Fifteen tips for new UTSA students from real-life Instagram users

AUGUST 23, 2022 — Since the dawn of time, humankind has looked to various worldly sources for wisdom: learning from historic texts, hanging on every word from iconic philosophers, even seeking a path forward from the very gods themselves. So, in an effort to offer helpful advice to new UTSA students, only the most prolific source of knowledge would do.

That’s right—it was time to turn to Instagram.

All kidding aside, the university received tons of submissions on the social media platform from current and former Roadrunners hoping to guide, calm or reassure new students as they start their journeys at UTSA. They were nearly all constructive and very much appreciated, but these were 15 of the best tips our Instagrammers offered:

Yes, yes, yes. Download the UTSA Mobile app. It can be used to check account balances, view class schedules and assignments, email faculty from the directory, set reminders for university events or use maps to navigate around campus. It’s also a handy tool in case of an emergency, allowing ’Runners to quickly call the UTSA Police from the app’s Important Numbers module.

Dramatic advances in technology have made it easier than ever to complete courses and obtain a degree. Some students prefer the activity, involvement and structure of in-person classes. Others prefer the flexibility and independent pace of online learning. UTSA Online has made it easier to weigh the pros and cons of each. No matter the format, it’s wise to stay in touch with your instructor during any kind of absence.

There are lots of programs at UTSA where students can get help with assignments. Tutoring Services provides academic support to currently enrolled students in math, science, engineering, business, languages, anthropology and history. Group tutoring and academic peer coaching is available through the Tomás Rivera Center. For those needing assistance with writing, online tutoring is also offered through The Writing Center.

No one enjoys getting a parking ticket. Even unmarked parking spaces around campus require at least a Commuter Student (C) or Housing Resident (H/U) permit during regular weekday hours. UTSA Campus Services offers a wide variety of parking permits to suit any student’s needs. The parking webpage also includes breakdowns of garages, visitor parking, evening/weekend hours and other rules and regulations.

Roadrunners participate in hundreds of sponsored and registered student organizations at UTSA. Getting involved with an organization—or club—is a great way to network with fellow students and alumni, develop effective communication and presentation skills, learn more about leadership and put professional experience into practice. Most importantly, they’re fun. Joining a club is one of the easiest ways to find a group of like-minded friends.

Those who have been on a campus tour before their freshman year have likely met a UTSA Ambassador. The UTSA Ambassador Program consists of a select group of student leaders who act as hosts at campus events, university-sponsored conferences, and community and alumni functions. For ’Runners who want to learn more about UTSA and have a sincere desire to represent the university, this program is right up their alley.

The counseling staff is available to help students with any issue they encounter in a comfortable and confidential setting. UTSA Wellbeing Services offers many approaches to bolster student mental health and promote student success. Specifically, the Wellness 360 counseling center provides same-day consultations, short-term individual counseling, group counseling and psychiatry. Plus, the MySSP app offers 24/7 counseling via chat or phone.

This is definitely sound fiscal advice, and the answers to other questions about financial aid and additional resources are available at UTSA One Stop Enrollment. From Bold Promise, grants and scholarships to student success programs that put Roadrunners on the path to graduate on time, the university is investing in its students to reduce borrowing and make a college education more affordable.

They are there to help. UTSA students are encouraged to regularly meet with their assigned advisors to ensure they remain on track with their intended degree plan. Review the DegreeWorks plans and major requirements in the Undergraduate Catalog beforehand to get the most out of these meetings. Advisors can also answer questions about degree program tracks, career options and professional interests.

UTSA students and alumni use the Handshake app to search for jobs and internships, view and attend virtual recruiting events, and schedule appointments with the University Career Center. Internships and experiential learning are a great way to explore potential career paths and gain hands-on experience in the workforce. By 2028, UTSA aims to have 75% of its graduates complete some form of experiential learning.

Roadrunners can also find a multitude of on-campus jobs through Handshake or the University Career Center. UTSA Student Affairs alone employs over 600 students in positions throughout the division, from the Student Union to Campus Recreation. The student workforce is central to the operations of campus buildings and vital to programs and services at UTSA. Both undergraduate and graduate students are eligible for student employment positions.

It’s true. All enrolled students are members of UTSA Campus Recreation, so they are eligible to participate in Campus Rec programming and may use all of the services provided. Whether they’re interested in fitness, outdoor pursuits or club and intramural sports, Campus Rec has something fun for all Roadrunners. It’s also a great place to have a swim, take a nutritional cooking class or climb the famous 54-foot rock wall.

Eating lunch alone may have been “dorky” in high school, but don’t worry—it’s something everyone does in college. And there’s no shortage of fantastic eats on campus. All meal plans provide convenient access to Roadrunner Café, UTSA’s all-you-care-to-eat campus restaurant, and select meal plans also offer meal trades which can be redeemed at any on-campus retail dining location, such as Starbucks or Freebirds World Burrito.

This is simple but superb advice. Roadrunner Days is an annual celebration welcoming new and returning Roadrunners back to school. It takes place over two weeks—commencing a few days before the start of classes and concluding with the first football game of the 2022 season. The events are designed to connect students to campus resources, create opportunities to meet new people, and introduce students to more UTSA traditions.

One doesn’t have to show they are a proud Roadrunner, but to quote the imitable Matthew McConaughey, “It’d be a lot cooler if you did.” Students may immerse themselves in the university’s treasured traditions, learn the fight song and alma mater, purchase UTSA gear from the Rowdy Campus Store and put their pride on full display at UTSA football games—which are free for students to attend—such as the season opener against Houston on Saturday, September 3, at the Alamodome.

— Shea Conner