Issue No. 1a Fall 2024

The Signal

Vol. LIV, No. 1a

Serving The College of New Jersey since 1885

August 22, 2024

Welcome to campus!

This special issue of The Signal includes the do’s and don’ts of freshman year, a dining guide, dorm essentials and more!

Photo by Shane Gillespie

In a few days, the College’s campus will be filled with students of all ages and backgrounds. Take this time to get to know your new home!

Photo by Shane Gillespie

Getting involved: Opening doors to new opportunities A letter from the

By Alena Bitonti Arts & Entertainment Editor

roommate or go alone — either way, each event is a chance for you to branch out.

As for extracurriculars, the College has over 230 recognized student organizations, so it might feel overwhelming trying to find the right fit for you.

Attending the student involvement fair is the best way to explore all the College has to offer. Here you’ll find hundreds of tables representing the diverse groups available to join, including Greek life, service organizations, honor societies and clubs dedicated to various interests and hobbies. It’s more than likely that you will find several that interest you.

Speaking from personal experience, I was hesitant to attend the student involvement fair. After an exhausting week, it sounded more desirable to stay in for the night. Howev-

er, I decided to bring a friend and explore the fair. I visited several tables, asked questions and wrote my name on a few sign up sheets. It was at this event that I discovered and joined The Signal and eventually met some of my closest friends.

While it’s important to put yourself out there during your freshman year, don’t feel pressured to have everything figured out right away. Take the time to explore different activities and find what interests you.

By the end of my freshman year, I was able to find two organizations that opened the door to new opportunities and introduced me to friends who have played an important role in my college journey. Ultimately, finding your place is a gradual process, and it’s perfectly fine to take your time discovering where you feel most at home.

Leaving home, adjusting to a new environment and meeting new people are big changes that can bring both excitement and uncertainty. It’s normal to feel lost as you navigate college life, but it’s important to remember that everyone around you is feeling the same way.

While academics are the backbone of your experience, getting involved on campus is a great way to connect with others and find a sense of belonging at the College.

Welcome Week may feel like you are just going through the motions, but it is important to participate in the events that the College has to offer. Attending these events is more than just following a schedule, it’s a great way to start building connections.

For example, meetings and bonding activities with your floormates are a valuable opportunity to get to know the people you will be surrounded by every day. These interactions can lead to lasting friendships with those that will only be a few steps down the hall.

However, don’t worry if you’re not bonding with your floormates right away. Friendships take time to develop, and Welcome Week provides a variety of other opportunities for you to get to know the campus community.

Photo by Elizabeth Gladstone Look out for social events with games, Attending the involvement fair is the best way to explore many clubs at once. karaoke, trivia and more. Bring your

Follow us on @tcnjsignal

Editor

By Matthew Kaufman Editor-in-Chief Welcome to TCNJ! You’re probably feeling a whole range of emotions right now: excitement, nervousness, exhaustion, etc. However, rest assured that once Welcome Week concludes and you settle into a routine, everything will feel much calmer.

While a big part of college is preparing for whatever career you may begin after graduation, it’s also about growing as an overall individual.

What kind of person do you want to be? Think about this question, and then decide the kinds of activities in college you can participate in or the people you want to spend time with to figure out how to get there.

In this paper, you’ll find advice from students who have all walked in your shoes before. As a senior, my time at the College is near its end.

Now my priority is making sure that I’ve gotten everything I can out of this place.

So as you navigate Welcome Week, and then the rest of your first year, remember to take it all in. Take a deep breath and step forward.

You’ve got this.

See you around campus!

Check out our website for campus news, sports, student opinions and more!

Page 2 The Signal August 22, 2024

Everything you need to know about dining on campus

By Aidan Mastandrea Sports Editor

There are a lot of important aspects of adjusting to college life, but developing healthy eating habits in a new place is vital. The College has a multitude of food options, but maneuvering the meal plan can be overwhelming. Below is a guide that will help guarantee that you don’t feel completely lost when you’re hungry the first few weeks on campus.

The Atrium at Eickhoff

The only true dining hall on campus, Eickhoff Hall, better known as Eick, is buffet-style, with many options like a grill, deli and pizza stations, along with new options everyday, so your palate will never get bored.

sandwiches and snacks.

