Lovers Lane made our “Top 5 Places to Shop” list. Pictured here is Elements Boutique on Lovers Lane, an affordable and stylish place to buy your new college duds. (TAYLOR HENRY/The Daily Campus )

In our mail-home edition for the class of 2015, we included several top 5 lists as an introduction to SMU and the Dallas area. Here are lists of everything from fashion tips to classes to take.

Top Five Classes for Freshmen

1. PLSC 1320: Intro to American Government

Not only is this one of the best classes at SMU, it’s also taught by one of the best professors at SMU. And after all, isn’t that what you’re paying to come here to do anyway?

2. ENGL 1330: The World of Shakespeare

Think of this class as an opportunity to learn to better appreciate the Bard. You’re in college now; it’s the best time to try to broaden your horizons, and this can certainly be the class to help.

3. WELL 1101: Concepts of Wellness

Okay, admittedly you kind of have to take this class, but it’s really not that bad. It’s only one credit hour and you’ll find it might actually teach you a lot about adjusting to college life.

4. PHYS 1311: Elements of Astronomy

Looking for an interesting science class to fulfill your general education requirement? This might be the class for you. You’ll explore planetary and stellar astronomy in both a lecture and lab-oriented environment.

5. PHIL 1316: Introduction to Ethics

This class explores why we think what we do ethics. What exactly is morality, and is there an objective form of it? And why should we be moral anyway? An interesting class that will challenge your previous notions and hopefully lead to a deeper understanding of ethics.

-Compiled by Brandon Bub

Top 5 People to Meet on Campus

1. Rick Halperin: Professor of Human Rights

In addition to teaching History of Human Rights, Halperin also directs the human rights program. He has a full history of experience fighting for human rights, and his stories will make you think.

2. Lori White: Vice President of Student Affairs

Anything and everything involving students at SMU has probably been through the office of Lori White. She is a treasure trove of information about SMU and its students, and is always happy to meet new faces.

3. Jennifer Jones: Executive Director, Department of Student Development & Programs

In addition to her long title, she also advises Student Senate. Senators and non-senators alike think of her as the perfect role model. Stop by her office for fun conversation and a smile.

4. Paul Ludden: Provost

Provost Ludden is a large part of the reason why SMU has leapt forward in dozens of academic rankings in the past few years. If that’s not enough, he’s also a really nice guy. Try and introduce yourself if you get a chance.

5. Jose Bowen: Dean of Meadows

Dean Bowen is an interesting guy. An accomplished jazz musician, Bowen has been known to sit down at the piano and accompany students on stage himself. He is also known as a fantastic teacher, and embraces new forms of learning such as podcasts and online games. Try to find time to stop by his office, we’re sure you’ll go away with a positive experience.

-Compiled by Jessica Huseman

Top 5 Pieces of Advice for Freshmen

1. Take Advantage of Opportunities

Take every opportunity to grow academically by forming close and lasting relationships with your faculty members.  Take every opportunity to broaden your relationships, your comfort zones, and your knowledge.

— Brad Cheves, Vice President for Development

and External Affairs

2. Advising Appointments

Don’t sign up for classes without help. You wouldn’t want to mess up your degree plan.

3. Get Involved

SMU has loads of clubs. They are great for making friends and boosting resumes.

4. Utilize Your Resident Assistant

Problems with your roommate? Try asking your RA for help before moving out. RAs are trained in conflict resolution and can help you figure things out.

5. Don’t Lose High School Friends

College is great, but when you go home you’ll still want to have those relationships you had before you left. High school friends can be a source of comfort when college gets overwhelming.

-Compiled by Jessica Huseman

Top 5 Construction Projects

1. George W. Bush Center

Currently under construction, the center will include a library, museum and an institute. Until it opens in 2013, students can enjoy the programs the Center frequently hosts on SMU’s campus.

2. Sophomore Housing

SMU will open new residential halls in the fall of 2014, and will require sophomores to stay on campus.

3. Moody Coliseum Renovation and Expansion

The basketball stadium is getting a face-lift! Thanks to a generous donation of $20 million from the Moody Foundation. It will include a wider concourse, new and more concession stands and restrooms, new finishes, lighting and mechanic systems.

