\u003C\/a\u003E\u0026nbsp;offers options for the west side of campus. West Village is home to a Starbucks, Panera Bread, and several quick service dining options.\u003C\/li\u003E\r\n\u003C\/ol\u003E\r\n\r\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ESafety and Transportation\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\r\n\r\n\u003Col\u003E\r\n\t\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ELock your dorm when you leave.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/strong\u003EResidence Halls can become a very comfortable place for students. Mid-semester, students grow complacent and begin to leave their dorm rooms unlocked, but valuable items are often left within these rooms; so remember to lock the door upon leaving.\u003C\/li\u003E\r\n\t\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EKeep your BuzzCard with you at all times.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/strong\u003EThink of the BuzzCard as an ID, debit card, and universal key all in one. Students who misplace their BuzzCards should visit the BuzzCard Center at the Barnes \u0026amp; Noble in Tech Square. Lost or stolen BuzzCards can be deactivated\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022http:\/\/buzzcard.gatech.edu\/Pages\/default.aspx\u0022\u003Eonline\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/li\u003E\r\n\t\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ERemember that you live in a city.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/strong\u003ELock all bikes with a U-Lock and register them with the\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022http:\/\/police.gatech.edu\/\u0022\u003EGeorgia Tech Police Department\u003C\/a\u003E\u0026nbsp;(GTPD). Don\u0026rsquo;t walk or study alone at night. Always keep an eye on valuables; and if you see something, say something, Call GTPD at 404-894-2500 (save them as a contact in your phone) to report suspicious activity.\u003C\/li\u003E\r\n\t\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EBuses, Trolleys, and MARTA. Oh my.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/strong\u003EThe transportation system at Tech may seem overwhelming, but it makes getting around campus easier. Check out\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/pts.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/documents\/stinger-buses-map.pdf\u0022\u003Ethese maps\u003C\/a\u003E\u0026nbsp;to plan daily routes. Tech has a few different transit options including the Tech Trolley, Midnight Rambler, Red, Blue, and Green Stinger Buses, the Emory Shuttle, and the Weekend Grocery Shuttle to Atlantic Station.\r\n\t\u003Cul\u003E\r\n\t\t\u003Cli\u003ETake advantage of the\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022http:\/\/www.nextbus.com\/#!\/georgia-tech\/\u0022\u003EGeorgia Tech app\u003C\/a\u003E\u0026nbsp;to see when buses will arrive, since at times buses and trolleys may be delayed. Remember that there are only 15\u0026nbsp;minutes between classes.\u003C\/li\u003E\r\n\t\t\u003Cli\u003EThe\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/gt-new.ridecell.com\/request\u0022\u003EStingerette\u003C\/a\u003E\u0026nbsp;is available as an after-hours transportation system for Tech students and employees. This ride-request shuttle services Georgia Tech-operated living accommodations, academic buildings, and facilities within campus boundaries and the MARTA Midtown Station. Service is provided from 6 p.m. to 7 a.m. Call 404.385.RIDE(7433) or go to\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022http:\/\/stingerette.com\/\u0022\u003Estingerette.com\u003C\/a\u003E\u0026nbsp;to request a ride.\u003C\/li\u003E\r\n\t\t\u003Cli\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022http:\/\/itsmarta.com\/\u0022\u003EMARTA\u003C\/a\u003E\u0026nbsp;is another form of transportation to get around Atlanta. The Tech Trolley will take students to the Midtown MARTA station. Unlike Georgia Tech transportation, MARTA is not free. Visit\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022http:\/\/www.itsmarta.com\/\u0022\u003Eitsmarta.com\u003C\/a\u003Efor more information on routes and costs.\u003C\/li\u003E\r\n\t\u003C\/ul\u003E\r\n\t\u003C\/li\u003E\r\n\t\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EParking.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/strong\u003EStudents choosing to take a car to Tech should use this link for more information on purchasing parking permits.\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/pts.gatech.edu\/permits-payment\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EClick here for parking permit info\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003E.\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/li\u003E\r\n\t\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ESafety in numbers.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/strong\u003EYou\u0026rsquo;re always safer when you\u0026rsquo;re with others. When you\u0026rsquo;re walking, driving, or taking transit at night, try to do so with a friend when possible. You can also download the\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022http:\/\/livesafe.gatech.edu\/\u0022\u003Efree LiveSafe app\u003C\/a\u003E\u0026nbsp;to send your location to friends when they can\u0026rsquo;t be there in person.