Are you a freshman nervous and excited about moving into Simmons this fall? Perhaps you are a transfer student who is anxious to learn more about the ways of being a student at Simmons. If you’re curious about the tips and tricks of Simmons, I got you! The Simmons Voice asked the upperclassmen students about their own hacks for living on campus, and some helpful pointers to allow you to get the most out of your Simmons experience.  

Adjusting and figuring your way around college is no easy task, and having a guiding hand to help you with that is always a plus. Many Simmons students today have learned how to make the most out of the tools that have been given, and decided to share some with you. 

Simmons Students Survival Guide

1. If you get waitlisted for a class, email the professor and they will more than likely still have space for you!
2. While crossing across Brookline is sometimes a workout, it is easier to go through Emmanuel to get between residential and academic, versus going all the way around. 
3. Taking advantage of the free news subscriptions for certain papers is helpful for different classes you are in!
4. When you are at common grounds, the breakfast swipes change over to lunch value at 11:00 a.m.  
5. It’s helpful to have a sweater or sweatshirt on you, since it’s always cold everywhere inside. 
6. Wait until you get all of your syllabus and go through the first week of classes before buying books!  You will save some money doing this! 
7. If you are nervous about making friends, keep your dorm room open to meet people in your hall!
8. Make sure you have an open line of communication with your advisor. 
9. When you are working on a big assignment, project, or paper, break it into tiny chunks and space out your time!  It will be worth it, and cause less stress overall.
10.  Going to office hours regularly is an easy way to help bump up your grade in a class!
11.  Take advantage of the writing/tutoring center for help on any assignments or studying!  They are super helpful, and always one appointment away. 
12. $1 coffee refill at common grounds! 
13. If you have the last version of Word, you can export your paper into a presentation automatically.
14.  When Andrea asks if your iced coffee is a refill, SAY YES! 
15.  Go to the career center if you want help with resumes or applying for jobs!
16. Build relationships with professors in your field of study, because they can give you great recommendations and connections!
17.  Take advantage of student discounts!  Apple, movie tickets, Red Sox games, and other places that offer many reasonable discounts! 

While there are many other tricks of the trade to learn about at Simmons, these are just a few main examples of what students have found works for them.  Help and support is always at your fingertips, you just have to know where to look. Also, don’t be afraid to reach out and ask upperclassmen for help, they were once in your shoes as well!