4. University Data Center

If you’ve ever used PerunaNet, you know how slow our wireless is. All that is about to change! Slated to open by the end of 2012, the new data center will provide 2.4MW of critical IT load, speeding up SMU’s computing.

5. Residence Hall Renovations

Older residents halls will be getting some much needed love in the next few years to make living in dorms more comfortable for everyone.

-Compiled by Jessica Huseman

Top 5 Fall Sports at SMU

1. Football

No fall college semester is complete without a little football. Coming off two seasons ending in bowl games, SMU football is expected to be even more successful than in past seasons. The first game of the season will be against A&M in College Station at 6:30 p.m. Catch it on Fox Sports Net, or better, plan a road trip!

2. Volleyball

The second-ranked Mustang volleyball team makes its return. The ladies finished the 2010-2011 year with a 25-6 record and a ranking of second place in Conference USA. The Mustangs plan to have a successful year with a combination of a strong recruiting class and returning members.

3. Men’s Soccer

With a 16-2-2 record and advancement in the NCAA Elite Eight tournament. According to CollegeSoccerNews.com, the SMU men’s soccer team will have the strongest recruiting class for this upcoming year. Some of the new recruits may find themselves in starting spots for the season.

4. Women’s Soccer

The SMU women’s soccer team finished its season with an 11-7-4 record. The team will also have highly anticipated recruits. The recruiting class includes several top prospects and Olympic Development Pool members.

5. Swimming & Diving

The SMU swimming coach has just been named Team Manager for the 2012 United States Men’s Olympic Swim Team, so this season should be especially fun to watch.

-Compiled by E’Lyn Taylor

SMU Top 5 Celebrations

1. SMU Centennial Celebration

No one throws a birthday party quite like SMU.! As the university celebrated the 100th anniversary of its founding, SMU opened Café 100 on campus and set off fireworks at a Founder’s Day bash that attracted thousands of students, alumni and Dallas residents. The celebration will continue until 2015, the centennial of the year the school’s doors first opened to students.

2. Celebration of Lights

A stude
nt body favorite, the Celebration of Lights kicks off the holidays at SMU. While holding a candle, students and community members gather on the main quad to sing carols and listen to President Turner’s reading of the biblical Christmas story. Everyone is given a candle to hold and at the end of the ceremony, Dallas Hall and the campus Christmas tree light up the night.

3. Boulevarding

“We don’t tailgate, we boulevard,” the mantra of SMU football fans. The school’s main road, Bishop Boulevard, is closed off on game day and tents line the street. Free food, music and time with fellow Mustangs serves as a fan favorite prequel to each home game.

4. Homecoming Week

Floats, fanfare and Mustang alumni fill the Boulevard for the annual Homecoming parade and football game. Sororities, fraternities and other campus organizations come out to participate in events such as Field Day, Community Service Day and the float-building competition.

5. Mane Event

Mane Event is a carnival on the Main Quad held on the last day of classes each spring semester. The entire SMU community is invited out to share in the games, live music and free food.

-Compiled by Ashley Withers

Top 5 Fashion Tips

1. Cowboy Boots

You’re in Texas now, embrace it. Snag a pair of Ariat boots from Cavender’s Boot City just in time for boulevarding in the fall.

2. Toss the Backpack

Opt for a chic tote instead. L.L. Bean makes classic canvas bags that come in an array of colors. Don’t forget the monogram!

3. Jack Rogers

These Florida staples have officially made their way into the Lone Star State. The Navajo scandal, first made popular by Miss Jackie O, is the perfect footwear to get you from English to biology.

4. Stylish Sunglasses

The Texas sun can be a bit overwhelming at times, so protect your peepers with a pair of Ray-Bans. The aviator and wayfarer styles have been wildly popular for decades.

5. Dress for Success

While throwing on Nike shorts and an oversize T-shirt for class may be tempting, trust us—professors respect students more when they take the time to get dressed for class.

-Compiled by Shelby Foster

Top 5 Places to Chow Down in Dallas

1. Bubba’s

An SMU staple, Bubba’s serves up tasty breakfasts and piping hot lunches. The fried chicken and homemade sides are the best you’ll find anywhere, and the smiles and hellos from the friendly staff are hard to beat.

