Students
Realistic Expectations
Expect the unexpected because you are no longer in high school. Most likely you have repeatedly heard this, but it's a hard truth to swallow when you actually begin college. Below are some realistic expectations before you begin.
Surviving the Game
Scheduling Classes
Talk with your advisor before scheduling classes. By doing this, you have a clear understanding of what you need to reach graduation. If you decide to advise yourself, you may end up on a seven-year program; you don't want to take courses irrelevant to your major, unless they can be used as electives (and even these are limited to a certain number of hours!). Try to speak with your advisor at least twice a semester to map out courses needed.
Moving Out?
On-Campus Living
The University of Texas at Tyler has two on-campus apartment complexes; University Pines and Patriot Village. Both complexes have gate access to the property and are patrolled by the University Police. They allow residents a comfortable, convenient, and safe place to call home. The apartments provide an atmosphere conducive to studying and making lifelong friendships, while experiencing the excitement of college life.
Please visit the website: http://www.uttyler.edu/housing for complete details of amenities for both University Pines and Patriot Village. The first step to apply for either apartment complex is to fill out the General Housing Application that you can print off and mail/fax in. Also provided on the website are frequently asked questions, to help you prepare for moving on-campus.
If you have questions, please contact the Residence Life office at: 903-566-7008, or email: housing@uttyler.edu.
Roommates
If you are planning on living with your best friend, think about this very carefully. Though this looks appealing, it has ruined a number of friendships. It can be overkill to spend all your time with this one person. A safer bet may be to room with a random friend - someone you know, but don't know well. If you are living on campus, most likely you will be assigned a roommate you don't know. When filling out a roommate assignment form, take great care in specifying what you are looking for (non-smoker, tennis player, etc.)
Furniture
If you are living on-campus, your rooms will be furnished. If you are living off-campus, however, you will need to provide your own furniture. For some, this may not be a problem, but for others, furniture to bring from home might be hard to come by. Ask family members if they have any spare couches, chairs, tables, etc. that they would not mind you using. Also, go yard-sale shopping for good bargains. Sometimes you have to make do with what you have...it's simply part of the college experience!
Checklist: What To Bring
Safety
The UT Tyler Police Department promotes an environment of safety and security for the educational process at The University of Texas at Tyler. Their daily objective is to work in partnership with the community and provide the highest quality of professional police services.
Safety Tips for College Students
Payments
If you are living at Patriot Village, you are only responsible for your portion of the rent. If you live at University Pines there will also be other bills (electric, cable, phone, etc.) that need to be split between roommates. If you live at Patriot Village, most of your bills will be paid (electric, water, cable, internet). Discuss any payment issues with your roommate up front to avoid any confusion around bill time. It's important to pay bills on time. Otherwise, you will most likely be charged an extra fee for the delayed payment!
Money
College students often find they run low on this necessity rather quickly! The key to managing money is to set a budget and stick to it! UT Tyler offers students the Patriot Power Card (P2 Card) this card operates like a debit card and can be used in the University Bookstore, on-campus food services, vending machines, copy machines, laundry machines, and participating off-campus merchants (to be announced soon).
For more information visit the Student Business Services website:
http://www.uttyler.edu/sbs/p2
12 Ways to Manage Your Money
Food
UT Tyler offers a variety of food options. We have Subway and Blends and Brews Coffee Bar, both located in the University Center. Unique to our campus is the Varsity Grill. The Varsity Grill serves hamburgers, hotdogs, chicken, etc. Traditions, a local restaurant, also serves hot meals from 11 am - 1:30 pm. These meals consist of one main course, two sides, and a bread. For a quick break between classes, the bookstore offers many snack foods and several vending machines are located throughout campus. For any other food you may need, Tyler offers several grocery store options. Super 1, Albertsons, and Brookshire's are all within a short drive of campus.
Beginning in August of 2005 two new venues will be added to the University Center, "The Mein Chow" will serve Chinese food and "Casa Solana" will serve Mexican food.
Contact Information
Do you have any questions or concerns about Orientation or college in general? Feel free to contact orientation leaders via email at orientation@stemail.uttyler.edu.
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