From navigating a new campus to meeting new people, college can be just as overwhelming as it is exciting. Ball State University is no different. Like on any other college campus, you have to find the new best places to eat, the clubs that are right for you to join, experience living alone, and keeping up with your classes all at once. When I was a new Cardinal on campus, I found advice from returning students to be the best way to learn about my new school specifically. And especially as an out-of-state student at a predominantly in-state school, there were lots of times I had to figure things out for myself. I hope to save you the hassle! Ball State can be challenging, but there are certainly great practices and things to know to ease the pressure!
And while general advice available online about transitioning to the college experience can be helpful, we’ll be straying from the obvious hacks today. This story will focus on the very best tips and tricks for Ball State University specifically from the writers of our university’s branch of HER campus to you.
Eating on campus
In my experience, one of the silliest and hardest new adjustments to college is deciding what you’re gonna eat every single day all by yourself. Luckily, Ball State’s dining halls are pretty good and filled with different options.
The busiest times to go to the dining halls on campus are between early afternoon classes around noon and around 6 in the evening. For shorter lines, it’s a good idea to go halfway through the hour or grab meals a little earlier than expected busy times, such as going for lunch at 11 instead of noon.
At every location on campus other than the Atrium, you can only get enough food to stay under your meal swipe, unless you use dining plus to pay the additional cost. Many students like to get pasta, a salad, breadsticks, and a dessert at Woodworth, since the total stays under your meal swipe set amount after 11. Sandwiches, chips, and a drink from North or Woodworth usually stay under the swipe’s total as well.
Some student favorites on campus for full meals are the pasta at Woodworth, the salad bar at Woodworth, the Atrium pizza, the stir-fry at Tally, and the Starbucks and Chick-fil-a at North. For quick options, the Atrium cafe is extremely popular, with lots of grab-and-go meals and usually short lines.
The Atrium is the most cost effective at Ball State, as you pay your total meal swipe upon entry and then can get as much as you can fit in the box. This all-you-can-eat style is the easiest, as you don’t have to worry about staying “under” your meal swipe, and the best bang for your buck, as you get the most to eat.
If you are vegetarian, gluten-free, or have other allergies or diet restrictions, there is an area specific to avoiding cross contamination in both North and the Atrium dining halls. This area is called the “allergy free” section, and they can make you pastas, mexican bowls, stir-frys, and more from scratch, with you getting to select all the ingredients included. This area is available to all Ball State students and is usually not very busy, so a good trick for customized meals without a long wait is grabbing a meal at these areas, even if you don’t have any allergies.
Also, Cardinal Kitchen is a food bank on campus and is open to all Ball State students. If you ever want snacks, go there! Using resources like these keeps them open for the students who really rely on them, so head down to the student center and check it out.
What to wear
On Ball State’s campus, there are several trends that people like to follow. For day-to-day situations and classes, you’ll see lots of students in matching sweat sets, flare leggings, oversized sweatshirts, oversized straight-cut jeans, graphic t-shirts, tank tops, and other basic closet essentials.
For somewhat dressier occasions, you’ll see many students wear denim mini skirts, patterned maxi skirts, ballet flats, athletic dresses, athletic skirts, tall black or brown boots, tiered white maxi skirts, sweaters, and dressier tank tops. For very formal occasions, students wear button downs, slacks, nicer maxi skirts, tall black boots, nicer dresses, and other formal matching sets.
It’s a good idea to bring a couple different kinds of shoes. I definitely recommend an amazing pair of walking shoes, as you’ll obviously be walking around campus a lot. Ball State is pretty big, so good shoes are super needed. They’re worth the splurge. I recommend Nike Air Max or New Balances for best wear and comfort. If you’re interested in night life, bring a crappy pair of tennis shoes that can get marked up, stained, and dirty at house parties or frat houses. Bringing a more formal pair of shoes is also a good idea, since you never know when you’ll need them. Short heels or ballet flats work well for this. Ball State doesn’t get terrible ice, so I usually just wear my sneakers in the Winter. Some people wear proper boots to avoid slipping, but I haven’t had too much trouble in my experience.