\u003C\/li\u003E\r\n\u003C\/ol\u003E\r\n\r\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EAcademics\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\r\n\r\n\u003Col\u003E\r\n\t\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EGeorgia Tech will be more challenging than high school\u003C\/strong\u003E. Every student at Tech is smart. Once freshmen accept this fact, it\u0026rsquo;s easier to cope with the rigorous academic environment. Stay focused and study hard, but remember that grades don\u0026rsquo;t define a person\u0026rsquo;s character.\u003C\/li\u003E\r\n\t\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003E\u0026nbsp;Find locations and study groups that work for you\u003C\/strong\u003E. Every student is unique and their study habits vary accordingly. For a silent study experience, visit the upper floors of the Library. Note that\u0026nbsp;The Price Gilbert and Crosland Tower renewal project, known on campus as Library Next, will begin its first major phase of construction in late July. This phase will focus on the Crosland Tower renovation and includes the removal of the connecting bridge, stairs, and walkways between the two library buildings. Learn more about the full scope of the project and what to expect at\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022http:\/\/librarynext.gatech.edu\/\u0022\u003Elibrarynext.gatech.edu\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/li\u003E\r\n\t\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EUse your resources\u003C\/strong\u003E. Georgia Tech has a lot of options when it comes to academic support. Talk to professors,\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/schedule.advising.gatech.edu\/appointments\/\u0022\u003Eschedule an appointment\u003C\/a\u003E\u0026nbsp;with an academic advisor, and check out the\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022http:\/\/success.gatech.edu\/\u0022\u003ECenter for Academic Success\u003C\/a\u003E\u0026nbsp;in Clough Commons. Sometimes it takes a village to earn that A.\u003C\/li\u003E\r\n\u003C\/ol\u003E\r\n\r\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ESocial\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\r\n\r\n\u003Col\u003E\r\n\t\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EJoin an organization that you\u0026rsquo;re passionate about.\u003C\/strong\u003E\u0026nbsp;Check out\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/orgsync.com\/login\/georgiatech\u0022\u003EO\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/orgsync.com\/login\/georgiatech\u0022\u003ErgSync\u003C\/a\u003E\u0026nbsp;to explore the hundreds of clubs that Georgia Tech has to offer. Find something of interest and get involved\u003C\/li\u003E\r\n\t\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EGo to sporting events.\u003C\/strong\u003E\u0026nbsp;Many Georgia Tech sporting events \u0026mdash; including baseball, softball, women\u0026rsquo;s basketball, volleyball, and tennis \u0026mdash;\u0026nbsp;offer free admission to students with BuzzCard.\r\n\t\u003Cul\u003E\r\n\t\t\u003Cli\u003EFor football games, students can purchase reserved season tickets or opt for free single game tickets. Purchase tickets\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022http:\/\/togetherweswarm.com\/student-tickets.html\u0022\u003Ehere\u003C\/a\u003E. These seats are located in the North End Zone. Students have the option to register and sit with an organizational group, the\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/gtswarm.com\/\u0022\u003ESWARM\u003C\/a\u003E, or individually. The SWARM includes priority seating and T-shirt and costs an additional $20.\u003C\/li\u003E\r\n\t\t\u003Cli\u003EAbout 2,500 free single game tickets are available for each home game. Online registration begins a few days before every game. Free tickets are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis. These seats are located in the South End Zone.\u003C\/li\u003E\r\n\t\t\u003Cli\u003EMen\u0026rsquo;s basketball tickets are free with BuzzCard but are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis with the first 900 students admitted.\u003C\/li\u003E\r\n\t\u003C\/ul\u003E\r\n\t\u003C\/li\u003E\r\n\t\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EGreek Life.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/strong\u003EFor women, the\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.gatechcpc.com\/\u0022\u003ECollegiate Panhellenic Council\u003C\/a\u003E\u0026nbsp;(CPC) hosts formal recruitment each fall semester. Formal Recruitment is a highly structured process that takes students to each CPC sorority, and\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/gtcpc.mycampusdirector2.com\/landing\/\u0022\u003Eregistration is required\u003C\/a\u003E. Register by Aug.\u0026nbsp;17, 2017,\u0026nbsp;for Fall 2017 rush.