As the first day of classes approaches, students sporting new threads, tanned skin and heavier wallets will soon be found confidently frequenting the South Park Blocks.
If you are a returning student this fall, you may observe the large gathering of people outside the maps stationed around campus. You might happen to catch a large group of students eagerly awaiting their table at the Cheerful Tortoise. And if you are extremely lucky, you may even catch a student reading the Rearguard.
Rest assured, these experiences do not suggest that some sort of Portland State apocalypse is near but rather signify the annual tradition of new students arriving on campus, and consequently the fact that mistakes are on the way.
Although good humor can occasionally be found in the plights and predicaments of others, at the Vanguard we prefer to take the high road of caution and warning. With that purpose in mind, we have compiled a list of common mistakes students should avoid making during their four (or more) years at PSU.
Live in the city, not on campusBy now you have probably heard that many of the students attending this prestigious university commute to campus from the surrounding neighborhoods and suburbs in the metro area.
Perhaps you were amazed during your campus tour by the cleanliness of West Hall or the tranquility of the Ondine. You might have thought something like, “It would be really nice to live so close to my classes.”
Think again. Proximity may be the only substantial benefit that campus housing can provide. Each of the residence halls on campus provide a different experience, none of those experiences would be categorized as anything above average.
Despite the lack of quality options on campus, housing options within city limits are seemingly endless. There is a neighborhood for everyone, plus you get the culture-enriching experience of living in the city.
Textbooks, who needs them?Each term the muddle of purchasing textbooks bogs down many stressed-out students. We at the Vanguard will stray away from advising you to either purchase or not purchase textbooks for your classes, but we are going to remind you of a few mistakes to avoid in regard to your texts.
Only shopping for your books at the bookstore: Whether you choose to browse online, Cedric’s, Powell’s or some other vendor, there are many options for obtaining that required reading for your classes at a good price.
Waiting: Holding off until the second or third week of class to get your book may seem like a good idea, but too often it leaves students behind in their reading and coursework.
Buying new: Getting to the bookstore early usually will guarantee you a used textbook, which will ultimately save you a pretty penny.
Do not touch the shrink-wrap: Do your best to avoid the Christmas-morning effect and leave books wrapped in the plastic until you are sure you are going to stay in a class. Unwrapped packages cannot be returned, so this saves you loads of money.
Not getting involved in student groupsOften lost in the commuter-school shuffle at PSU is a community environment and the close friendships that students can create. At traditional universities, the options for building close associations with other students are many. Here, not so much.
Student groups are more than just another reason to stay on campus after class. No matter your taste, there is likely a student group for you.
Other mistakes to avoid at PSUDriving to campus: avoid the mess and get a FlexPass or find another way to get to school.
Spending too much financial aid: Just because you can touch the monkey, does not mean that you should.
Not attending athletic events: Either at the intimate settings of the Stott Center or PGE Park, Vikings games can provide students with a unique experience to cheer on their peers and school.