2. Fiesta Grocery

Located on Skillman, the grocery store features a small deli inside. They have very inexpensive daily specials for a fraction of the price of local restaurants. The mileage distance is minimal, but if you’re willing to travel outside of your normal comfort zone you will find this gem to be an awesome Mexican grocery mart offering unique

food finds.

3. Digg’s

New to the SMU area, the new taco joint across the street has already become a hit with the SMU crowd. With

its reasonable prices, tasty tacos and delicious queso, Digg’s is sure to be around just as long as Bubba’s.

4. Gloria’s Restaurant

Serving up tasty Salvadorian cuisine, this affordable restaurant can be found on Lower Greenville.

5. Café Brazil

Hungry at 3 a.m.? This 24-hour joint has got you covered. Enjoy the Brazilian Breakfast with eggs, a chorizo empanada and much more for under $10.

-Compiled by Deah Mitchell

Top 5 Dallas Events

1. St. Patty’s Day Parade

When March rolls around, Big D turns green as it celebrates St. Patty’s day in full force.  The biggest of celebration happens in Dallas’ lower Greenville area as people come out to listen to live music, and if lucky, eat free food.

2. State Fair of Texas

There is perhaps nothing better in Texas than a corn dog and fried Oreos. Known for its wacky food and amazing attractions, the State Fair of Texas is an annual event that has all of Dallas asking, “What else will they fry next?” Known to host college football’s fiercest rivalry when the University of Texas takes on the University of Oklahoma in the Red River showdown, the State Fair is a highlight in the year for the city of Dallas.

3. Summer Concerts at the Arboretum

Sometimes in the summer months, it’s better to join the heat than try to beat it. And, if that’s your plan, then the Dallas Arboretum is the perfect place to do so.  Encouraging their patrons to pack a picnic, the Arboretum brings in only the best of cover bands to entertain the lunching crowd.

4. Big D New Years Eve

Not letting New York have all of the fun, Dallas is home to Big D NYE, a mammoth celebration that packs the people of Dallas into the always-illuminating Victory Park as they ring in the New Year. With giant television screens broadcasting the countdown, fireworks and confetti fill the air as the clock strikes midnight.

5. Dallas Sporting Events

Following stellar seasons from both the Mavericks and the Rangers, Dallas has a lot to brag about when it comes to sports. One’s freshman year would not be complete without a visit to one of Dallas’ many sporting venues. Visit the massive Cowboys Stadium in Arlington to watch the Cowboys or venture over one street to the Ballpark in Arlington to see the Rangers. If you prefer to be indoors, the American Airlines Center is the home of the Mavericks and Dallas Stars hockey team.

-Compiled by Chase Wade

Top 5 Places to Shop

1. Lovers Lane

2. Highland Park Village

3. Snider Plaza

4. West Village

5. Northpark

-Compiled by Shelby Foster

Top 5 Places to Eat on Campus

1. Mac’s Place

2. RFoC

3. Chik-fil-A

4. Subway

5. Einstein’s

-Compiled by Chase Wade

Top 5 Dallas Running Trails

1. Katy Trail

2. White Rock Lake

3. Turtle Creek Trail

4. Oak Cliff Nature Preserve

5. Gateway Park Trail

-Compiled by Jessica Huseman

Top 5 Things to See in Dallas

1. The Arts District

2. The West End

3. Landmark Inwood Theater

4. Mockingbird Station

5. Northpark Center

-Compiled by Brandon Bub

The George W. Bush Center topped our list for “Top 5 Construction Projects.” The Center will include a library, museum and an institute and is slated to open in 2013. (TAYLOR HENRY/The Daily Campus )

The Arts District of Dallas was No. 1 on our list of “Top 5 Things to See in Dallas.” The Arts District holds plays, unique scultures and interesting shops. (TAYLOR HENRY/The Daily Campus )

Bubba’s is our top Place to Chow Down in Dallas! Stop by for crispy chicken, homemade sides and a smiling staff. (MICHAEL DANSER/The Daily Campus )