As Jacks, we're badass.

Each day, I weave a pattern throughout campus on my way along. Anything endearing or intriguing, anything that catches my attention, or anything that I want to share ends up here. This is my college experience, my life as a lumberjack.

Before asking a question, please check the freshman master list. If the question is not there, only then should you ask me a question. I made the list for you, so please use it.

Master List of Freshman Questions

LAST UPDATED: January 28th, 2012

This may be the greatest thing you ever read. It took me about 3 hours to compose and contains pretty much every question you could ever ask, but there’s always more. This list will probably be this blog’s biggest accomplishment ever.

If your question is not here, please ask and it will be added. 

Before deciding to attend:

When does the university begin accepting applications for next year?
Applications for Fall 2012 are now open. You can apply here. Each application costs $25. Applications for the following Autumn usually open in August.

I’m afraid I won’t get in, because _______
You will be fine. Anyone with a 3.0 GPA, SAT over 1040, or in the top quarter of their class is accepted unconditionally. If you don’t meet those requirements, then you will be looked at on a case-by-case basis.

What is the Western Undergraduate Exchange and who qualifies?
WUE is a program that reduces the financial burden on students living in west coast. It reduces tuition to 150% of in-state tuition for residents of certain states. That puts tuition at roughly $12,000 per year for Fall 2012 semester. The map of states eligible can be found here. Please note that WUE is not applicable to students majoring in nursing, athletic training, or dental hygiene. 

What is the application deadline?
July 15th. I recommend you accept much earlier than that to secure housing.

Why did you choose NAU instead of _______?
NAU has a certain environment that I appreciate. I like that it was 70 degrees when I moved back onto campus last year. I enjoy the fact that sometimes it snows so much that I get sick of it. I like that I’m not in constant fear of heatstroke. I’ve never been a student at the other state schools, but from what I’ve heard, NAU students tend to be friendlier. Maybe, that’s because there are less of us. An estimated 17,000 students live in Flagstaff. The rate is double in Tucson and quadruple in Phoenix. I like that the biggest class I’ve ever had was 90 students. Other universities reportedly have hundreds of students in one class. Most of all, I appreciate that I can lie in the grass and feel totally at ease. 

Don’t take my word for it. Visit all state schools if you can.

An official graph can be seen here. A parody version can be seen here.
For Ashley and I’s personal testimony, see here. 

Which freshman dorm is best?
First, read this. Now, read this. You’ve probably realized that neither of these links take you to a life-as-a-lumberjack page. You’re right. They go to people whose opinion I respect. If you want my opinion, I have answered that here, here, and here.

Which freshman dorm has the biggest rooms?
Supposedly Allen, but I honestly have no idea.

What are some of the good and bad things about NAU?
I actually hand wrote the answers to this once. The good is here. Besides the Cline Channels going out of business, the rest stands true. Little things that bother me about NAU are here.

What is the party scene like?
It’s not ASU.

And I’m not a partier, so I don’t really have many details. Essentially, you can find parties, but they’re certainly not as prevalent or as well-published/attended as parties at other state schools. To be totally honest, I wouldn’t come to NAU if partying is one of the more important traits in your ideal college, because you’ll probably be disappointed.

Why do so many student leave NAU after their first year?
Well, here is a document of official reasons. In my opinion, it’s because it either costs too much, students become homesick, or NAU isn’t what they expect it to be. Ashley thinks weather is a big contributor. 

Is NAU LGBT friendly?
As far as I’ve seen, NAU is extremely LGBT friendly. NAU has an especially popular club focused on the respect of sexual minorities (their words) called PRISM, which is targeted at LGBTQQIA (Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender Queer Questioning Intersex and Allies). PRISM is extremely active and quite welcoming of new members. You can contact them through email at prism.nau@gmail.com or can receive updates through Facebook. 

How is the music scene?
I’ve never really been a big part of the music scene, but x-rayspectacles and holystrawberries answer the question here and here.

