Meet Sam Spartan. He’s NCC’s mascot and he wants to make sure that every student has a great year! Sam knows that the start of a new school year can be stressful. If you're feeling a little anxious or if you just have a question or two, read on. Sam will give you some tips.

Getting Here
Before the magic of education can begin, you’ve got to be here! You have a few different options. If you give a hoot and you don't want to pollute, you could ride your bike and park it in the bike rack outside the Spartan Center OR you could take the bus. There is a bus stop on Green Pond Road. Visit the Lanta Metro System website for a schedule.

Many students like to drive, but parking can be a challenge, especially during the first few weeks. Sam recommends leaving a little early to find a good spot and also to make sure you are not late for class because you are driving around searching for a place to park. Consider car pooling with friends when possible. Remember you can always park in the overflow lot. It’s on the other side of Green Pond Road from College Center, near the dorms. Cross at the cross walk.

Wherever you park, make sure it is an authorized space. The guards are lenient for the first week or two. After that you may get a ticket.

Be Prepared
Need textbooks? Forgot a pen and something to write on? Or do you want to get the latest NCC gear and accessories? You can get all these needs met and more at NCC’s bookstore, Pages. You can find Pages on the first floor of the College Center.

Need a place to stash your books? Bring a lock and you can use one of the lockers located outside of the cafeteria.

If you lose your student ID, you can head over to Student Affairs for a new one.

Dig In!
Don't go around hungry. NCC’s cafeteria, located on the second floor of the College Center, has got something for everyone. From pizza, soups, wraps, salads, sandwiches, pasta, and vegetarian options, you’ll find something to love here. (Sam’s favorite is Alfie’s pizza!) Check out Northampton NOW every week to view the latest cafeteria menu. Then you can decide whether you should brown bag it or not! Need cash? There is an ATM located in the cafeteria.

If the line in the cafeteria is too long, head down to the cafe al a cart in the lobby of the Spartan Center. Tell 'em Sam sent you!

If you bring your lunch, there is a microwave available in the cafeteria. There is also a water cooler and cups. Both of these services are free.

Let’s Get Physical
Exercise can not only help you keep extra weight off, but it can help prevent disease and lower stress. Students with a valid ID can use the Fitness Center at no charge. So blow off some steam on one of the Center’s cardio machines, or get buff (like Sam!) with some of the muscle-toning equipment.

To the Rescue
Struggling in a class? Need some study pointers? Sam’s favorite place to get a little help is the Learning Center. You can get help in science, math, English, accounting, writing, Spanish, and more for FREE!

Get Involved!
There are more than 50 clubs you can join! Whether your interests lie in anime, cycling, dance, art, sports, the outdoors, skiing, movies, martial arts, or more, there is something for everybody!

To find out everything going on around campus, from dances to club events and even scholarship opportunites, make sure to visit Northampton NOW every day! (Since you are reading it right now, why not add it to your favorites?)

Shhh!
Find books, articles, cds, videos, and more at the Paul and Harriett Mack Library. You can get free help with research there, too.

Hanging Out
When the weather is nice, Sam likes to sit outside in the Quad and hang out with friends or make phone calls. There are benches and tables around campus for you to sit and relax. But remember – NCC is 90% smoke free. Smoke in designated areas only. These areas are clearly marked. If you are not sure, don’t light up!

Staying Healthy
Sam likes to do a little yoga to relax. It’s good for both the body and mind. If you’ve got aches and pains, you can head over to the Health and Wellness Center. Located in CC120, the center offers first aid and treatment of minor illnesses. You can also sign up for Wellness Programs like QuitSmart, a program to help you stop smoking.

Feeling blue? NCC’s professional staff of counselors care about helping you and offer a variety of free services.

Take in a Show
There is always something to do here! The Theatre Department stages a variety of productions all year. For most admission is free or a small fee!

Networking
The people you meet here at NCC today can be important contacts for the future. Be open to making friends and meeting new people. Talk to the faculty and staff. You never know where it might lead you!