6 tips to help you survive this semester

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Zoe Deno

Editor-In-Chief

 

Do you want to make this upcoming semester at Hudson Valley your best semester yet, but aren’t sure how?

It is easy even for returning students to be unfamiliar with all of the benefits that the school offers to help students achieve their college goals. Whether you are a returning student or a newcomer, here are a few tricks and tips to help you make the most of your time at Hudson Valley.

 

Parking

Parking your car will be one of the bigger struggles that you face at Hudson Valley.

Arriving before 7:45 a.m. promises mostly empty parking lots, giving the early birds pick of the best parking spots. If getting up at 7 a.m. is too early for you, don’t panic just yet. Parking is readily available until 9:30 a.m..

If you can’t make it to school before 9:30, you may want to try getting to campus 5 to 10 minutes after the turn of the hour. Students who don’t want to stay on campus after their classes end will be leaving at roughly this time, freeing up some parking.

If all else fails and you find yourself circling a packed parking lot, don’t fall to the temptation of parking in the plaza across the street, they are notorious for ticketing cars. Try driving past the stadium and towards Williams Hall where there is usually a little extra parking, just be prepared for the long walk back to the campus!

 

Use the CDTA

All students have access to free transport via the CDTA. As long as you have your student ID you can travel Albany to Saratoga Springs, this is also a great way to avoid having to worry about parking.

 

Computers

Not every student has access to their own computer and therefore must heavily rely on the computer lab in the library. What should you do if the library is not open or all of the computers are taken? Luckily there are a few lesser known computer labs hidden around the campus. Digital Media computers capable of using the Adobe Suite are available in BTC. The Science Center also has computers for students. If all else fails, there is a 24/7 computer lab on the first floor of the Siek Campus Center.

 

Food

Long days on campus are bound to leave you hungry. Mazzone locations are scattered throughout the campus. They offer a wide variety of options at their central location in the Campus Center ranging from rice bowls to burgers. Mazzone is not the best option for students on a budget though.

For cheaper options, students might want to check out some restaurants in walking distance like Taco Bell or China Wok.

If you are just looking for some study candy, instead of succumbing to the many vending machines around campus, try checking out the bookstore on the first floor of the Campus Center. Candy goes for as low as 15 cents per piece.

The best option for students on a budget though has to be the free pizza in the Campus Center at 12 p.m. on Wednesdays. However, it goes quick, so get there early to make sure a slice is left for you.

 

Don’t let yourself fall behind academically

College is hard regardless of how smart you are. It is very easy to fall behind, and once you do, it may seem impossible to catch up. Hudson Valley offers tutoring in many subjects to help you push through the hard parts of your course and stay on top of your game.

As long as the library is open, the math tutoring and writing assistance will be available. Math tutoring is located in the bottom of the library. If you are struggling with a hard math problem you can sit in the math tutoring area and a professor will be over to help you with a question promptly. Writing tutors can be found on the top floor of the library and are equipped to help you in every stage of writing your paper, from research to editing.

Need help with science? Drop by the Science Center in the Science Building. An assortment of science professors hang out here casually but are more than willing to answer any question you have as long as you go up and ask.

Other subjects are a bit more exclusive and are only available a few times a week. You can pick up a schedule on the bottom floor of the library.  

The best form of assistance you can get is from your own professor. They know course material and what is expected of you better than anyone else. Never be afraid to drop by your professor’s office hours to ask for help. Most of the time they will be very eager to help you with any topic you are struggling with.

 

Remember to have fun

Want to unwind with a movie after studying? Student Activities offers discounted movie tickets on Tuesday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. for only $10. Each student is allowed 2 per week, but you can only pay with cash.

College is only going to be as fun as the people you spend it with and finding people you connect with can be hard sometimes. Clubs are usually the fastest way to meet people with similar interests as you. If you go to Student Activities, located on the second floor of the Campus Center, they will provide you with a list of the over 100 clubs you can join. If don’t see something you are interested in joining you can always start your own!