I've Gone Through Orientation... Now What?

As the summer winds down and the school year approaches there are a few things that you should remember to ensure your first few days at Pace are the best they can be. I know that there are a lot of things you need to do and have to remember, but always remember that there are other students who are dealing with the same things. And although my "To-Do List" may seem a little long, as long as you complete these things, you'll be guaranteed a fun time once you get here.

 

First of all, make sure you activate your Pace One Card! This is not only your University ID, but your Campus AutoLoad Account, and your Meal Plan Account. You will receive your ID in the mail with the lovely photo you took during your Orientation. (Don't worry if you didn't get your photo taken, you can take it once you get to school. Just make sure you stop by the ID Room once you get here!) Once you have your ID you will want to activate your card as the Pace One Card. You will then be able to choose your Refund Preference and update your mailing address.

 

Next in line is that wonderful Tuition Bill. You need to make sure you have any and all paperwork into OSA and Financial Aid before the first day of classes (September 9th). If you are taking out loans make sure you Master Promissory Note (MPN) is signed and you have gone through the online Loan Counseling. Make sure you have set up your Sallie Mae Tuition Pay Plans or you have made all payments on time. There is a late fee for not paying on time so if something comes up and you have an issue make sure you talk to OSA and Financial Aid.

 

By now, everyone who is living on campus has received their room assignments. I have been told that roommate assignments will be coming out by the end of the week once they have made sure they have everything straight. Make sure you read the Virtual Welcome Packet on the Housing website before move-in! The move-in days for freshman students are Friday, September 4th and Saturday, September 5th. Please see the schedule as different floors move in during different times! Make sure you pack everything you need and remember you are sharing your room with another person!

 

One major concern of everyone is books! This is the time of year when professors start posting on Blackboard and notifying the Bookstore of what books are needed for each course. Check to see what the prices are like at the bookstore, because there are some pretty O.K. deals on used books. Also check to see if any of your friends are or have already taken the course: they may be willing to let you borrow or sell you the book. If you still aren't satisfied with the total price of your books look online! Half.com, Alibris.com, and Amazon.com are just a few examples of places where you can get books. Also, look around the school for flyers; a lot of upper class men tend to sell books cheaper than at the bookstore. But my most important suggestion about buying books is: waiting until you go to your first class to buy books. Most professors don't use the book on the first day, and a lot of times they will tell you that you don't need all of the books they listed. You may also be able to pick up a copy of your book in the Library the professor may have the book on reserve!

 

Once you get to Pace there will be loads of things to do! Convocation is on September 6th in Pleasantville! Make sure you register to go! (Especially for the NYC campus as there will be buses to take us up to the Westchester Campus!) Following Convocation is Welcome Week (which should actually be Welcome WeekS since all the events take place over 2 weeks!) There will be everything from BBQ's and Baseball games (Mets AND Yankees) to Open Mic Night and Broadway Shows (Chicago, Rock of Ages, Hair, and In the Heights)! Make sure you sign up for these events through SDACA!

 

Like I said before, I know this seems like a lot! As long as you can accomplish these things you'll be all set for a successful first semester here at Pace! There is a lot of information here so if you have any questions at all feel free to ask!