THURSDAY MAY 30, 2013
THE DAILY ATHENAEUM
MOUNTAINEER SURVIVAL GUIDE | 7
Welcome from WVU’s SGA President Ryan Campione Welcome to West Virginia University! As you have probably been told by family and friends, the next few years ahead of you in college will be extremely eventful and the memories will last for the rest of your life. However, the key to getting the most out of your time here is to get engaged on campus and try everything that interests you within your first couple of years. The opportunities at West Virginia University are endless and ever expanding. From our over 400 Student Organizations and Club Sports, to the hundreds of academic and independent research opportunities, and extensive course topics, there
is literally something that fits everyone’s interest and passion. During your first few months on campus as a freshman, you will be given a lot of important information covering a whole range of areas around the University and your major. While this mass of information can be almost overwhelming at times, take it all in, and never be afraid to ask questions if you cannot at first find what you need to know. Now is the best time to find your calling here at West Virginia University and embrace it. One great way to become more involved on campus is be a part of WVU Student Government Association. For many years, the WVU
Student Government Association has served as a direct link between students and the WVU administration and community leaders speaking up on students’ best interests. Student Government Association meets every Wednesday during the semester at 7:30 p.m. in the Mountainlair. There are always two oppor tunities dur ing our meetings, referred to as “Open Student Forums,” when any student can freely voice their concerns about any topic on campus or around Morgantown. In addition to our normal meetings, we also hold a wide range of speak-out events and have an internship program for students to become more
directly engaged from the beginning within the University. I hope you will become involved on campus and learn all about our traditions and embrace the Mountaineer spirit of this University! If you ever have any questions or if there is ever anything that Student Government can do to assist you, please do not hesitate to contact us at SGA@ mail.wvu.edu, (304) 2934403, or stop by our office located in the Student Organizations wing of the Mountainlair. I look forward to seeing you on campus soon. Ryan Campione Student Body President
MEL MORAES/THE DAILY ATHENAEUM
Ryan Campione will serve as WVU’s SGA President for the 2013-14 school year.
Tips for staying money savvy while studying at WVU BY MEGAN CALDERADO STAFF WRITER
In all the excitement of going away to college, getting a job is the last thing on many students’ minds. However, be aware that you will be spending a little money here and there, so having a job gives some financial cushion. West Virginia University’s Office of Student Employment assists students with finding a job that fits their schedule – without overwhelming them. WVU offers a federal work study program for students with financial needs, as well as on- and off-campus jobs available for all students. In order to be eligible for the federal work study program, students must first complete the FAFSA. Students must also be taking a minimum of six credit hours, earning at least a 2.0 GPA in those classes and completing at least 70 percent of the hours they
attempt. Jobs are given out on a first-come, first-serve basis, so students should apply early in the fall. A helpful resource students can use (and parents love) is the email alert system for job openings. Students can sign up online to receive email alerts once a week that list on- and offcampus job opportunities, along with a full description of the job and how to apply. When applying, many jobs ask for a résumé as a first step, and the idea of making a resume tends to intimidate a lot of college students. However, WVU offers “Resume 911” before each career fair, where students are assisted with creating or editing their resumes. The key to your job search is to be persistent, and to find something that you can successfully do while balancing your schoolwork and social life. Many students work
more than one job, but it’s important to know your limits. If you feel it’s in your best interest to skip out on a job for your first semester or year in order to focus on classes and getting settled into your college schedule, then do so. There are other ways to save your money. A large number of freshmen live in Towers on the Evansdale campus their first year. Kroger is in walking distance of Towers, so many students shop there for snacks for their dorm rooms. A quick and easy way to save on groceries is to sign up for a Kroger card. It’s free to sign up and all that’s needed is basic information. By getting a Kroger card, you automatically receive special deals and discounts on almost everything. It won’t immediately seem like you’re saving a huge amount, but it adds up.
Another way to save a little money is to be mindful about your meal plan. If you are signed up for a meal plan that allots a limited number of meals per week, then it’s important to be aware of how many meals you have left and when they are renewed each week. There’s nothing worse than running out of meals on a Tuesday when you have to wait until Thursday in order for your weekly meal plan to reset. By spreading out your meal swipes throughout the week and keeping track of how many you have left, you won’t have to spend money out of your pocket on meals. College is often one of the most expensive times in a person’s life. However, by managing your finances and considering employment, students are able to avoid being in the red, and come out in the green.
Looking for more information? Check out the student employment website: studentemployment.hr.wvu.edu/
Located on Hartman Run Rd. between the Mileground & Sabraton. Off-street parking; additional parking in rear of building. ∙ Adult toys & gifts ∙ Video viewing booths ∙ 50 Shades of Grey DVD Mon - Sat: 12pm - 12am ∙ 304.296.3428
danewsroom@mail.wvu.edu