By Robin Gracia
Opinions Editor

College is one of the most rewarding experiences a person can engage in. There are countless chances to meet new people, network and broaden your horizons. More than likely, family and friends have given you advice about college, which is valuable, but advice from a fellow student can be particularly helpful.
Here are just a few pieces of advice about how to get the most out of your time at California State University, Bakersfield.

Only Borrow What
You Can Afford

A full course load at CSUB can cost more than $2,000, not counting the cost of materials and books. Most students don’t have that kind of money lying around, so taking out a loan is an unavoidable reality. Before signing that Master Promissory Note and borrowing money, learn about the different kinds of loans being offered.
If you have the option, sign yourself up for a subsidized loan. This is the kind of loan that I have because it doesn’t start accruing interest until after you graduate.
An unsubsidized loan accrues interest as soon as you receive the funds, which means debt can add up fast. Graduates also have a six month grace period before they must begin repaying debt, so only borrow what you absolutely need.

Have Fun Responsibly

There’s nothing wrong with going dancing downtown with friends or meeting up at happy hour. There is a problem, however, when the good times keep on rolling and you let your obligations fall by the wayside. Don’t skip your classes and miss deadlines for papers because you were too busy partying. College is nothing like high school, there are consequences for not putting in effort. Professors don’t want you in their office crying about your failing grade when they haven’t seen you in class for the entire quarter.
Another thing professors don’t want to see is your obituary. Despite the fact that the motto “don’t drink and drive” has been pounded into our heads since elementary school, people just don’t seem to get the message.
On Saturday, Aug. 30, three women were headed home around midnight after enjoying a Bakersfield Blaze game. Jessica Magee, 20, Pavinder Claire, 22, and Jackie Kvasnicka, 27, were hit at high speed by a drunk driver, which led to the car catching fire. Magee would be the only woman to survive the crash. She was dragged out of the wreckage by witnesses and sustained major injuries.
Don’t contribute to the numerous accidents and deaths. Call a friend, a cab, or crash on a couch. Your life and the lives of others is far too valuable to be cut short over something so avoidable.

Know Your
Available Services

CSUB has a wealth of amenities available, most of which go unnoticed and unutilized by the majority of students. The Student Recreational Center is one of the nicest gyms I’ve ever been to, with fantastic equipment and knowledgeable trainers.
The SRC’s crown jewel, arguably, is the 34-foot-high rock wall which can handle up to seven climbers at once. No matter what your fitness level is, not using a gym of this caliber is downright foolish.
Another service that’s available to you is the Student Health Center. The clinic on campus is supported through student fees and provides services at little or no cost. The SHC is capable of providing X-rays, administering flu vaccinations and birth control.
Part of being in college is taking responsibility for not only your physical well-being but your sexual health as well. The health center provides condoms, spermicides, pap smears, and HIV, STD and pregnancy testing.
The health center provides mental health services, as well. Please take advantage of the counseling that’s available if you are overwhelmed, stressed out or feel you’d feel benefit from speaking to a professional about private matters. The Student Counseling Center provides information regarding suicidal thoughts, cutting, sleep issues, addiction and much more. There is no shame in seeking help. It’s free and confidential.

Get Academic Assistance

The university provides, free of charge, tutoring. This is especially handy if you are new to the fast-paced quarter system and think you may have trouble passing your classes.
There are tutors available in the arts and humanities, sciences, engineering, chemistry, physics, mathematics and education, as well as labs to assist with writing papers.
There is no excuse for not doing well in your classes if you show up, take notes and get help.

Get Involved

There are more than 50 clubs on campus, ranging from academic to religious interests. Joining a club is for more than just padding your resume. College becomes much more personal and enjoyable when you engage yourself beyond just papers and lectures.
Getting involved in a club or organization is a way to meet like-minded people and create friendships, which under other circumstances, you may never have forged.
Greek life is a fantastic way to meet new people, have a positive influence on your community through charity work and create professional networks for yourself.
There are two fraternities on campus and several sororities. Sadly, we are not one of those universities that have individual Greek houses, but that doesn’t mean that the groups are any less spirited or present.

And Most Importantly…
Arrive Early

This is a point that cannot be stressed enough. Getting to school on time for class means you’re going to be late, and some professors lock their doors to make a point to students to be on time. The only way to be on time to your classes is to arrive early.
Allow yourself a twenty-minute cushion of time to find a parking space. This is time to slowly stalk people who are walking through parking lots to take their spaces, sit idly behind three cars that are stopped for pedestrians and circling the numerous lots to find a space that’s not taken. This time allotment isn’t even accounting for the walk to your building or using the restroom.
There are far more students than spaces, and there is always the possibility of parking lots being blocked off by campus police because the university is holding an event.
The $45 parking ticket for parking illegally or in a reserved space is not worth it.