As we roll into the dog days of August, thoughts at UTM are turning toward the fall semester. Classes begin Aug. 19, and the campus is buzzing, preparing to welcome more than 1,000 new faces to campus within the next few weeks. Meanwhile, new students are counting down their last few days of summer, saying goodbye to old friends and packing their belongings in anticipation of college life.

For all the excitement, the transition to college life can be rough on new students. Below, Denny Bubrig, coordinator of student activities and Greek life in the UTM office of student affairs, offers his ‘Top 15 Tips for Going Away to College’ to help smooth the way:

15. Beware the “Freshman 15”! This comes from the 10-15 casual pounds that a freshman puts on in their first year. Pizza is not a part of the four food groups!

16. Find your community's equivalent to Wal-Mart! It becomes the number one social outlet for new students and their parents on “move-in day.”

17. Go to class! If you don't plan on getting up at 8 a.m., don't take an 8 a.m. class. Attendance in class can make or break your grade for the semester. If you are absent, whether written down or not, it will be noticed.

18. Plan ahead. Make contact with your roommate so that you don't duplicate bringing things for your room. It also helps to find your classes before the first day if you aren't familiar with campus.

19. No one is here to take care of you! For a lot of new students, things like laundry and cooking are unfamiliar territory! Get your parents to give you some tips in advance.

20. Faculty are friends, but college is not an extension of high school. You will not be reminded on a daily basis of what you have due or when a critical assignment is made. Planners are extremely helpful, and use the syllabi that are given out, too. Talk to your professors! They don't bite! They want you to be successful for four years and not just one semester.

21. College is not a movie, but all work and no play makes college boring! There are a lot of things to do and a lot of people for you to meet, but academics is what will keep you here in the long run. Balance your playing with what you have to get done academically.

22. If you get in a pinch, use the college to help you! Most colleges have things like tutoring programs, counseling centers, or other avenues to assist you if you get in a bind.

23. Yes, you will get homesick. Stock up on phone cards and be prepared for some emotional conversations. Parents, mail is a lot nicer than an empty box, even if it is just to say hello. Temptation will make you want to run home, but the more you leave campus, the more you could be missing out on.

24. Credit cards and cash are real money! Be careful with your spending!

25. Flip-flops come in handy ...

26. Be open-minded. College will throw issues and situations your way that you might not have ever dealt with before. Be prepared to look at things from every possible angle.

27. Driving to class is not a luxury! Most campuses' parking areas are designated for different types of permits. If you park in one of those and you should not be there, you will rack up tickets. If you live on campus, walk or ride a bike to class!

28. Patience is a virtue. Don't rush through your college experience, but don't drag it out either. The four or five years you spend in college are what prepare you for the rest of your life.

29. The number one tip is ... Get involved! If you go to class, return to your room or apartment, and don't participate in activities, you will be missing out on a lot the college has to offer. Find the groups and events that interest you and be a part!

Bubrig is leading UTM first coordinated move-in program for new students.“Move-In Days” is designed to help students with the move-in process, whether they require muscle power for carrying boxes, directions to locations around campus, or simply a cool cup of lemonade. For more information about Move-In Days at UTM, contact the office of student affairs at 7525.