Welcome to SMU, Class of 2012. To everyone who made it through Rotunda Passage, I welcome you to the Mustang family. And for those of you who missed it, shame on you. As you may remember a number of people telling you, college is about exploring and discovering new opportunities, new friendships, new interests and new traditions. Navigating your way around the SMU campus can be a challenge at times. Here are some important places to know.

Everyone is familiar with the main cafeteria in Umphrey Lee, but where else can you eat on campus? Aside from the numerous coffee and snack bars on campus, we also have Mac’s Place. Located in the South Quad of campus in McElvaney Hall (the middle one), Mac’s features “a made-to-order” grill, tons of grab-n-go options like sandwiches, soups, salads, sushi, and more. It also features a mini market. The upscale Gates Restaurant at the Meadows Museum is also available. Check www.smudinng.com for dining times.

Not everyone is fortunate enough to have a study area, but frankly, I never could study in my room. You would be wise to find yourself a good place for the next four or more years. This really depends on your studying style. Don’t know how you should be studying? Try the Altshuler Learning Enhancement Center first. They can provide you with resources and workshops to help you improve. Did you know we also have over 10 libraries on campus? In years past, the Bridwell Library next to Perkins Chapel has been said to be “so quiet it’s creepy” and Fondren Library fourth floor has somehow become Club Fondren. I won’t give away my personal favorite library and study spot, but if you email me, I might tell you.

Part of college is meeting people and making friends. The best place to meet other students is in your residence hall. You should definitely attend the programs that your RAs put on for you. Your residence hall should hiave sign up sheets for intramural games. Speaking of sports, didn’t watching the Olympics for two weeks just make you want to go out and do something? You can be sure you’ll meet lots of people in the Dedman Center for Recreational Sports. In the early mornings and evenings, you can be sure to find people like myself running around the Morrison-Bell track at Westcott Field.

And what about game days? You can still sleep in on Saturdays, but don’t miss tailgating on the Boulevard and actually going to the football games in Ford Stadium.

Too much Pony’ing Up might result in some serious health issues. Isn’t that ironic considering Peruna was a tonic (which is what our mascot was named after)? Living in a residence hall with other students is like living in a petri dish. When in doubt, you should always go to the Memorial Health Center located in the North Quad. The Health Center provides everything from diagnosis, x-rays, specialty clinics to even counseling services. There is, however, still no cure for Mustang Fever.

Last, and probably most important, is the Hughes-Trigg Student Center. When in doubt, you know you will find virtually anything you need here: food, free movies, fundraisers, cheap posters at the poster sale, an organization or two to join, and much, much more. Have you noticed the new hours? On weekdays, it’s open until midnight and 2 am on weekends.

Bear in mind that this list just scratches the surface of the campus locations. The next time you have a thirty-minute break between classes, take a walk around campus. It’s beautiful! you never know what new place you may discover. Get lost in Meadows! You might even catch me reading a book by the butterfly gardens . . . if you can you guess where those are.

Daniel Liu is a graduate level engineering management major. He can be reached for comment at [email protected].