On the first day of fall classes long rows of cars gleam in their myriad parking spaces. A river of people rushes by, bags swinging, intent on making that 8 a.m. class signed up for in the spring. Students roam the halls, steaming coffee in one hand, crumpled schedule in the other, searching for that elusive goal: the right classroom.

Welcome to MCC.

There's so much to learn here, both in and out of the classroom. We want to share a few suggestions as to how our newest Tribunes (i.e. MCC students) can make the most of their new lives on campus.

GET A MAP
Download a campus map at www.monroecc.edu/go/maps. Or pick one up at the Brighton Campus Information Desk (right outside Admissions) or the DCC Public Safety Desk. Navigating a new campus can be frustrating especially when Building 6 is nowhere near Building 7. Seriously. Get a map.

KNOW YOUR DIGITS
Put it in your cell phone. Write it on your hand. Tattoo it on the bottom of your foot. Whatever. Your M number is how you're identified in the MCC system. Having your M number handy will save you time and also surely impress everyone around you with your obvious foresight and preparation.

GO TO CLASS
You might think this one's pretty obvious, but life does offer plenty of distractions. You worked late. Your brother borrowed the car. You needed a break. According to Jeff Bartkovich, MCC's vice president of Educational Technology Services, "The research is clear: high attendance and high grades are directly related." YOU want to be successful, and WE want you to be successful. So just do it -- go to class.

DO THE WORK
Okay, you go to class. But there's more. There's research assignments, chapters of reading, papers due, test prep and group work ... oh my! The Leroy V. Good Library (Brighton Campus) and the DCC Learning Commons have laptops you can sign out for up to two hours. Pro tip: the libraries also have really comfortable chairs and quiet zones, as well.

ASK.
Let's face it, everyone needs a helping hand sometimes. Don't be afraid to ask questions, big or small, of the folks around you. As Chelsea Reed, second-year student and MCC peer mentor, puts it: "We're all in the same boat. Everybody is going through the same things. So don't feel like you're alone in it." Whether it's an academic assist at one of our learning centers, some advice from our Office of Student Services or a quick answer at the Office of Student Life and Leadership Development, ask away - we're ready!

HEY, YOU GOTTA EAT
Running on empty with no serious time? Fun Fact: the vending machines on the ground floor of Brighton Campus Building 1 offer Red Bull, Mountain Dew, Coke and strawberry milk as well as Doritos, Skittles, Cheetos and M&Ms. Grab a latte or lemon grass sencha at Java's or a gyro at Starry Nites. Stop by the Marketplace and pick up a slice of pizza, a carton of yogurt or a quick bite from Subway, Dunkin' Donuts or Denny's Express. Or even grab a nibble al fresco from the Monroe-on-the-Go food truck. Just fuel up so you can stay movin' forward.

TAKE A LEAP
Join a club. Try out for one of the student plays. Hit the treadmill. According to Dick Ryther, associate vice president, Student Services Office, students who invest in the activities here develop a connection to faculty, staff and classmates that makes the educational experience more meaningful. It's a great way to stretch, to grow, to push out of your shell.

And isn't that what college is all about?