TDubs

Open late and found in the basement of Travers-Wolfe Halls, TDubs is the ideal way to satisfy your late night cravings, serving greasy fried foods.

Traditions

Just like the name, this is more of a traditional sit down dining option. It can be a nice break from the classic college options, as the menu includes tacos, wings and pirogies.

The 1855 Room

Open weekdays for staff and students, the 1855 is a sit-down, buffet-style lunch spot on campus. Make sure you check the weekly menu to make sure they have what you are looking for!

C-Store

A classic convenience store right outside Eickhoff Hall, the C-store is stocked with grab-andUnlike Eick, the food at the go snacks and other day-to-day student center is not all-you-can- necessities. eat. Known for their sushi and Meal Plan Overview deli sandwiches, the food at the Even with all of the dining opstudent center is tremendous. tions that the College provides, it Cafés around campus can be difficult to decipher your There are cafés located in the meal plan and figure out how and Library and Education Building, where you can eat on a daily bawhich are great options for made- sis. Depending on your plan, the to-order coffee and breakfast number of meals per week varies. sandwiches. The STEM Building Swipes count as one meal and are also has a café offering premade used only at the Atrium at Eick-

The Brower Student Center

Dorm room essentials

By Ally Uhlendorf Managing Editor

to lug your laundry down the hall.

5. Air purifier

The dorms tend to get pretty stuffy, especially without any air conditioning.

One thing about most of the Col- Having an air purifier in your room gets lege’s freshman dorms is they do not some air circulating and helps avoid the have air conditioning, so make sure to year-long cold. pack multiple fans. I highly recommend 6. Power strips at least two tower fans per room, one on It is actually shocking how many each roommate’s side, as well as a per- things in your room you will need to sonal fan on each side. plug in, so having multiple power strips 2. Mattress topper in your room is essential. I recommend Aside from fans, a mattress topper is keeping one by your bed and by your my biggest recommendation for living desk for optimal use. in a dorm. Without the topper, you will 7. Command hooks and strips find yourself tossing and turning trying Once again, you will need a shockto find a comfortable spot each night. ing amount of these in your dorm. Be(Pro tip: get a memory foam one). tween decor and practical use, these will 3. Shower caddy and shower be your best friends.

1. Fans, fans, fans

shoes

It is no surprise that communal bathrooms may not be the cleanest place to take a shower in. To make the experience a little bit better, don’t forget to wear shower shoes at all times in the bathroom. Along with this, to easily keep track of all of your toiletries, bring a shower caddy to store all of your necessities.

8. Water purifier and ice tray

In the heat of the dorms, fresh water will be your savior. As long as you clean your water purifier regularly, that is.

9. Lots of storage

Grab a bunch of bins to store under your bed and in your closet to keep everything organized and out of the way.

To make things even more organized, get bins that come with a lid to cover so you are able to stack them.

4. Laundry bag with straps or wheels 10. A good pair of slippers

Doing your laundry in a residence Slippers will be your go-to shoe for hall may be a struggle sometimes, but living in a dorm. Easy to slip on, you having a laundry bag with either straps will be wearing slippers basically anyor wheels can make it more accessible where you go.

The Atrium at Eickhoff is the main dining center on campus.

hoff Hall. These swipes get you into the dining hall where you can eat as much as your heart desires.

Where things can get confusing is meal equivalency. Recently brought back by the College, “meal equiv” is great for students on a meal plan, as it expands their ability to eat without breaking the bank. Students can use their meal equiv once every meal period on weekdays at the select places around campus, including the Student Center. One meal equivalency swipe is equal to a maximum of $9.38 Flex Points are another aspect of your meal plan. One flex point is equal to one dollar, and these

Photo by Shane Gillespie

can be used at places like the C-Store, TDubs and more.

Flex points carry over from the fall to spring semester, but they are relinquished at the end of the spring semester, so make sure you use them up!

Lastly, every student with a meal plan receives 100 Campus Town dollars, which are accepted at the many dining options in Campus Town like Jersey Mikes, Mexican Mariachi and more.

The dining situation at the College can seem overwhelming, but ultimately once you settle in it becomes second nature. It is important to find places you like and stay healthy even during a busy semester.