Other popular shoes on campus are Uggs, tall boots (as previously mentioned), Adidas Sambas sneakers, and flip flops.
Hoop earrings are by far the most popular jewelry choice among students on campus. Most students wear their hair down, slicked back, or in a ponytail.
Things to buy
Indiana’s weather can change in 30 seconds, so having equipment for all seasons is the best practice. This year, we’ve already lost AC in the dorms once, sending my roommate and I out shopping for a fan. It’s not a bad idea to get a nice fan for your room to just keep in storage until you need it. The same can be said for cold weather tools, such as a heated blanket, which has been my most-used purchase of college. Nothing is more comforting than getting into a warm bed after a long day.
Along with that, I recommend buying both headphones and Airpods/earphones. Headphones are great for colder weather and wind protection, because they cover your entire ear from the elements. They are also best for locking in on work when you’re approaching a deadline. Something more like ear phones, which sit in your ear instead of surrounding it, are better for warmer weather, because they will limit you overheating quickly. They’re also nice to just tuck in one ear when you are feeling overstimulated or want to hear the sound on your phone in a crowded place without playing it outloud, which can often come across as rude.
An electric kettle is a good idea if you eat lots of ramen or soup or drink lots of tea, but if you know you wouldn’t use it, you can skip it. Lots of people recommend a Brita water filter, which my roommate and I bought last year and never touched. Again, only get it if you know you’ll use it. Ball State’s dorms all have water fountains just down the hall and most have ice machines a short walk away, so you should weigh the pros and cons before buying.
A medicine cabinet is another good thing to have. Designate a drawer in your room to meds and keep it stocked with the basics. Generally, it’s good to have allergy medicine, pain killers, melatonin, antacids, and something to take care of you if you catch a cold. Since you’re living with a bunch of new people for the first time, you’re bound to catch something. Make sure to wash your hands, hydrate, and get enough sleep, but also to have medicine on hand for if you do catch a bug.
Also, always stock up on tissues, wipes, and paper towels.
Another thing I’ve gotten lots of use from is my yoga mat, which I take to the gym so I don’t have to use mats that others have used. If there are things you would rather have your own of instead of sharing with everyone else, make sure to buy those.
An air purifier and humidifier/dehumidifier are also a good idea for changing weather and can keep you healthy on campus.
I am a big believer that you have a better experience when your space feels like home. So I am a huge advocate for buying as much decor as you can! I think making your dorm, apartment, or new space feel like yours is essential to feeling comfortable in that new environment. The easiest decor to use is posters, which you can find online and print off using your printing money (which comes preloaded on your ID as a Ball State student) or buy at the annual poster sale on campus! I have also found that blankets and pillows and nice bedding can come across as decor, and you have to buy them anyway so it’s a win-win! Lots of storage can serve two purposes as well, acting as storage/serving a purpose and also dressing up your room. For example, I thrifted a very nice ottoman over the Summer, where I store all my blankets. But it also helps my room to feel classy and more “me!”
Keep snacks on hand! Bring your comfort stuffed animals! When college gets hard, you will want all your everyday comforts.
Studying and succeeding in classes
The fourth floor of the library is the silent area, meaning it usually doesn’t have much traffic. This is a great place to lock in on homework. The basement of the library is a hidden gem on campus, as no one goes down there to study. That’s another great spot to sit and really focus on work without anyone distracting you nearby. If you’d like to study and chat with friends while you work, the first floor of the library is the place for you.
There are also outdoor areas beside the library, which are in the shade and have full tables. These are great places to sit down outside and get some work done or visit with friends. They usually aren’t very busy.
Many academic buildings have bathrooms and vending machines near lounge places, which faculty will be happy to show you if asked. These spots are good for studying in between classes if needed.
I also recommend going to professor’s office hours, even if you are nervous to. If you don’t understand something in the class, go ask! That’s what they are for! Many students don’t take advantage of this opportunity, but professors are always happy to help and resolve issues or confusion.
Cold weather tricks
Ball State’s campus is full of tall buildings, with the main part of the campus following a long pathway between buildings. As a result, the campus can turn into a wind tunnel when the weather is cold. Indiana is already a very windy area because it’s so flat, but Ball State’s wind can be extremely strong because of the architecture.