Greek Life advice?
I would recommend waiting until you rush here before setting your heart on any one sorority or fraternity in particular. You might be surprised by which you find fits best. I think it is definitely worth becoming a member of a Greek life as it allows you to meet potential new friends, allows you to gain philanthropy hours, and is beneficial for future networking opportunities. 

*You can find more information about NAU sororities here and fraternities here. 
**Testimony from stephabrown and katiekeegs about Greek housing. 

How much does Greek Life cost?
NAU’s website says that it’s around $425 a semester, but that’s most likely a blatant lie. I’d edge closer to $500. Your first semester is usually pretty costly, upwards of $800. Rushing costs $40.

How bad is the snow?
That question is impossible to answer. I will say that most of the snow occurs from January to March. Snow can begin as early as flakes in October to as late as flurries before May finals. Official climate information is here. Driving tips are available here.

I’m a vegetarian, what are my options?
You’ve got a decent amount of options, but be attentive of nutrition on campus. An anonymous superhero has made a list of options here. A developing list of gluten free, vegetarian, and vegan options is being made here, but be aware the list is far from complete.

What do I bring to orientation?
according to NAU’s orientation page:

 “What you should bring will depend on the time of year in which you are attending Orientation. Flagstaff has 4 seasons. December and January tend to be cold and possibly snowy. June and July tend to be sunny and warm during the day and cool at night. It often rains in the afternoon in June and July. No matter the time of year, Orientation is a fun and informal event so dress comfortably.

You should bring any test scores or transcripts that you have, immunization information (if not previously submitted), personal items and some extra money to pick up your NAU sweatshirt or hat. In addition, please bring (and wear) comfortable shoes as some walking is required.

Students staying in the residence halls for the 2-day freshman sessions need to bring a sleeping bag or linens for the bed.”

What is the STAR program?
Ashley wrote a great article about this here. 

Are learning communities important?
I wasn’t in one, but we do have some great personal testimony from drewdlesaurus and our1world here and here.

Is it true some people have two roommates?
Yes. Triple rooms were implemented in Reilly, Wilson, and Allen in Fall 2010. Those assigned to these rooms receive a $600 discount on rent in the fall and $400 in the spring. On the optimistic end of things, a lot of housing becomes available in the spring, so you could possibly move into a double then.

Do certain sports teams stay in certain hall. If so what halls for what sports?
To my knowledge, teams do not reside in any particular hall. Football players may prefer McConnell because of its proximity to the Dome, but that’s about it.

How late can I request a roommate?
You can request a roommate (if you don’t currently have one or they move out) throughout the school year. As for requesting your first roommate, I’m not sure on the deadline exactly. It would be best to do it before the second week in July.
-RA liaison, Alicia.

Is it possible to graduate early?
Sure it is. There’s a lot of ways to do this. First, you can take classes at community college, AP courses, or take CLEP exams. CLEP exams allow students to earn credit by taking exams. You can also do retro credit for most language courses, too. Then, you can also take advantage of the maximum credit load which is 19. If you take 19 credits for three semesters, you’ll have completed almost as much work as someone does in two years.

How can you tell if classes are considered liberal studies?
You can google “NAU liberal studies” or search through NAU’s class listings and enter the designation that you need from a drop down list to see what classes are offered for the liberal studies course you need.

What’s the max amount of units you can take before you have to protest?
19.

Your first semester:

What are some of the local resources?
I’ve made a list here.

Where is the Academic Calendar?
Here

What should I expect at orientation? 
Ashley answers that question here. 

How is the transition to college?
Honestly, it’s all about being prepared. Studying is an integral part of the adjustment to college. Living on your own and sharing your space is also a tough adjustment. My best advice? Speak your mind and make rules for you and your roommate to abide by. Here are some things that will help you academically.

• The Student Learning Center
• Talking to your professor
• Reading your textbooks
• Studying
• Talking to your TA
• Make outlines for essays
• Going to the writing lab
• Having a planner to organize

How do I meet other people in my hall?
Class of 2015: You can use the facebook pages. Ashley did a great job compiling them. Class of 2016, these pages will be inevitably created by the summer of 2012. Check back as soon as you can.