August 22, 2024 The Signal page 3

President Bernstein looks toward the semester ahead

nstein said. Situated about halfway between Philadelphia and New York, with many smaller towns scattered throughout, students can find just about any type of food they want without having to go too far.

In addition to food, there are many nearby destinations like the Jersey Shore and the Delaware Water Gap that Bernstein suggests students should visit in their free time.

An ‘exciting’ election season

Michael Bernsein is beginning his first semester as permanent president.

By Tristan Weisenbach Managing Editor Hard at work throughout the summer, President Michael Bernstein has been preparing for the arrival of the incoming class of students for many weeks.

The president has continued to follow up on projects that began last academic year and plan for new initiatives this coming semester.

In an interview with The Signal at the end of July, Bernstein outlined what he is most looking forward to this fall and shared some advice for new students to the College.

An updated convocation

New students will attend a new convocation experience this year.

The event, formerly held at Lions Stadium, will now take place in Quimby’s Prairie.

In addition to the location

change, Bernstein said the event will be “a little less formal and a little more interactive.”

The redesign comes after last year’s new students provided feedback about the ceremony, suggesting what worked well and what could be different. According to Bernstein, one element that students enjoyed most that will remain a key component of this year’s event is an explanation of the class’s composition, such as the number of students, the most common names in the class and other statistics.

Getting involved on campus

With over 230 recognized student clubs and organizations, there are plenty of opportunities for new students to get involved on campus.

Doing so, Bernstein said, is one of the most important things for new students to do.

Photo by Tristan Weisenbach

The College’s student organizations range from Student Government to the arts to sports — there is something for everyone. Bernstein stressed that students should not be afraid to reach out and try something new.

“There’s a lot going on, go sample it,” the president said. “Don’t be intimidated by that. Try it out, and if you don’t like it, try something else.”

Exploring beyond the borders of campus

“We are in the center, I think, here in Ewing, of the pizza universe, as far as I know,” Bernstein said. “There’s some unbelievable pizza around here, and I’m sort of on a mission to try it all. So I would encourage students to do that, whatever their culinary tastes are.”

While pizza is just one example, there are many unique food options in and around the Ewing area, Ber-

Today’s political environment is ever-changing, with new developments occurring almost daily.

Bernstein described the upcoming election as “historic” because of this, and encourages students to get involved in organizations on campus like TCNJ Votes! and vote this November.

“I think all of us would agree, whatever our particular opinions are right now, this is going to be a really interesting election cycle,” he said. “Certainly three weeks ago, we would be thinking differently, maybe, about it.”

An overarching goal

While the College has many goals that it sets forth each year, Bernstein said it is always important for the College to be “an educational institution of value.” This means ensuring student success both in and out of the classroom, supporting extra-curricular activities and building a strong community around campus.

“We have our challenges,” he said, “but we do a pretty good job around here, and that’s why the College is a wonderful place.”

The do’s and don’ts of freshman year

Photo by Elizabeth Gladstone

Take steps to avoid becoming overwhelmed this semester.

By Lake DiStefano Arts & Entertainment Editor Freshman year of college is a time in a young person’s life that is often as exciting as it is confusing. For most, it’s their first real time living away from home, and that sudden increase in agency can be both freeing and overwhelming. Between that and having to contend with all the other stressors of college, it’s easy to get lost in the shuffle. It’s a difficult adjustment, even for those most prepared for this drastic shift. So to aid with

this, here is some advice to help lars, it can be easy to get in over better navigate your first year of your head. Burnout is a very real possibility and is often a pitfall college.

Do get involved in cam- that slips most people’s minds through all the hectic buzz of pus happenings.

This goes without saying, but freshman year. Try and reflect you’ll get about as much out of every so often on how much of your stress is unnecessary, and if college as you put in. You have you’re feasibly able to maintain to chart your own path, and while the amount of things you’re inthat can seem daunting, being volved in at any given time. able to tailor your experiences is Do figure out your roua truly invaluable thing. Try and sample the different things to tine.

