Campus Layout

Whether your college campus spans miles from end to end or is just a few blocks across, getting to know the layout of your home-away-from-home is a critical part of enjoying your first 30 days at college. Getting lost certainly won’t help any anxieties you may be experiencing right now!

Some colleges provide tours of the grounds for freshmen during orientation week. Even if you’ve had a tour, grab a campus map and try to find your way around. Take the time to find the following buildings:

•    Athletic Building/Gym
•    Bursar’s Office/Financial Aid
•    Registrar’s Office
•    Dining Hall(s)
•    Health Office/Clinic
•    Key Academic Buildings
•    Post Office
•    Campus Police/Security
•    Student Center/Union

If you have your course schedule, but classes haven’t started, it doesn’t hurt to find your classroom locations. You’ll learn the best ways to navigate between buildings and may even discover where you can stop for a snack or cup of coffee along the way. Also check out the campus transportation system. Your school may provide shuttles or van service between academic buildings and dorms or off-campus housing. If you do get lost, by all means ask for directions. There isn’t a single person on that campus who wasn’t in your shoes at one time.

Once you’ve seen the campus, take some time to explore the areas outside school grounds. If you’re new to the area, grab a friend and explore nearby shopping option or study locations. You might stumble upon a bookstore that sells used textbooks for half price or a café offering student discounts. Who knew?