How do I find out what textbooks I need?
Login to Louie, then under ‘enrollment’ click my class schedule. Select the current term and then go to the bottom of the resulting page. There should be a link that says ‘Buy Books - NAU bookstore’ Your books should be listed there. If not, email your professor at least two weeks before school starts to find out. 

When should I order textbooks?
I recommend ordering two weeks before school starts. Make sure to email your professor to see if the book is necessary. I also advise asking if you can purchase an older edition because this saves you money. Half By Ebay and Deal Oz are the greatest resources for purchasing textbooks. Amnesiacr also has advice for you regarding the matter. 

What if I don’t get my textbooks in time?
Talk to your professors. Some will be flexible. I would also suggest checking Cline’s site to see if the library has a copy of your text. If they do, then you may use their copy while waiting for your textbook to arrive. 

I’m afraid I’ll have a bad roommate?
Everyone has this fear. Your roommate is probably just as anxious about getting a bad roommate as you are. Be optimistic and don’t judge your roommate on first appearances or impressions. If you want to break the ice, then go eat at the Union or watch a movie. Hope for the best, but be realistic. You and your roommate may not be friends. That’s okay! All that is expected of you is to live in harmony and to respect each other’s boundaries. Be 100% honest of your expectations when filling out your roommate contract, it’s the best way to feel in control over your living situation.

Don’t talk shit about your roommate. It breeds bad blood, trust me. 

How does the dining system work?
I’ve answered this in detail here.  

How difficult is it to get around campus?
Campus is essentially a circle. It’s really not bad, but using a map is critical for the first week. A map can be found here. 

What size bed sheets do I need?
I use twin, but twin xl seems to be more common. roonilwazlib said that her orientation booklet says the beds are measured at: 36”x80”x7 

Can we loft beds or bunk them? How tall are beds?
You can bunk beds, but cannot loft them according to school policy. Beds are set at this level by default. 

How do I become friends with my roommate?
The first thing I would suggest is to not try too hard to be friends with your roommate. It is completely okay to only be roommates, and sometimes that works better for people. It is important to realize that upon entering college, you will be exposed to a wide variety of people, and your roommate could be someone that you’re not expecting whatsoever. It is important to keep an open mind before meeting your roommate, because you could have many similar interests or you could have none at all. To ensure the best possible relationship with your roommate, communication is key. When conflicts arise, don’t ignore them, confront them as soon as possible in a gentle manner. Be willing to compromise. If things still don’t work out, your RA is there to help you explore your options from there. 
-RA liaison, Alicia. 

How do I make friends?

• Leave your dorm door open so that people can stop by and have a conversation.
• Join extracurriculars that cater to your interests, field, or aspirations.
• Try conversing with the people who sit around you in class. 
• If you’re religious, join a church or on-campus group that shares your beliefs. 
• Join your dormitory’s hall council. It is easily one of the best ways to meet people in your dormitory. In the same token, attend hall events. 
• Volunteer: It’s a great way to meet people and help out the Flagstaff community.
• If you think you’d enjoy sorority or fraternity life, then it doesn’t hurt to at least attend information sessions during rush weekend. 

What is the best day to move in?
I recommend Friday, August 24th for the Fall 2012 Semester. You can move in without additional costs as early as the 23rd. Honestly though, Friday is a better day in my opinion because residence halls are packed with people on the first day of move-in. For high rise halls like Sechrist or Reilly, this can be a nightmare. Seriously, don’t even ask about my move-out experience at the end of my freshman year. It was long and dreadful.

I wouldn’t recommend coming any later than Saturday.

Can I ship things to my hall?
Yes, and I deeply recommend it (especially textbooks).  How to address mail is explained here. Building addresses are here. 

How do I get a job on campus?
I’ve never worked on campus, but my first suggestion is that you attend the job fair opening weekend. I also suggest you look through Gateway Connects for their job listings. Gah46 also has advice for being hired as a desk assistant. 