The fastest way to feel more get involved in here, like clubs, sports and other organizations. confident in your new life is to establish a routine. It doesn’t Not everything has to stick, but have to be anything fancy, but you should cast your net wide — figure out the little things and it’s better to have an abundance use them as benchmarks to reach of options than potentially miss- throughout your week. Maying out on something that could be figure out where you like to make your year. eat most, or when you like to do Don’t forget to pace laundry. It’s these little goalposts yourself. that help make college feel more On the other hand, try not to real and grounded. Having a rouoverly commit to things. Be- tine also makes things like time tween figuring out life on your management way easier. So conown, classes and extracurricu- sider planning out your weekly

routine over the course of this year.

Don’t skip class.

Or if and when you inevitably do, try not to make it a habit. Once you allow yourself the ability to deem classes unnecessary, it becomes really easy to talk yourself out of basically anything academic. This can become a slippery slope that is harder to stop than it is to start.

Just try to be mindful of how much class you’re missing and how hard making that up could be when it counts.

Do put yourself out there.

Freshman year, while certainly exciting, will have its moments of loneliness too. So try to be open to new connections. It’s important to let yourself meet new people and take advantage of the unique social settings a campus has to offer. College can go very fast at times, so it really helps to have some people to be that consistency for you.

Page 4 The Signal August 22, 2024

10 things to cross off your TCNJ bucket list 1. Sneak a swim into the fountain It is a long-standing tradition that each student must jump into the science complex fountain at least once.

2. Have a picnic by the lakes The area behind ABE is perfect for a nice spring picnic with friends, overlooking the lake.

3. Go to Rosa’s Pizza in the middle of the night Open until 3 a.m., Rosa’s is the perfect late-night snack.

4. Attempt the Eick challenge Try to eat at least one item from every station at Eick. Best of luck.

5. Ride the Roscoe statue Show your lion pride.

6. Go to the observatory Get comfy and do some stargazing in the science complex.

7. Collect CUB giveaways Attend CUB events for a good time and free giveaways!

8. Watch TCNJ’s Musical Theater Get that Broadway-like feeling right here at the College!

9. Take the Loop Bus Whether you have your car or not, every student should experience the Loop Bus journey at least once.

10. Join The Signal!

Self explanatory.

August 22, 2024 The Signal page 5

Campus Map

As our gift to you, we’re providing this handy-dandy map.

Feel free to cut it out, mark it up or crumple it up and throw it out. See below for descriptions of locations on campus that all freshmen should know.

Travers/Wolfe Halls: These are the main freshmen dorms on campus. Though they’re a bit out of date, residents here will make many lasting memories. Also home to TDubs, a mini dining hall full of delicious fried foods.

Brower Student Center: AKA “The Stud.” Home to the Lions Den, Traditions and important club and administrative offices.

Eickhoff Hall: The main dining hall on campus. Also contains Student Health Servcies, the C-Store, the 1855 Room and dorms on the upper floors! Check out our dining guide on page 2.

The R. Barbara Gitenstein Library: Four floors filled with books and plenty of room to study. There is also a small café that serves Starbucks coffee and other treats.

Green Hall: The main administrative building on campus, containing the Center for Global Engagement, President’s Office, Records and Registration, and more. They call it Green Hall because that’s where they hand out the money from the Financial Aid Office (get it?).

Academic Buildings: Not all buildings are for fun and games.

Students take classes in the Social Sciences Building (SSB), STEM Building, Science Complex, Business Building, Education Building, Bliss Hall, Armstrong Hall and sometimes in Forcina Hall. Students like some buildings (like the Ed Building) more than others (like Forcina).

Welcome Week Crossword 1 2 3 4

5

6 7 8

9

10 11

12

13

Across 3. Scenic lake with a bridge, can be seen from ABE and Norsworthy Halls 6. Former College president and incoming professor

Down 1. Friendly feline at sport events 2. "Off campus" housing that also acts as a commercial area

8. One of the main freshmen dorms, right

4. Nickname for student hangout spot and dining spot

10. Current interim president of the College

5. One of the main freshmen dorms, left

11. Oldest and most central building on campus with admin offices

6. End of year event with carnival rides and games

12. Your favorite campus news outlet

7. The best college town in the country

13. Easy spot to get coffee while studying, shortened

9. Students' (and professors') least favorite academic building

Page 6 The Signal August 22, 2024

You are not alone: Worries freshmen have but rarely admit

Photo by Shane Gillespie

Freshman year is a time to learn how to be more self-sufficient.

