Campus survival: 7 things to always have with you for a great day

Some key personal items and campus knowledge will set you up for success at ASU

Welcome to Arizona State University! You will be spending a lot of time at one or more ASU campuses throughout your college journey. It is important to prepare yourself each morning so that you can enjoy your time at school. Here are 7 things to have with you each and every day on campus:

1. 🥤 Refillable water bottle: Choose to reuse. ASU is a global leader in sustainability, with a goal to be zero waste by 2025. One way to help reduce waste is to bring and refill your own water bottle. Choose a water bottle that is both functional and embraces the Sun Devil spirit. 
   1. “Functional” means it will hold enough water to get you through class - and it will also keep your water colder for a long time! Most importantly, it won’t leak in your backpack. However, you don’t have to spend a lot of money on a stylish water bottle; you can buy one online or at most stores. Or, you can buy one from the ASU Sun Devil Campus Store and decorate it with your favorite ASU and Global Launch stickers. The ASU campus has free water refill stations in almost every building. These water-refill stations have cold, filtered, delicious water that will quench your thirst when you are in class and on the go. 

   2. *Water refill stations can be located online using the ASU Interactive Map.

       

2. 🧴 Sunscreen: No matter who you are or where you are from, it is important to use sunscreen in Arizona all year round. You can find sunscreen in most stores, and many skin doctors recommend that you use one that is SPF 30 or higher. SPF means “sunburn protection factor”; the higher the SPF, the more your skin is protected against the strong rays of the Arizona sun. Use sunscreen wherever your skin is not covered by your clothing—even your ears and feet!

    

3. 🧢 Sun protection: Sunscreen alone will not keep UV rays off of your skin. Get yourself a nice sun hat or baseball cap, some trendy sunglasses, and maybe even an umbrella. 

   1. *Reusable water bottles, sunscreen, hats and other sun protection can all be purchased at the ASU Sun Devil Campus Store.

       

4. 📱 Your cellphone with important apps and numbers: 
   1. Online ASU Interactive Map: There are online maps of each campus that allow you to search ASU buildings, services, parking, areas that are accessible, points of pride, and much more. 
   2. Emergency Contact Numbers: You should call or text 911 in case of an emergency (if someone is in immediate danger). You can call or text 480-965-3456 to reach the ASU Police for a non-emergency (no one is in immediate danger, but you need help from the police). 
   3. LiveSafe mobile app: Download the LiveSafe mobile app to your phone to get important campus updates and resources to keep you safe. You can complete your profile as an ASU student, enable push notifications, and turn on location services. Doing this will help you contact police in case of an emergency. This app includes these features: 
      1. GoSafe: This allows you to request a “safe walk” on campus, either with a safety escort (in person) or a virtual escort. 

      2. Resources for questions about counseling services and additional emergency procedures. Check out these Personal Safety Suggestions for more ways to stay alert, organized, and safe. 

          

5. 👟 Comfortable shoes: Since the ASU campus is so big, you might be doing a lot of walking (or biking, riding, or skating). Be sure to have on comfortable walking shoes for those longer days on campus when you know you will get your steps in.
   
   
6. 🙂 Your smile and outgoing personality: There are many Global Launch students just like you who are new to the university and want to meet new friends. Wear your smile each day and greet people in a friendly manner. Have a seat next to another Global Launch student and start a new friendship.
   
   
7. 🤩 Your sense of curiosity and wonder: The ASU campus has countless treasures and hidden gems, including meteorites, moon rock, dinosaur bones, art, gardens and historic buildings all just waiting for you to discover them. When you have some time between classes, grab a friend and start exploring! Be sure to check out the Gallery of Scientific Exploration, the ASU Art Museum, and Old Main. There are also many garden spaces, such as James Turrell’s ASU Skyspace: Air Apparent, the Philomathian bench and the secret garden, where you can enjoy a quiet afternoon coffee or tea after class.

With these seven essentials, you will be off to a great start. Be sure to explore all the resources that are available on campus and ask questions if you need help getting prepared for success.