How to Get Familiar With Your New College Town

The great thing about college towns is that, well, they're college towns. As a student, you're immediately a part of a vibrant community.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Umbrellas
• Local Newspapers
• Sports Tickets
• Backpacks
• Bike Helmets
• Bike Locks And Cables
• Bikes
• In-line Skates
• Umbrellas
• Bikes

1. Arrive early to move into your on- or off-campus housing.

2. Attend every orientation event your school hosts.

3. Ride your bike or walk around town to familiarize yourself with the intimacies of street life. Just driving your car around won't cut it.

4. Contact the Chamber of Commerce and request a new resident package.

5. Read the local papers and magazines to find out what's happening.

6. Go to public markets, concerts and sporting events.

7. Shop at the local supermarket and talk to the bag boys or girls.

8. Visit places like coffee shops, the post office, breakfast joints and bars where the locals hang out.

9. When asked where you're from, say, "Originally from [your hometown], but now I live here."

Tips & Warnings

• Talk to people everywhere you go. That way the next time you visit that spot, you won't feel like a stranger.
• Exercise caution when visiting new people and places, but don't be so afraid that you trust no one. That's a miserable way to live.

on 8/8/2006 If your town has a visitor center, visit it! Take advantage of the literature your school has to offer.
Talk to the men or women you see day after day at a certain place (they usually have lots to offer). And above all, go into every place around and ask for menus, coupons, samples or recommendations!

on 11/22/2005 If your new college is in a big city, use public transportation whenever possible. It's more interesting to come across a great variety of people, as opposed to being alone in your car. And you'll get to know the city better that way. Most of all, it will spare you of parking problems and save you money.