By Kate Zydor News Editor It is no secret that the transition from high school to college is a time of uncertainty, and with this uncertainty comes a series of never-ending questions surrounding the future. As incoming first-year students, the changes that college brings often feel insurmountable and just plain scary.

It is so easy to get caught up in your thoughts and convince yourself that you are the only person experiencing this anxiety. However, I’m here to tell you that what you are feeling is completely normal — just ask any upperclassman who has made it out the other side of their freshman year.

Throughout high school, there is a safety net in place to ensure your success: parents who support you and make sure you get out of

bed in the morning, teachers who encourage you to turn in your assignments and childhood friends who make the long days just a little bit more entertaining.

Leaving the “bubble” that is your hometown forces you to be entirely self-sufficient. Now it’s your job to micromanage your personal, social and academic endeavors. But, I would argue that this is what renders college so exciting — the complete freedom it provides.

You may be thinking, “I can’t do this” or “I’m not ready.” The truth is, you will never feel entirely ready for change, but sometimes it is the best possible thing that could ever happen to you.

Of course, with these major changes comes homesickness, a feeling that many of you will work to hide because you don’t want to appear unhappy with your college experience. Nevertheless, it is okay to embrace your longing for home.

After all, you’ve lived there for 18 years of your life.

Take it one step, one day at a time. Eventually, you’ll wake up one morning and realize that the College has become your new normal. Just make sure that you call home! Hearing the voice of someone you love can work wonders.

Another worry that many of you face has to do with your roommate — likely the first person, outside

of your family members, who you will share a space with. Before starting college, I asked myself at least 100 times, “What if my roommate and I don’t get along?”

When this thought spiral creeps up on you, you have to remember that both you and your roommate are in the same boat. You are two people trying their best to navigate life in a new environment.

Conflict will arise, but more often than not, healthy communication will lend to a resolution. However, if you and your roommate are simply incompatible, you wouldn’t be the first person in history to undergo a room change. Whatever environment will help you thrive and maximize your full potential is the environment best suited for you.

Now, let’s tackle the scary concept of eating alone in the dining hall. It’s okay! In fact, this is what a majority of students will be doing.

You’re no longer in high school where it is taboo to sit alone.

You’ll grab meals in between classes, eat late at night after a long study session and crave some personal time once in a while. If you’re struggling to go out by yourself, just do it. Once you conquer the initial anxiety, it’s all smooth sailing from there. I promise, no one is staring at you or judging you.

Last but not least, how will you

find the people who are right for you?

Friends, even best friends, will come from the most unexpected places: your classes, student organizations, residence halls or even in passing on your way to grab a meal.

College is not like it is portrayed in movies. You may not meet your forever friends on your first day.

But rest assured, they will come.

All you have to do is put yourself out there as much as possible, even if it scares you.

There are thousands of people on our campus, all with unique backgrounds and interests. You don’t have to force yourself to fit into a mold of what you think will make you more likable.

With all that being said, college is an exciting new chapter in your life. It’s a time to discover who you are and what you hope to become.

A valuable piece of advice to any incoming freshman is to take everything that you have learned about college through social media with a grain of salt. Social media is not reality and the college experience will look different for each individual.

Breathe and tell yourself that this will all work out how it is supposed to. There is no right or wrong way to do college. What you make of this experience is all up to you.

Mental health in academic success

By Parisa Burton Opinions Editor

Academic excellence is the target most college students aim to achieve during their time in school. Whether it’s self-driven or motivated by external factors like familial pressure, we all want to make our investment in education worthwhile by trying our best in our classes and extracurriculars.

Cramming study marathons, especially during midterms and finals, is ingrained in college culture, with students running on caffeine instead of sleep. What some students fail to acknowledge during the academic hustle, however, is their mental state.

This can lead to burnout and can be detrimental to their quality of life.

A 2019 study by the American Council on Education found that students struggling with mental health are at risk of a lower GPA and dropping out. The College understands the correlation between academics and mental health, which is why there are a variety of resources for students to take advantage of to feel supported during high-stress periods.