\r\n\t\u003Cul\u003E\r\n\t\t\u003Cli\u003EThere are also two associate member sororities that do not participate in the formal recruitment process. The associate member recruitment process takes place a few weeks after formal recruitment in the fall and during the second week of school in the spring.\u003C\/li\u003E\r\n\t\t\u003Cli\u003EFor men, the\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022http:\/\/fraternity.gatech.edu\/\u0022\u003EInterfraternity Council\u003C\/a\u003E\u0026nbsp;hosts rush each fall, and There is also an opportunity to rush for a fraternity in the Spring semester. Georgia Tech also offers fraternities within the\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022http:\/\/mgc.gtorg.gatech.edu\/\u0022\u003EMulticultural Greek Council\u003C\/a\u003E\u0026nbsp;and\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022http:\/\/www.nphc.gtorg.gatech.edu\/\u0022\u003ENational Pan-Hellenic Council\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/li\u003E\r\n\t\u003C\/ul\u003E\r\n\t\u003C\/li\u003E\r\n\t\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EGo to campus events.\u003C\/strong\u003E\u0026nbsp;Tech offers many opportunities for freshmen to get to know each other while becoming acclimated to campus life. For example,\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022http:\/\/nssp.gatech.edu\/rats-week-welcome-home-month\u0022\u003ER.A.T.S. Week\u003C\/a\u003E\u0026nbsp;is a collaborative effort across campus divisions, departments, and organizations to showcase the many opportunities at Tech. Events will occur during the first week of classes so be sure to check a few of them out.\u003C\/li\u003E\r\n\u003C\/ol\u003E\r\n\r\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EPersonal\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\r\n\r\n\u003Col\u003E\r\n\t\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ECall your mom.\u003C\/strong\u003E\u0026nbsp;It\u0026rsquo;s easy to get caught up in freshman year. Between a full schedule of classes, new friends, extracurricular activities, and the adjustment to living on a college campus, there may be little time left for parents and siblings. However, it is important to take a few moments to catch up with family. FaceTime is a blessing!\u003C\/li\u003E\r\n\t\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EDiscover the real you.\u003C\/strong\u003E\u0026nbsp;College is a great time for students to explore aspects of themselves that they may not have in high school. Every freshman should do at least one thing that scares them. Georgia Tech offers students a unique opportunity to learn, innovate, and mature. Take advantage of it.\u003C\/li\u003E\r\n\t\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ETime flies when you\u0026rsquo;re having fun.\u003C\/strong\u003E\u0026nbsp;Freshman year will be over in the blink of an eye. Make a photo album, keep a journal, or just take amazing mental notes of each new experience. Get ready for a great year!\u003C\/li\u003E\r\n\u003C\/ol\u003E\r\n\r\n\u003Cp\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\r\n\r\n\u003Cp\u003EThe original link to this story can be found \u003Ca href=\u0022http:\/\/www.news.gatech.edu\/features\/freshman-survival-tips?utm_campaign=daily-digest\u0026amp;utm_medium=email\u0026amp;utm_source=dd-article-secondary-fslink:6576%7C2017-08-17\u0022\u003Ehere\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/p\u003E\r\n","summary":null,"format":"limited_html"}],"field_subtitle":"","field_summary":"","field_summary_sentence":[{"value":"These tips will help new students as they navigate their first year, but may be useful for returning students too."}],"uid":"33693","created_gmt":"2017-08-18 14:16:20","changed_gmt":"2017-08-18 14:17:04","author":"Kayleigh Haskin","boilerplate_text":"","field_publication":"","field_article_url":"","dateline":{"date":"2017-08-18T00:00:00-04:00","iso_date":"2017-08-18T00:00:00-04:00","tz":"America\/New_York"},"extras":[],"hg_media":{"434151":{"id":"434151","type":"image","title":"Freshmen Enjoy Convocation","body":null,"created":"1449256148","gmt_created":"2015-12-04 19:09:08","changed":"1475895174","gmt_changed":"2016-10-08 02:52:54","alt":"Freshmen Enjoy Convocation","file":{"fid":"202955","name":"freshmen-convocation-2.jpg","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/images\/freshmen-convocation-2_0.jpg","image_full_path":"http:\/\/www.tlwarc.hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/images\/freshmen-convocation-2_0.jpg","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":673133,"path_740":"http:\/\/www.tlwarc.hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/images\/freshmen-convocation-2_0.jpg?itok=vwXH6Shj"}}},"media_ids":["434151"],"groups":[{"id":"473211","name":"_OLD: School of History and Sociology Student Blog"}],"categories":[],"keywords":[{"id":"166849","name":"HSOC Blog"},{"id":"96","name":"freshmen"},{"id":"4119","name":"tips"}],"core_research_areas":[],"news_room_topics":[],"event_categories":[],"invited_audience":[],"affiliations":[],"classification":[],"areas_of_expertise":[],"news_and_recent_appearances":[],"phone":[],"contact":[],"email":[],"slides":[],"orientation":[],"userdata":""}}}