Time to meet people!  This is usually easier for the girls in the dorms than the guys.  The girls seem to be a bit more outgoing with their neighbors.  Guys, you’ll be able to make friends easy in intramural sports and in the lobby.  If you love sports or even have a passing interest in them, talk to Tim the basement RA.  He is the man when it comes to intramurals.  We have teams in just about any sport you could think of.  You got to watch out for the lobby though.  There are some people that I would highly recommend you stay away from.  A new group of bad apples seems to reappear there every year.  It’s usually in West Laville, though.  However, they cause lots of damage that you will ultimately be responsible for paying.  Maybe we can reclaim both lobbies and the patio this year.

Other necessities before school starts!!! 

Checking Account:
Setting up a checking campus is a good idea.  The Campus Federal in the basement of the Union is convenient.  I believe they charge a fee to have a checking account, though.  Union Planters on the northside of the campus has good checking and it’s free.  Downside is that sometimes the lines are long and it’s about a 10-15 minute walk from Laville. 

Local Mailing Address:
You should get a PO Box before you get your checking account.  This is pretty easy.  Do it as soon as you get to school and unpack!  If you wait, you will be stuck in a line that will last forever.  I think it costs about $20 for 6 months.  Definitely worth it. 

Phone Service:
 As far as phones go, stay away from LSU’s long distance provider.  It’s very expensive compared to phone cards.  It’s just as difficult as phone cards because you have to dial in this very long code.  You’ll save 50% using a good phone card.  To make calls off campus, dial 9.  On campus, dial 4 + the last four numbers.  Call waiting is difficult.  Press flash, then star 14 I believe.  Ask your RA for a sheet with all the phone codes. 

Internet Service:
I recommend getting LSU’s ethernet.  It’s about $18/month, but it doesn’t tie up your phone line and it’s soo much faster.  If you aren’t going to be online too much, using the phone line is okay. 

Computer Labs and Printing:
If you don’t have a computer, no problem.  There are plenty of them around campus.  West Laville has a good lab, and the library has a great one.  There’s one in Coates, too.  Free internet at all campus computer labs..  The dorm computer labs advertise free printing, but it rarely works.  If you don’t have a computer, go to the library to print.  It’s 5 cents a page with Tiger Express (to put money on Tiger Express, go to the TE machines in the library, the ID card office in the Union, or put it on your fee bill). 

Buying Books:
Buying books is one of the most painful procedures in beginning college.  Books are extremely overpriced.  Even more painful is when you go to sell back your book.  Don't expect more than 25% return, sometimes, you will get nothing.  In general, I don't buy all of my books before classes start.  Many classes I find don't really require buying the books.  I've saved around $600 going to the library to check out books that I could have bought.  Some classes, however, do require you to get the book if you want to pass.  For your first semester, I recommend getting all of the books you are told to get.  You'll probably do better with your grades that way, and you'll get a feel as to how to buy books the next semester.  If you get lucky, you'll find students selling their old books.  This is especially true with Honors interdisciplinary classes (1001/1003, 2002/2004, etc).  Important Note: buy used books at the book stores when possible.  You'll save around 20% this way.  Make sure the books are in decent shape though.  Oh yeah, make sure to bring your schedule that includes class section when you shop.  Shopping around and pricing the books will save you on average, hmmm, maybe $30 a semester (maybe more, maybe less, dont' quote me).  It takes a large amount of time to price every book at every store, so I don't. 

The Union - The Union will have what you need almost always.  The downside is that it's usually expensive.  The service is good, but during the first week of classes, it's incredibly packed.  I thought the lines were better this past year when Barnes and Noble took over.  Go here for conveniece, not for price.

College Supply - This store on State street on the north gates of campus is my favorite.  The service is good, the lines are only bad during the first week, though not as bad as the Union, their prices are good, and they buy back books for more than the other stores.  All you have to do is hand the person serving you a list of your classes and they'll come back with what they have. 

Chimes Textbook Exchange (CTX) - Good service, good prices, usually not too crowded.  They're almost as good as College Supply, but they don't buy back as much or at as high a price as College Supply.  That's why I rate CS a little higher.  It's on Chimes Street right by Wendy's and Mr. Gatti's. 

Co-Op - Located across from College Supply on State Street, Co-Op offers books, lots of supplies, and other college stuff.  I find that they have the worst selection of books.  The prices aren't necessarily bad, it's just they never have the books I need.  I don't go there unless it is an emergency.  If you have an art class, I think they have lots of art equipment. 

Parking:
Parking has become an increasing problem, especially on the east side of campus where Laville is.  Parking is okay between the hours of 3-7 on weekdays.  It's not good, but you might luck out with a close spot.  During peak class hours and after 7 expect to have to park out by the Rec.  Girls, keep this in mind, as it is not that safe to walk back by yourself at night.   Weekends are not crowded.  You will usually get a good spot no matter what time it is.  An exception is on football weekends.  No one goes home, hence, no good spots.  Don't forget to buy your parking pass if you don't want to get lots of tickets.  And if you think about breaking parking rules, you'll likely pay.  Some people I know have run up hundreds of dollars in parking tickets.  Don't let that happen to you.  Park where you're allowed. 

Your ID Card:
You are required by LSU to have on your possession your ID Card at all times.  It has your Tiger Express, Paw Points, and other information on it.  It allows you to go the cafeteria if you have a meal plan, print from campus printers, get into the Rec, get you into football (with a ticket) and other LSU sports games, and much more.  One important thing to remember is that it will let you in your dorm.  Always have it with you.  If you don't have it and need to get in your dorm, the Desk Assistant will charge you $5.  A lot of the times the DA doesn't charge you, but it's so annoying to them to have to let you in.  Do them a favor and don't knock if you don't intend to pay.  Either bring your ID, pay for them to let you in, or wait for someone else to let you in.  If you lose your ID, report it immediately to the ID Card center in the Union.  If you don't, someone else might spend your money. 

Football Tickets:
If you ordered your football tickets, and I sure hope you did, you will need to pick them up I believe during the first week of classes.  Find out when you get to school about that date.  You have to go to the Athletic Department building near Nicholson Drive, right by Tiger Stadium.  You'll probably have to wait in line when you get there.  Have your money ready.  I think it's $36.  Don't forget to bring your student ID.  Hey, if you have any extra tickets or tickets you're not going to use, I'll buy them.  Email me at [email protected]  To find out more about football games, see the On Campus Entertainment page. 
 
 
 

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