+
18A
Wednesday, Aug. 19, 2015
NEWS | KANSAN.COM
FRESHMAN GUIDE
What you need to know for your first days on campus
Terms and places
Some commonly used terms on campus:
R-School = Business School
B-School = Business School
J-School = Journalism Schoo
TA = Teaching Assistant
GTA = Graduate Teaching Assistant
Watkins = Health Center located on Schwegler Drive, across from the Rec Center OMA = Office of Multicultural Affairs, next to the Kansas Union
Javhawk Boulevard = Main street through campus
Kansas Union = Student union that houses organizations' officers, a food court, the Bookstore and other quick dining options
Places to know
Annie Matheis, a senior and orientation assistant from Overland Park, said she was confused the first time she heard someone refer to the space in front of Wescoe Hall as Wescoe Beach.
"When I first came to campus, I know that I wish I would have known what exactly Wescoe Beach is," she said. "Instead of sand like an actual beach, it's cement benches and definitely a very popular hangout spot."
Wescoe Beach's name comes from when it was used for sand volleyball games during past Hawk Weeks.
The Underground, on the first floor of Wescoe, includes a cafeteria, coffee shop, convenience store and meeting areas.
Massachusetts Street, also known as Mass Street, is a main street near campus with restaurants, bars and shops. Downtown Hawks, an event on Aug. 29 and 30, allows students with a KU ID to get deals at some locations.
Matheis said Encore Cafe, one of her favorite restaurants on Mass Street is a must for parents and students.
It's "a very necessary place for parents and students to try during move-in weekend or just in general," she said.
Logan Welch, a sophomore, said if he had to suggest a restaurant, it would be Fuzzy's Tacos, located at 11th and Massachusetts Streets.
Darby VanHoutan
BRANDON SMITH/KANSAN
The Underground, on the first floor of Wescoe, includes a cafeteria, coffee shop, convenience store and meeting areas.
JAMES HOYT/KANSAN
Massachusetts Street, one of Lawrence's main streets, is home to many restaurants, bars and shops familiar to students. Some locations will have deals on Aug. 29 and 30.
Living in the dorms
What to expect for the dorm layout:
Typical dorm rooms in the residence halls on campus have twin beds, a desk and closet space. Other than the typical setup, there are options to get away from the monotony of the dorm room. Study areas in each hall offer an escape from a loud room to work on midterm papers or study for an exam.
How resident assistants help students academically:
An important component of on-campus living is having the support of resident assistants, or RAs. Once the school year begins, it is beneficial to start on a good note. There are many opportunities to stay ahead academically that can begin in the residence halls. The RAs assist students by creating an academic plan to begin the year.
An RA's job is to "build rapport and develop relationships with residents" as well as respond to residents' concerns and conflicts, according to the Housing website.
How to stay involved while living in the residence halls:
One benefit of living in the residence halls is the sense of community they provide, said Alvysa Denneler, a third-year resident assistant in Corbin Hall.
"In the residence halls, we love to do things together as a floor," Denneler said. "I've done everything from basketball to nail painting with my residents, and we always try to make a point of supporting each other by attending things like concerts or research presentations. We have more scheduled activities as well, but I find the off-schedule ones are especially meaningful."
How to handle roommate conflicts:
Conflicts inevitably surface when living in such close quarters, which will sometimes require a mediator. It's important to be honest and communicate with RAs when needed.
"When it comes to roommate conflicts I really like to make sure both residents have a voice," Denneler said. "It's great to give them advice so they can feel more comfortable in their space. I definitely help mediate but generally they can work it out for themselves when given the right resources to do so."
Nashia Baker
Campus libraries
Important things to know about the libraries:
Jill Becker, head of KU Libraries' Center for Undergraduate Initiatives and Engagement: "The most important thing for incoming freshmen to know is that libraries are here to help. We care very much about your academic success and can assist you in every step of the research process. Not only can we provide in-person research assistance, you can also contact us online through 'Ask A Librarian.'"
Research assistance:
Becker: "Ask a Librarian' is a great place to start with your research questions. You can also search all of our databases online 24 hours a day from anywhere in the world. A good starting point for your research are our subject and course guides. And of course, in-person research assistance is always welcome."
Assignment help:
Kyle Chapman, a graduate reference specialist: "Many students do not realize just how many databases and materials KU has access to either electronically or through what is called InterLibrary Loan. ILL is a system that enables KU students to gain access to materials that KU does not actually have access to. We do this by essentially borrowing things from other universities and libraries. This is all free to students."
Study spaces:
Chapman: "The libraries also provide lots of good study space including areas for groups and rooms that can be reserved which can be very helpful during midterms and finals."
Nashia Baker
Watkins Memorial Health center // 785.864.2277 // www.caps.ku.edu // facebook.com/KUCAPS
2
+