Attention freshmen: Orientation is not over. -There is more to life at Sacramento State than the dry overview of academic requirements and quick stop tour given by student orientation staff. –

In addition to major classes and general education, you have much to learn about the ins and outs of life on campus.

You’ll undoubtedly notice students sleeping slumped in contorted positions on the comfortable chairs sprinkled throughout campus. If you want to spread out, the wet grass or those hard wooden benches are better than the ground.

There are a limited number of full-length couches on campus, hidden in the recesses of buildings: Two couches located to the right of the Career Center in Lassen Hall, a large L-shaped couch in the high-traffic lobby of Amador Hall, a green and a blue couch on the fourth floor of Mendocino Hall and another two couches located across from the elevators on the fifth floor. –

At the southern tip of the second floor of the University Union there are six wooden benches nestled in a quiet sanctuary, three of which are laid with ample padding.

While in the Union, stop by the Associated Students, Inc. Business Office on the third floor where United Artist movie tickets are sold at a discounted price of $6. In case you are caught sneaking into a theater, ASI offers free legal aid to students by appointment only.

Unfortunately, they can’t help you if you receive a ticket from University Transportation and Parking Services.

Parking on campus is, simply put, hell on earth. -Not only are permits very expensive (up to $108 from $63 last semester) but spots are hard to find. Commuters should know about the free (but very limited) parking located beyond the north entrance to the university at Newman Court and Carlson. There is also the strip of College Town Dr. at the southeast corner of the university which fills up quickly and is always lined with broken glass, so beware.

There are a few education-related items of great importance you should know that aren’t in the course catalog. –

Imagine your blood boiling 4 years from now when Academic Advising informs you that you need to stay one more semester to complete a rogue requirement for graduation. This unfortunate situation is avoidable at the outset of your stay at Sac State. –

A well-designed class schedule can be rewarding if done with diligence and cunning. The best way to methodically check off each requirement is to take classes that cover as many of them at once as possible. –

For example, History 17A knocks out the requirements for Race & Ethnicity and American Institutions (U.S. History in Area D3).

Make a game of it and see how many requirements you can meet with just one class. Think of it as academic bowling.

Another trick for checking off requirements involves string-pulling and networking. –

One of the best things you can do for yourself is to make sure your professors know who you are. –

Go to their office hours and talk to them whether you have a question about a lecture or reading, or just want to chew the fat.-Remember, teachers are people too. –

Such time will make it easier for the department heads to use their discretion to substitute classes you have already taken for similar, required classes you do not want to take or cannot take for some reason.

Now that you have a leg up on campus life do not forget to fulfill another requirement: Have as much fun as possible.