Navigating Physical Spaces - What shoes should I wear?

Getting around on campus can be easier if you're better prepared to take on new places and spaces.

As an employee and a past student of both a university and a community college, I have come to realize that each position requires a different set of tools.

Here are my tips for new incoming students and or transfer students! 

University Tools: 

1. Tennis shoes - there will be lots of walking to and from classes - save your dress shoes for a hot date

2. Umbrella - chances are you won't be inside while moving from class to class to class

3. Quarters - parking, need I say more?

4. Notebook & Pen - larger universities are notorious for assuming you know who blah blah blah is in the admissions office SO write it down and for extra bonus points get the name of the person sending you to Ms. blah blah blah

5. Map - unless all of your classes are in one building you're going to need a map to get around (*since cell phone service isn't always as trusty as it should be-print a paper map and throw it in  your bag)

Community College Tools:

1. Good walking shoes - sure there will still be walking but if you're lucky you won't need to run as far between classes and in some cases the entire building is under one roof

2. Quarters - yes, there is still parking to pay for!

3. Business card holder - luckily, since most community colleges are smaller in size it is easier to navigate and circle back around to people (i.e. an advisor) you made a good connection with

4. A course catalog - this will become your weapon of choice when deciding on what classes to take in order to satisfy both community and four year college credits = less time in classes, less money spent, and possibly less student loan debt = Awesome!

5. Tons of advising questions, I mean tons - NEVER ASSUME every advisor has all the answers, in many cases rules and course guidelines change before advisors become aware soooooooooooooooo always find an advisor you vibe well with and can reach out to at any moment, PLUS you'll want to meet with and advisor from your four year institution to be sure all of your course work is working out in your best interest