SLIPPERY ROCK - When Jeff Taylor started college in 1992, he said no one brought their own television set.

It may sound like roughing it to this year's incoming freshman class, but Taylor said not to knock the idea.

"It makes you antisocial to have your own TV," said Taylor, biology professor at SRU. "Go out and hang out with others instead."

His advice was echoed by many veterans of Slippery Rock University, including students, staff and community members alike. Getting a social network in place may seem like a minor priority if you ask many parents, but according to those in the college atmosphere, it is an important step in college success.

"Social interaction has to happen or the academic success won't happen," said Bob Watson, vice president for student life at SRU.

Having the social network leads to comfort for students, something that is important from designing their own dorm rooms to joining the right clubs on campus, he said. There are 130 different organizations to choose from, according to Watson.

Watson also advised first-time students to interact with their professors. In many cases, students feel intimidated by college professors. A simple introduction early on will likely help academic success in the future, he said.

As for Taylor, he appreciates the interaction with students outside the classroom. He normally transforms from teacher to helper during the early days of the school year, helping students move in to campus. Generally, he's glad to help, learning a little more about students in the process and letting them learn about him.

"I'm not so old yet but at some point kids see you in a different way," he said.

Other advice Taylor offered to newcomers was to get out and see the town and become familiar with what it has to offer.

Mayor Ken Harris offered the same advice, adding that students should get involved with some community-related activity, whether it be social, sports, cultural or church-related.

"Meet the townspeople," he said. "Get to know them as neighbors."

Harris, a retired English professor at SRU, always advocated that philosophy.

"I never believed that there was nothing to do on weekends (in town)," he said.

According to Karen Perry, assistant director of campus recreation, students should be flexible.

"Be open to new ideas and take advantage of everything that's offered," she said. "Don't wait to be asked."

Paula Olivero, assistant vice president for student development, agreed that students should keep an open mind on many levels, especially in social interactions.

"It takes some adjustments," she said. "College is a place very rich in diversity."

The social process should happen quickly, according to Watson.

"It will be important for you to connect and find your niche," he said. "It needs to happen early rather than later."

Slippery Rock University has a Week of Welcome designed to help students get a head start on some type of interaction. Dances, sports and other orientation activities are part of the weeklong schedule of events that lasts through Labor Day weekend.

Olivero added that settling in also includes feeling at home in one's living quarters.

"If your room looks barren, don't worry, because when you move your stuff in, it will be home," she said.

The empty dorm room can be discouraging, especially if it is a student's first time at college, she added.

"Make your room your home," Watson suggested.

Students have even worked together to paint murals on the walls of the common areas of some dorms. With permission from the university, this type of change can really brighten students' stay, he said.

College officials also say parents need to understand that students want to set up their own room most of the time. Olivero said she sees many students watch their parents make their beds and unpack their belongings only to move everything around as soon as the parents leave the room.She also said it's important for students to be academically prepared."Go to class," she said. "Students who do that will not only perform well but go on to graduate school later."The university offers a freshman seminar class and though it isn't required, 95 percent of freshmen take it, said Amanda Yale, associate provost for enrollment services."We focus on the basics (in that seminar), like attend class and prepare for class," she said.While students find they have much more freedom when they arrive at college, they need to realize it is their responsibility to attend class, she said.Preparing for class comes as a shock to some, she added. Those who did very little studying in high school to achieve a "B" will now have to do more work than that to get the same grade."We tell them to prepare two hours outside of class for every hour they spend in class," she said.That means if they spend 15 hours in class, they should spend 30 hours outside. Add everything up and you've got a full time job, according to Yale."College should be a full time job," she said.In addition, Yale encourages students to attend workshops that are offered to freshmen on topics like reducing stress or managing time. Tutoring services can be helpful to students as well, she said."Seek out help from faculty and advisors," Yale added.Yale also said that since the seminar was offered, retention rates have increased, proving that students will stay in school if they have success early on."It made a significant difference in student success," she said."We're retaining students better than ever before," she said.Student morale is higher over the past five years as well, she added.For basic information on what to bring, what to eat and how to get from place to place, students can visit online at www.sru.edu and check out the "campus living," link. For more information, call campus life at 724-738-2082.