Because of this, I recommend a very heavy and thick coat that fits tight to your body, as it will hold your body heat in best. Lots of people wear scarves on campus, with thick and colorful ones being especially trendy and best for protecting your ears and nose from bad winds. Gloves are essential to avoid wind burn on your fingers.
Student organizations, Greek life, and clubs
It can be hard to know what groups to join on campus, but it’s important that you join something! Every article with details about moving to college recommends this, and it’s extremely good advice. Meeting your people at college will only happen with effort and enthusiasm, and so coming to club meetings is always a good idea to meet people who are like-minded and interested in the same things.
Ball State has over 400 student organizations, which are clubs that have been approved by the university. There are likely even more clubs than that, but additional activities aren’t university supported and would be harder to find on campus.
If you are interested in athletics, Ball State has many organizations where you can play sports of your choosing without joining the official team on campus. This is the case for performing arts groups as well (ex: Ball State offers multiple acapella groups for those who may not have time in their schedule for a full choir class). These activities are great because they can work with your busy schedule and allow you to continue your love for specific activities without fully pursuing them as your career.
Joining an academic group specific to your major isn’t a bad idea. Most departments on campus have multiple clubs and student organizations attached to them, which can be a great way to network, get institutional support with academics and future pursuits, and make friends you’ll see in the classroom every day.
Greek life at Ball State is similar to most other schools, with a rush process, a “bid day,” and events throughout the year for those chosen to participate beyond rush. It is important to note that sororities at Ball State do not have houses, while fraternities do.
I recommend picking up 1-2 clubs when you first get to campus, as adjusting to a new campus and new classes can be a lot. Joining too many clubs off the bat can be overwhelming, and your performance in class and adjustment to the college schedule should be your priority at the start of your time at Ball State. As you enter your second and third semester, it’s then a good idea to pick up a couple more if you’re interested!
Finally, if you need a club to join and you are interested in fashion, lifestyle, and writing, might we suggest HER campus? Reach out for more details!
Partying and night life
At Ball State, most parties will be posted on social media. Since Ball State can be referred to as a “party school,” someone is usually throwing some kind of event. If you want to go out, but aren’t sure where to start, I recommend getting a group together and wandering around. You’re sure to find something. Especially on weekends and holidays, it’s pretty easy to find a function to attend if you’re looking for one.
If a party has a theme, always dress accordingly! Common themes at college events are decades, beach, western, “white lie” t-shirts, and character costumes. Usually themes are listed on invites/flyers for parties. Getting ready for these events with your friends can be the highlight of the night, so find a good one and go all out.
Some of the best advice I was given when moving to a new city for college was that, when going out, it is better to be embarrassing than unsafe. For example, if you’re ever in an unsafe situation or generally feel uncomfortable, it is always better to speak up or make a scene than remain in the situation because you are too shy or embarrassed to make a problem. This can be easier said than done, especially during your first semester when you are trying to make the best first impressions possible, but it could be the thing to keep you safe if something bad is happening to or around you.
If your drink is changing color, bubbling dramatically, looks foggy, or has sinking ice cubes, it’s possible your drink has been spiked. To avoid this, be sure to cover your drink at all times. Sometimes it isn’t enough to leave your drink with a friend, especially if you met them just recently. Look out for yourself and for those around you at all times.
The generic rules are also good to remember. They are repeated over and over for a reason: never go out alone, always stay aware of your surroundings, trust your gut.
Other general tricks
Use all your resources provided by Ball State, since you are paying for them anyway! Never been to the gym? Go try it out! Want to swim? Go to the pool! Feeling even a little ill? Go to the health center! Nervous about public speaking in a class? Go to the speaking center? Falling behind in classes or daily life? Go to the learning center or get matched with a counselor by the counseling center! Ball State offers so many great resources that you are already paying for, so it’s good to go try them out!
Never walk under the bell tower! It’s bad luck. Some people say that you won’t graduate in four years, while others say it means you won’t ever graduate from Ball State. If you’re superstitious, beware!