5 Things to Avoid at Sam Houston State University

For the most part, Sam Houston State University is an organized, safe, and all-around clean university. As far as the day to day goes, there is not a whole lot you need to avoid. For those things that should be avoided, you have this handy list to help you out.

1.) Never walk through the tree-lined path between the College of Humanities and Social Sciences (a.k.a. CHSS) and the Teacher Education Center buildings after dark.

A few students know the path as “Rapist Alley” (there were only ever rumors heard about supposed past incidents, however), so it is always better to be safe than sorry. The rumors were always vague about a woman having been sexually assaulted while walking through the area after dark.

2.) Avoid dorm rooms that are on the opposite side of campus from your course load.

If you’re a humanities or science student, you do not want to be stuck in dorms such as Jackson-Shaver and walking uphill to the opposite side of campus. The same applies if you are an English or Communications major; you do not want to be stuck at Sam Houston Village walking to the complete other side of the University to attend class. This is extremely important, as Sam Houston is a very “hilly” campus.

3.) If you have to print your paper on-campus, avoid doing so five minutes before class.

Especially if you plan on using the printers in the CHSS or Library: those computer labs tend to fill up quickly during the day. Be warned: the campus printers can become backlogged. If you must print before class, aim to do so at the Academic Learning Center. The helpful staff at this office is often willing to print from a flash drive if the computers are full.

They will also make free copies of any school-related assignment for you, and sometimes unrelated documents and assignments, as well. Just be sure to ask nicely.

4.) Avoid having to make emergency and/or last-minute doctors’ appointments.

Appointments for illnesses such as strep throat or the flu get booked fast at the on-campus health services. Locate a doctor in the local Huntsville area to be your primary care person. This way you are not stuck having to wait a week and a half before seeing someone. Of course, those who are only covered by the university insurance will likely have to stick with the University health services. (Note: University Health Services covers all full-time students.)

5.) If you join even one on-campus organization, expect at least one visit to the poster making room.

The room sits in the back of the Student Services office at the LSC. Avoid being stranded after your visit by NOT using your keys as collateral. Everyone who goes into the back room hands over a personal belonging first; this is to ensure the room stays clean and that proper sign-in and sign-out procedures are followed. I had the unfortunate opportunity of forgetting to sign out, and left my keys behind.

I did not remember that I had left them until after the office had closed. I was stuck without being able to enter my vehicle or my apartment. I had the lucky break of having a relative who lived close by with a copy of my apartment key, and since I lived in town it was no big deal to have to walk to school the next day. To keep this from happening to you, please use something besides your keys as collateral; usually your Bearkat Card works just as well.

Brittany Gregory graduated from Sam Houston State University in 2014 where she received a BA in Sociology with a minor in French and Creative Writing. Currently she lives in Austin, Texas, writing for various web publications; she also has backstage access to the Austin food scene.