How I do get over homesickness?
I find that talking to those you’re leaving behind (once you get here) is a great way to combat the blues. I don’t think I’ve ever been homesick, because my mom calls me everyday. I’m not even kidding. You can also use Skype, write letters, text message, instant message, write a blog, or create a Youtube channel. There are so many ways to keep in touch, so use them. 

How do I avoid the freshman 15?
My answer is long. Read it here.

What are the residence life rules?
You can read the conduct handbook here. 

Are milk crate storage containers necessary? 
It’s good to be prepared, but the more storage containers that you buy, the more inclined you are to fill these containers with things you don’t need. I think that the crates are useful (I’ve had roommates with them), but I’ve never felt inclined to purchase them myself.

How do most people store their shoes in the dorms?
I’ve always lined them up in front of my bed, but if you have a lot of shoes, I’d get a flat shoe organizer and store it under your bed. You can also put them in your cubby, if you live in one of the halls that have them.

Can my partner sleep over?
Answered by amnesiacr and rainydayemily here and here.

Are the dorm rooms really cold in the winter? Would I need to buy a heavy down comforter?
If your windows are closed, you shouldn’t be cold. The higher up (floor wise) that you live, the warmer your room will be. I would advise you bring a heavy blanket just in case. It’s good to be prepared. I know that my room in Pine Ridge is consistently cold without my heater on, so it really can just vary.

TV listings are where?
Here, my dear.  

Do the dorms have drawers and chairs? What about trash cans? 
Yes to all three. They either have closet cubbies or a dresser for clothes. It depends on which hall you’re on.

How do you put posters or pictures on the walls?
With tape, adhesive, 3m hooks or blu-tack. Thank you to holystrawberries and pygalgia for the suggestions! Thumbtacks or pushpins do not work because the walls are too thick. Don’t use nails, as they damage the wall and cost you repair fees.

What pet can I bring to NAU?
A fish. I urge you to buy a betta if you’re going to use a bowl. Having goldfish in a bowl is cruel.

Can I double major or minor?
Yes. Please keep track of your requirements through NAU’s academic catalog. 

Can your RA tell if you’ve smoked [weed] in your room?
The resounding answer was YES. Gah46, a former RA, even sent in a message to make students understand the risk: “Don’t. Do. It. We can tell. We know when you’re smoking in your room even if you put the towel under the door and burn popcorn and open your window. We can tell the difference between ‘oh you smoked outside and are walking back through,’ you’re smoking now,’ or ‘you smoked a half hour ago and left.’ We really don’t care if you smoke outside and come back in, and to be honest there isn’t much we can do. Smoke outside. Smoking inside pisses your RA off, usually, and will cause you lots of trouble.”

What do we do in NAU100?
Learn about how to adjust to campus: study habits, joining clubs, and learn about services offered by the university.    

How does Rush work?
Girls attend a four-day process at Mountain View (Greek dormitory across the street from the Bookstore) where they are placed in a group and have a rho chi (a group counselor) who answers questions and takes them to events hosted by each of the sororities. At the end of the weekend, girls list their first and second choice, and if the sororities decide the girl fits the values of their sorority they’ll give the girl a bid, which she can choose to accept. I recommend rushing your first semester if you really want to be in greek life, as your chances of receiving a bid decrease each year.

When is Rush?
There are no official dates announced for Fall 2012 as of yet. More information available here. Sorority rush is always on Labor Day weekend. More information is available here.

How is Mountain View?
My answer is here. 

When is the first day to buy parking passes?
Usually in June!

When do we get our JacksCard?
During orientation. Take care of it. It costs $25 to replace.  

Are eggs and milk sold in the campus grocer?
No to eggs, yes to milk. Go to Target, Bashas, or Walmart for cheaper groceries.  

