STUDENT SURVIVAL GUIDE '12: Introduction

Totally radical

By Eric Rezsnyak

ILLUSTRATION BY MATT DETURCK

[
      {
        "name": "500x250 Ad",
        "insertPoint": "5",
        "component": "15667920",
        "parentWrapperClass": "",
        "requiredCountToDisplay": "1"
      }
    ]

I was never a math major, but if my calculations are correct, 18-year-olds starting their freshman year at college this fall were born in or around 1994. Which means you whippersnappers might not fully appreciate the super-cool concept for the cover of this Student Survival Guide, because you weren't alive for any of the 1980's. Which means I feel sad for you. So for your first college assignment, I task you with (legally) downloading music by Duran Duran, The Go-Gos, Culture Club, Erasure, and their contemporaries. You will thank me later.

See, your humble editor lived through the Big 80's, which makes me terribly old -- at least 40 percent dust at this point. So how can I possibly relate to you young'uns starting your college experience nearly two full decades after I began my own?

I can't, which is why City Newspaper's Student Survival Guide is written BY students FOR students. All of the articles in this publication were pitched, researched, and written by your peers, young journalists looking to pass along the lessons they've learned over the past few years at college to a bright new crop of students. They're keenly aware of the stress of academic life, and those awkward first weeks living on your own are still fresh in their minds.

So you should listen to what they have to tell you. In this year's edition of Student Survival you'll get tips on how to blow off steam safely, an argument for why you shouldn't take the easiest classes possible, and an introduction to the benefits of volunteering with local nonprofit organizations. You'll also be encouraged to get off of your campus with a guide to Rochester's bustling art world and fun dinner and entertainment options.

Like what you read? This is the sixth edition of City's Student Survival Guide, and each year's issue is totally different from the others, with all-new stories. To get more articles on how to make the most of your college career in and around Rochester, check out our previous articles in the the Student Survival section (right here at rochestercitynewspaper.com).

To keep up with all the goings-on in the Greater Rochester area throughout the year, make sure to pick up City Newspaper, FREE ever Wednesday at hundreds of drop-off points on or around your campus. Or find the latest news, reviews, and events right here at rochestercitynewspaper.com.

In This Guide...

Student Survival Guide

STUDENT SURVIVAL GUIDE '12: Education

Make the most of your education: Why easy A’s and a light course load might rob you in the long run

I first came in contact with that daunting, incomprehensible piece of paper in elementary school. The vast combinations of letters and numbers seemed like a language I would never decode.

By Anne Ritz Aug 15, 2012

classes college courses
Student Survival Guide

STUDENT SURVIVAL GUIDE '12: Art Gallery Guide

Broaden your palette: Get off campus and out into Rochester’s vibrant art scene

In case you didn't know, Rochester is a city practically bursting with art and creativity. Whether you're an artist yourself, an art enthusiast, or just in need a break from your studies, the Rochester art scene is home to many popular venues -- as well as exciting hidden treasures -- that will open your mind to new ideas, and possibly give you a new perspective on how to view the world.

By Antoinette Ena Johnson Aug 15, 2012

art galleries venues local art
Student Survival Guide

STUDENT SURVIVAL GUIDE '12: Off-campus fun

Feel like a kid again: Blow off some academic steam and have a blast with these off-campus outings

You're finally in college. You've gotten a taste of that independence you've been craving your entire teenaged life.

By Alexandra Carmichael Aug 15, 2012

fun entertainmet kids
Student Survival Guide

STUDENT SURVIVAL GUIDE '12: Volunteering

Helping others, helping yourself: Why college is the perfect time to get involved in the community

All those hours of community service in high school paid off: you've been accepted into college. You did your good deeds for the world -- and let's be honest, to brighten up that application -- and you're done.

By Antoinette Ena Johnson Aug 15, 2012

volunteering community service extracurricular
Student Survival Guide

STUDENT SURVIVAL GUIDE '12: Health Services

Take care of yourself: Make the most of campus health and safety offerings

You have arrived at college, your new home away from home for about 10 months out of the year. Everything is new, especially if you're living on campus.

By Anne Ritz Aug 15, 2012

health doctor wellness
Student Survival Guide

STUDENT SURVIVAL GUIDE '12: Food and Entertainment

More than a meal: Stretch your dollar by grabbing food and entertainment off-campus

I remember my first week at college, when the dining hall seemed like some heavenly, endless supply of food I could just pick up and eat at any time. That feeling didn't last.

By Alexandra Carmichael Aug 15, 2012

food and a show comedy college
Student Survival Guide

STUDENT SURVIVAL GUIDE '12: Special events calendar

COMPILED BY ANTOINETTE ENA JOHNSON As incoming students will soon discover, the Greater Rochester area is absolutely bursting with special events -- this town loves its festivals -- and there's never a shortage of interesting things going on in the region.

Aug 15, 2012

to do entertainment events
Student Survival Guide

STUDENT SURVIVAL GUIDE '12: Advice for freshmen

Go to your professors' office hours. They may seem scary at first, but most of your professors actually do want to talk to you.

By Alexandra Carmichael Aug 15, 2012

freshman year college advice