The Diamondback

College Park Guide

Can you talk the College Park talk?

Keep this glossary of commonly used terms handy to avoid sounding like a freshman — even if you are

Here are some of the words and phrases most commonly used on the campus. Master them like the periodic table of elements in CHEM 131 and you may avoid the telltale signs upperclassmen use to weed out freshmen.

Buying books: 101

Check out these go-to shops when buying pricey textbooks, materials

Finally getting around to buying textbooks for your courses? Try mixing and matching from these sources to get the best prices:

Save these numbers now

Crucial phone numbers for any new student

301-405-3333 The emergency number for University Police. Calling 911 from a cell phone will put you through to the Prince George's County Police, who deal with off-campus crime in College Park. If you're in a pinch, 911 will always work, but this number goes directly to the University Police.

Getting your fashion fix

College Park offers plenty of shopping options for all styles and price ranges

Ke'Chic Boutique — Located on the corner of Lehigh Road and Yale Avenue, Ke'Chic Boutique offers students several trendy products, such as 7 brand jeans and a selection of shoes that any serious shopper would appreciate. Check out this shop if you're looking for a new outfit for a Friday night; with its accessories and wide assortment of apparel, you can find a complete outfit in one stop.

Parking pandemonium

Avoid getting one of the Department of Transportation Services yellow parking tickets

This university is stocked with brilliant people: Nobel laureates and Pulitzer Prize winners, mathematicians-to-be and future rocket scientists. And still no one can figure out how to avoid getting parking tickets. Here's a quick guide to help if you've got a friend coming to town, or you've just got a car for the weekend and need to know where to hide it.

A College Park bucket list

Attention seniors and the lucky few who manage to graduate early! Before you pack up your bags and move far away from the glorious city of College Park, there are certain things that you must do before you graduate as a Terrapin alumnus. Check them off, one-by-one, during your final year at the university.

Green spaces attract active students

t may seem hard to find any peace and quiet on the campus, especially with more than 35,000 students living here and commuting to and from the campus each day. However, the parks and grassy areas on and surrounding the campus can offer the serenity a bustling campus often can't.

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How to survive The Diner

Last year as a new resident on North Campus, I was forced to forgo all of my prior associations with the word "diner." Having been a Jersey girl for 19 years of my life, the thought of this was almost as disillusioning as the transition from high school to college.

Where to find the necessities

One of the most daunting tasks facing incoming freshmen on their way to college is "the list." The easiest way to properly pack for a semester at college is to spend time making a list. Clothing, toiletries, textbooks and school supplies all need to be remembered and packed, lest they get left behind.

New groups on the campus

One of the best ways to get involved at the university is to join a group or club. Here is a list of groups, clubs and organizations that can be found here on the campus: Language House If you're an aficionado for all things foreign, then the Language House is the perfect place for you.

Lessons learned as a transfer student

Transfer students, this is for you. Chances are, when you decided which college to attend during your senior year of high school, you weren't thinking of leaving after a year or two. But things come up — such is life. As you are well aware, the decision to transfer is not an easy one.

'Students pack the stadiums' with Terrapin pride

In this year's Princeton Review, this university was ranked No. 5 in the nation for "Students Pack the Stadiums," a reputation many Terrapin sports fanatics would love to uphold. Here are some sports spectating tips for those who bleed not only red, but gold and black as well: "Do her" Come on, College Park, get your minds out of the gutter.

Nutritious and delicious

University dietitian offers advice for avoiding 'Freshman 15'

Freshman year of college is a year of firsts: The first time living far from home, the first time sharing a bathroom with more than 20 people and the first time pants sizes expand to an unfathomable number. However, there are easy things to do in order to avoid what is commonly called the "freshman 15.

Career Center offers job opportunities

Money — it's something all students need and want. But, with the national unemployment rate at 9.4 percent, finding a job could be difficult this semester.

Where to find Terp gear

At this university, students wear our Terp gear with pride, and there's no better way to join in on school spirit than to don some yourself. So, go out and get some Terp wear at any of these locations. The University Book Center in the Stamp Student Union offers a wide selection of apparel.

Our nation's capital

Washington — Some call it our nation's capital, others the center of the free world, but at this university, we also call it our home. Just a short Metro ride from the campus, students are able to take advantage of all Washington has to offer.

Events in College Park

It's that time of year again — back to classes, group projects and dining hall food. But, like most College Park veterans know, there's a bright side to being back in school. Every year there is a number of events and fun things to do in and around College Park, some of which are even free.