Do you know if there’s a minimum amount of credits someone needs to have taken before transferring to NAU from a community college?
I don’t believe so. You can transfer at any stage, but I think you need 12 credits to be considered a transfer student instead of freshman. NAU only accepts up to 64 transfer credits. 

How are the community bathrooms set up?
I lived in Sechrist. There were two or three bathroom stalls, then about five showers, and another two bathroom stalls. I wouldn’t be nervous, but I would recommend shower sandals.

When is financial aid disbursed?
Usually a week before classes start.  

Does the Health Center prescribe birth control?
This page describes how to obtain birth control from Fronske. For those who are unaware, Fronske is now located in the new Health and Wellness Center.

Which halls can I drink in?
None, if you’re in a freshman hall. If you’re over 21 and do not reside in these halls, then you can drink within your room, but not outside of it. 

What are some things you wish you would have known going in as a freshman? What things would you do differently?
My answer to that is really long. Here you go. 

I’m scared when I come to college that I’ll feel pressured to do weed, have sex, and drink a lot. what can I do so this doesn’t happen?
Being concerned about your first semester is natural. I won’t lie and say that peer pressure evaporates once you begin college, but in my opinion it’s all about who you surround yourself with.You can’t choose who will be in your classes or what type of randomized roommate you’ll receive, but you can always choose who your friends are. True friends should not pressure you to engage in behaviors that you do not feel comfortable with.

How many movie theaters are there?
Harkins is the only one that I know of. It’s about a mile from campus (a ten minute walk). I’d also recommend Prochnow, which is located on North campus. It has relatively recent movies on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights for $3 with a student ID.

Do people sneak food out of the cafeteria?
Depends on your definition of sneak. I used to stuff my backpack full of apples last Spring. It isn’t like people aren’t allowed to take some sort of food when they leave, whether it be dessert, fruit, or something handy. They just don’t appreciate taking a lot of food. 

Can you hear your neighbors having sex?
No personal experience here, but we have testimony for Wilson and McDonald, McConnell, Tinsley, McKay, and Sechrist. 

Where do visitors park?
Commuter parking zones on South and North campus are free from 4:30PM until 7:00AM. South Commuter day passes are $5 a day.

Advice on advising and other things?
Here is my post on need-to-know process.

When do I sign up for Spring classes?
If you’re a freshman with no transfer credits, then you’re at the bottom of the totem pole. My freshman year, I signed up for courses in mid-November with all my friends. In the spring, I was able to sign up a day before most of my friends, because I transferred in some pre-NAU credits. Being in the Honors Program also gives you first priority, so you sign up with seniors.

I know it sucks being at the bottom of the totem pole, but let’s be real. No junior or senior really wants to take ANT 104 unless they have to. Chill.

How do I override into classes I need?
There’s a couple of things you can do:

1. Contact Gateway.
2. Contact the professor.
3. Contract the department.

What is reading week?
The week before finals is titled ‘reading week’

You’re supposed to re-read the material in your textbooks to prepare for final exams, but no one actually does that. Instead, reading week is the hellish week where students have to write their final papers, present final projects, and study for their exams. It’s um… fun. 

Where can I find websites about off-campus housing?
I’d look through Craig’s List, Rental’s Guide, Apartment Guide, NAU’s page on off-campus housing and Apartment Finder.

OTHER:

YAY. I’m no longer a freshman, where should I live?
The most popular halls on campus are Aspen Crossing for sophomores and McKay and Pine Ridge for juniors and seniors. Requirements do apply. 

Do you know anything about how to get out of your housing? There are only three ways that you can get a contract release: you get married, you drop out of NAU, or you graduate. If you want an apartment, you will have to pay for both. I’ve had a resident that did that, but it sucks having to pay two rents.
- Alicia, RA Liaison

I’m a sophomore. Do I have to see my counselor before I sign up for classes in November?
I don’t think so. I mean, it might vary from major to major, but I didn’t have to. I still think you should, though. Going to advising and keeping track of your courses is the best way to graduate in 4 years. I’ve gone every semester since my first year. I find it helpful. 

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