Counseling and Prevention Services is a solution offered by the College that caters to students’ unique mental health needs. They offer a wide array of services including individual counseling, themed group

workshops and off-campus referrals.

The College has a partnership with Uwill, the leading mental health and wellness solution for students. Its easy-to-use online platform grants students immediate appointments with licensed therapists. This solution also offers a direct crisis connection and wellness programming to complement therapy including yoga, meditation and mindfulness exercises.

TalkCampus is an online application whose approach is focused on peer support from students around the world. It is free to sign up using a college email address. The platform is anonymous and fitting for students who prefer to seek support from young people going through similar struggles.

Unfortunately, a lot of students struggle in silence due to the stigma surrounding mental health and not being educated on its importance, which can lead to long-term effects on their quality of life in areas like employment, relationships and overall health. This is why prioritizing mental health in college is crucial, and efforts have been made by the College to do so.

Navigating the pressures of college alone can feel like a maze with no end in sight, but support and resources are available to guide you toward clearer paths.

August 22, 2024 The Signal page 7

Is our campus transfer friendly?

By Liz Ciocher Former News Editor

As a young student graduating high school in 2020, the beginning year of a worldwide pandemic, I did not give much thought into where I would be going to college. I figured that with everything that was changing due to health mandates, I would save my money and spend my first two years of college at home, taking courses at Ocean County College.

Suddenly, the two years it took to get an Associate’s Degree had passed, and I had to begin searching for someplace to further my education. I spent hours researching and visiting colleges, trying to decide where I would be headed for my junior year.

After reading a serious and compelling letter from Kathleen Webber, the head of the Journalism and Professional Writing department here at the College, I was sold. I would transfer all my credits from OCC here and get my bachelor’s degree in Journalism.

Now I’ve finished my first year as a transfer student, but I do look back and wonder, was this the best school for me to transfer to?

Photo by Elizabeth Gladstone

Incoming transfer students come in with college under their belt, but are still experiencing new things.

In this case, it does not necessarily matter. There would be no point in transferring again for just one year before graduation, but for others considering making the same choice, it might be an important thing to consider.

In the sense of education, I have absolutely no regrets with what the College has provided me with. I feel like in every classroom I walk into, there lies a good reason for me to be there.

I was never left questioning if the class was worth my time, if the professor was up to date with what they were teaching or if the course made sense for my major.

TCNJ’s five best study spots

By Rebecca Heath Features Editor

1. R. Barbara Gitenstein Library

There’s no question the library is the College’s most frequented study spot. The first floor, which contains a cafe that sells Starbucks, is the perfect spot to collaborate with classmates on projects or to hold a study group session with an iced caramel macchiato in hand. While you are encouraged to chat away on the ground floor, the noise level gets progressively lower the higher up you go. Luckily, the study rooms scattered on each level allow for collaboration, though they tend to fill up early on weekdays.

2. Social Sciences Building

If you’ve ever stepped foot into the atrium of SSB, chances are you’ve spent a few moments staring at the glass ceiling in sheer awe. With sunshine beaming in at every angle, the atrium fosters warmth and generates a positive energy that seems to drive productivity. While the seats are somewhat limited and tend to get crowded during the week, it’s a perfect place to work with friends or study solo, if you’re lucky enough to nab a spot.

3. The Science Complex

After the library, the science complex contains the most study area seats of any building on campus, which means you typically won’t have to compete for a spot. The Chemistry, Physics and Math buildings house a number of common areas and collaborative study lounges, many of which conveniently contain whiteboards or chalkboards.

4. The Education Building

Regardless of major, the Ed Café serves as a hub for studying with friends while fueled by coffee. If you’re looking for a quieter place to complete your assignments, though, just head to the second and third floors. There, you’ll find spacious lobbies and lounges perfect for sprawling out all your textbooks.

5. Brower Student Center

What’s better than prepping for a final exam while simultaneously munching on a burger and fries?

The BSC is filled with scrumptious eateries to keep you energized as you work through your to-do list, from. Arguably, the best study spot in the building is the Student Org Lounge located on the second floor.

