ADVOCATE’S DECLASSIFIED SCHOOL SURVIVAL GUIDE

 In an era of bogus “life hacks” online, allow us at the Advocate to give you some college information that will actually be helpful in your life here at MHCC. 

Most students know where to find the essential resources available to get their college career on the right track. However, we realize many students don’t know about the many other facilities and services available to them beyond the strictly academic side of college life. 

For example, Mt. Hood students, as well as community members, can utilize the weight room in the HPE building on campus for free. Open weight hours are Monday-Friday, noon to 1 p.m., with an extra two hours of 6 to 8 p.m. on Tuesday and Thursday. 

Students also have free access to the swimming pool on campus during open recreation hours. The new schedule for the pool during Fall Term has yet to be released, but the pool will reopen for use by Friday, Sept. 27. 

Aside from the recreational facilities on campus, MHCC’s library has a lot to offer. The first thing to know about the library is that you cannot exit at the same door from which you enter the library! When you are ready to leave, loop around the resource desk and exit behind it. The library has more to offer than dusty books about strange or specific topics. On the top floor of the library (mezzanine level) students can find the TRIO office (see story on Page 4), as well as free tutoring. On the main level, get your student ID at the resource desk, visit the Rho Theta office, and utilize the study tables. Don’t be afraid to ask for help from the library services staff; that’s what they’re there for! 

Another great place to study is inside the Student Union. On one side of the room, you will find tables around a fireplace that are great for quiet studying. If you keep going, past the Fireplace Gallery art displays, there will be both a pingpong and a pool table, a television, and a microwave for heating up your lunch. Because the Student Union has a quiet space to take a break, it could be a great study spot. 

Parking is found all around the campus, whether it’s close to the Student Union or behind (east of) the main academic wing – be cautious though, parking can be tough to find right before class, so account for that on your commute. 

What about some of the logistics of surviving at Mt. Hood? There are some definite dos and do-nots involved in college life. For example, register for classes as soon as humanly possible. The sooner you register, the more likely you will get a seat in all the classes you want for that term – especially if you want to take online courses, which fill up quickly. 

Speaking of online classes, do not take them if you aren’t self-motivated. Who knows us better than we know ourselves? No one. If you know that you struggle to find motivation to do school work, it might be wise to avoid online classes that require extra effort and responsibility.  

The media sells us an image of college where people find a new friend group immediately and study together often. Instead, you will find that study groups form themselves: Usually, whomever you end up sitting with in that one super-difficult lab course will be your study group for that specific class. 

Yes: You do have to re-apply for FAFSA every academic year – but not each term. If you are interested in Work Study job opportunities, you have to start by emailing [email protected] and inquiring about your eligibility. Then, you can find the Work Study options best for you, and get the ball rolling. 

A final word of advice from us would be to explore your options. A good way to explore your interests and learn more about what you actually enjoy doing is to join clubs at MHCC. Get involved on campus and figure out which causes, clubs, or organizations you enjoy committing to. 

After you have done some exploring and learned about yourself, do some research and make sure the career path you are on is the one you want to be following. And take advantage of our Career Planning department and meet with a counselor, in Room 1152. 

Make the most out of your college experience this school year!