SOTA

Timing is Everything

• Put the time in where it's needed, but don’t run yourself into the ground trying to do everything. It is not possible! Just breathe! Getting enough sleep and having personal time is just as important as school for your sanity. You will make it through the first semester!

• Make sure to take time for yourself, even when you feel like you can’t. Consider it giving yourself OT ;)

• It may take a while to get into a new routine, but we promise, you will figure it out.

 

Hitting the Books

• There is a lot of work, but it’s doable!

• Some of the classes don’t have much of a lecture component, so you might need to rely on the textbooks. You and your classmates can help each other out by splitting up the chapters and developing outlines to share with each other.

  • Using Google Drive/Google Docs is a really helpful way to do this

• Also, the professors use Canvas to post material and to share other information. Sometimes things will appear on both Canvas and TWU email and sometimes they don’t, so make it a habit to check both.

• Canvas may be overwhelming at first, but you’ll get the hang of it with practice.

• Your schedules can be hard to understand. Ask your classmates or a 25 to help if you have questions!

• During your first practicum- (ROM/MMT) practice! practice! practice! And when you think you’re ready, practice again!!!!

• Start thinking about where you want to do your fieldwork RIGHT NOW.

 

Campus Hacks

• There are quiet study cubes on the 3rd floor, 10th floor, in the back of the ARC, and in the computer lab. Sometimes these fill up quickly!

• You can also use empty classrooms until a class starts. 

• The ARC is located in the back of the computer lab and has many textbooks and other useful resources. 

• There is free black-and-white printing and scanning in the computer lab on the 4th floor.

• You can store your lunch on the 3rd, 6th, or 8th floors. Sometimes the fridges can be full on one floor, so check the others!

• The 8th floor has an ice machine that dispenses soft “Sonic” ice as well as purified water (so convenient for water bottles!). But there is also a normal ice machine on the 3rd floor by the microwaves.

• If you want to buy candy/chips that are stocked in both the store downstairs and the vending machines, always get it from the vending machine. It’s cheaper.

• If you bring your own coffee cup to the store downstairs you can get half-off your coffee.

• They say you can’t eat in the classrooms...but you totally can. Just don’t be messy, and try not to do it during class (some teachers don’t like it, but you can always bring your snack out in the halls when you’re on your breaks during class). DO NOT BRING ANY SNACKS/DRINKS INTO DR. BOWMAN’S CLASS/LAB!!!!!!

• Starbucks, Salata ($1 off with your TWU ID or Metro Qcard), Subway, Chipotle, and other quick restaurants are down Fannin (take a left when you exit the front of the school). There is also a place called Skyline Deli right across the street (take a right when you exit the school, then cross the street at the Fannin/Main light) that has good sandwiches, wraps, and other normal lunch stuff. The guy that runs the place is really nice to students and will always give you coupons for free stuff or half-off stuff. And sometimes he’ll randomly give you free cookies or something if you’re eating there. Texas Children’s (has Chick-fil-a) and Methodist are also good places to eat.

 

Getting Here

• Metro Qcards are available at the Downtown Transit Center (it’s an actual stop off the rail).

• Student discount rates - 50% off the bus (local and park & rides) and rail; Bring a copy of your paid registration form; good for 2 years.

• If you get a card, don’t forget to tap it! Rail inspectors do random checks, especially during busy times.

• Cost of rail without a Student Qcard - $1.25; local buses and park & rides vary on location zones (check ridemetro.org for rates and zones).

• Dryden/TMC (across from Methodist hospital) or the TMC Transit Center is the closest rail stop from school - 2-3 blocks.

• TMC Transit Center exit is the bus stop that is closest to the school for most buses. It’s only about 2 blocks away.

• Parking in the garage may be easier and more convenient. You can pay/set up automatic payments online, or pay in person at the ground floor office. There is also a daily parking lot right across the street on Main Street (Lam Parking Lot) that is currently $6/day.

  • If you want to buy a parking pass for the garage, you can take the shuttle downstairs (white van) that has a Scurlock Tower sign on it, and it will take you straight there and back.

  • Find classmates from the same area and try carpooling, it may be cheaper to split the parking garage cost. ($80/month)

 

Student Life

• Lockers are available for $5/semester – B or C lockers are a good height! :)

• They offer discounted rates on events like Cirque du Soleil or free trips via Mystery Bus or other activities, so watch out for those! First come, first serve.

• Sometimes there are snacks/coffee/tea in Student Life if you need brain food!

• Miss Deb, Miss Helen (secretary), and Saederrick all work in student life.

• Campus gym is on the 2nd floor

  • Use your TWU ID to swipe in.

  • Separate lockers/showers for men and women.

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Work AND Play Hard

• Get to know all your classmates! They’re going to be with you until the end, so might as well be friends :) AND we do a lot of group projects… just a heads up!

• Get involved in professional organizations. They are important and great networking tools to start developing yourself as an OT. SOTA and TOTA are great places to start. Think of it as an investment in you and your profession.

• Explore the Medical Center and Downtown Houston! This city is incredible! :)

• Use your class’s Facebook page or GroupMe to communicate daily. Sometimes information is different between the sections. You NEED to help each other out to get through this program!

• For people who like to explore and don’t want the suburban feel, start with Rice Village because it is close. Montrose is a cool area with local food and stores (fun second-hand stores). A little farther north is the Heights for more local eats and shopping.

 

Believe in Yourself

• Don’t compare yourself to others - you know the best way you study, read, do work, etc. You may think you are “not as caught up” as some of your class, but you are all in the same boat!

• People in your class are going to get stressed out, but if you are not a stresser, don’t get stressed that you are not stressed!

• The class ahead of you (our class) knows what you are going through and we are there when you need us!

• If you are the only male in the program, do not fret!  We have six and they’re AWESOME!

• Sometimes you won’t know the “important” things to know when studying your first semester or professors won’t articulate assignments well. Ask your mentor! We have gone through it and will be there to help you sort it out. Don’t be afraid to get close to the mentors, they are willing to help you in every step of the way.