Packed with tables and comfortable chairs, it’s an ideal, centralized spot for snacking, chatting and studying any time of the day.

I have heard of these things happening to other students at different colleges, so this was a problem I was happy to avoid.

When it comes to other areas of the college experience, there were definitely certain faults that disappointed me.

For instance, I was surprised to find out about how limited social activities were. Outside of greek life, the College has a pretty quiet campus. As a transfer student, it was hard to join in on these kinds of things in my junior year. I suppose the importance of this fact really depends on the person, but it was something I didn’t know

about.

The staff outside of professors were another quality of the school that swayed my opinion on a more positive note. Advisors, deans and offices all also served me well in my experience, walking me through the transition smoothly. Any questions I had about courses, finances, or anything similar were happily answered.

But the transition of credits would be another thing for me to add to the negatives. One community college credit transferred in as 0.75 of the College’s credits, which led to some complications. Nothing the faculty and I couldn’t handle, of course.

Looking back at all the experiences I’ve had, I don’t think the troubles I was up against had anything to do with the College specifically. Any of the struggles I faced were the result of me being a transfer student just in general, and had nothing to do with where I transferred to.

That being said, based on the faculty and staff at the College, it is a great place to transfer to.

Especially in the circumstance those who are transferring are bookworms with a tendency to keep to themselves. Go Lions!

Page 8 The Signal August 22, 2024

What does that mean? Campus lingo decoded

By Isabella Darcy News Editor

Transitioning into life as a student at the College involves getting familiar with abbreviations and terminology commonly used around campus. Learning these terms can help you avoid confusion and ensure that you understand what people are saying when they use campus lingo.

Do NOT go to Lib Caf if you need to lock in. You will end up yapping.

The Stud (Brower Student Center)

The campus’s epicenter for student activities. Food, games and offices can all be found in the Stud.

You may hear people over the age of 30 refer to The Stud as Brower.

Trads (Traditions)

A restaurant located in The Stud.

As long as you are not in any rush, Campo (Campus Police) This one is super important. Trads is a great place to eat. You can Campo is the College’s police de- order-in or take-out what is arguably partment. When there is an emer- the most edible food on campus. gency on campus, Campo can be Eick (Eickhoff dining hall) reached through one of College’s The College’s main dining loblue lights around campus, or at cation, and the only one that takes 609-771-2345. meal swipes. Eick is a great place to mingle with other underclassmen, The Lib (The Library) A vast building with four sto- since on-campus freshmen and ries and a basement that’s equipped sophomores are required to have with plenty of resources and spac- meal plans with swipes. es to study. Go alone, or bring your Ed Caf (Education Café) friends along. Just don’t wait until Home of some of the sweetest the last minute if you want to secure baristas you will ever meet. This is a study room! a great place to grab a coffee or a snack before studying with friends.

Lib Caf (Library Café) Live, Love, Lib Caf. This Café, Meal Equiv (Meal Equivalocated inside of the Lib, is one of lency) the most popular spots on campus. The dining option that can be used Students, faculty and visitors go to once a day, Monday through Friday, Lib Caf for its Starbucks beverages in place of a meal swipe. You can and stay for its vibrant atmosphere. use Meal Equiv to get $8.93 worth

Photo by Shane Gillespie

Don’t wait until the last minute if you hope to secure a study room in the Lib.

of food for free at most dining lo- lounges. Based on their physical locations, as long as you have not al- cation, they spell out EAB, but ABE ready used a swipe during that meal rolls off the tongue much better. period.

Rho (Cooper’s Riverview) A bar in Trenton that upperclassCA (Community Advisor) The College’s name for what is men frequent. Though the name more commonly known as an RA changed to Cooper’s a few years (Residential Advisor). Each resi- back, the nostalgic title of Rho has dence hall has its own CA’s who are stuck around. there to support you, while making Mubu (Mayo Concert Hall) sure the College’s policies for resiShort for Music Building, the name Mubu is mostly used by perdential living are followed.

ABE (Allen, Brewster and forming arts students. Mubu is one of the two main buildings on camEly Halls) pus where performances are held, Three 93-year-old freshmen res- so it is important to note that Mubu idence halls that are connected by is different from Kendall Hall.

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