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Life Hacks for College

A guide for MSU freshmen that helps with campus survival, life skills, health & wellness, community participation, finances, and academics.

Intro to Campus Survival

Starting college is a big adventure! Before you start your adventure, you’ll want the right map, a few survival tips, and maybe even the inside scoop on where to find the best late-night snacks. This guide pulls together all the essentials to help you feel at home: how to navigate campus without getting lost (maps!), where to grab a meal on or off campus, how to stay safe and connected, and what you need to know about your student ID, parking, and more. Think of it as your trusty sidekick - part compass, part cheat-sheet - to make your college experience smoother, less stressful, and a lot more fun.

Campus Survival

Library, Academic Advising, Tutoring & Learning Center, and the Center for Career Development & Experiential Education

Located on University Blvd. between Allie Young and Fields Hall, Camden-Carroll Library is a dynamic space that offers a wide array of academic and leisurely sources, spaces, and events.

However, the building is home to 4 departments that all directly impact student success:

The library has a plethora of physical and digital resources, study and event spaces, as well as trained staff, to assist your academic and personal needs.

Academic Advising is embedded into your MSU experience. They are exceptionally helpful in course sequencing and keeping you on pace to graduate.

Tutoring and Learning will help you succeed in any class we offer by providing you the supports needed for success.

The CCDEE helps set students up with meaningful internships, service-learning projects, undergraduate research opportunities, while also helping with networking and skill building.

Don't hesitate to reach out for support! Phone numbers for our various departments in CCL can be found here.

All the information below is provided on MSU's Campus Safety page:

Campus Safety | Morehead State University | Kentucky

Campus Police & Security

MSU Police Dept. Contact Info:

  • 606-783-2035
  • police@moreheadstate.edu
  • Call 911 immediately for emergencies!

Don't know the address of where it is you're located? Consult this E911 directory for campus address info - including our regional campuses!

Emergency Phones (Blue Light Phones)

You will see narrow blue telephone boxes all throughout campus in case of emergency. Here are their specific locations:

  • Academic Athletic Center (AAC) Parking Lot
  • ADUC (located near the front entrance)
  • Alumni Tower (located at east end of building)
  • ATM Machine (located on University Blvd next to Howell-McDowell Adm. Building)
  • Baird Music Hall (located on the north side)
  • Baseball Field
  • Button Auditorium (located near front entrance)
  • Cartmell Hall – 2 Locations (Near front entrance and on west end of building)
  • Claypool-Young Art Building
  • Combs Building – 2 Locations (located near north side and south-east side of Building)
  • Cooper Hall – 2 Locations (located near front entrance and west end of building)
  • Corner of University Blvd & Elizabeth Street
  • Crosthwait Plaza (between Rader and Ginger Hall)
  • Eagle Lake
  • Fields Hall (located near front entrance)
  • Ginger Hall (located on the north side- - loading dock area)
  • Howell-McDowell (located near front entrance)
  • Jayne Stadium – 2 Locations (located near north and south side of building)
  • Lake View Terrace (located near the north side)
  • Lappin Hall (located near the north end side)
  • Library – 3 Locations (Near front entrance, inside the computer lab, and near the rear of Ward Oates Drive)
  • Lloyd Cassity Building (located on the south-west side of building)
  • East Mignon Hall (located near front entrance)
  • Mignon Hall (located near front entrance)
  • West Mignon Hall (located near front entrance)
  • Normal Hall (located on the south end of building)
  • Nunn Hall (located near the front entrance)
  • Physical Plant (located near the east end loading dock)
  • Power Plant (located near the front entrance)
  • Reed Hall (located in the Basement Parking Garage)
  • Riceville Lot – Area 15 Parking Lot
  • Softball Field
  • Tennis Courts
  • Thompson Hall (located next to the entrance to the basement)
  • US 60 Parking Lot across from the AAC
  • Wellness Center
  • Area 23 Parking Lot (old WMKY building, parking lot behind the Library)

Emergency Alerts & Text Notifications

There are a variety of ways to sign up for and to receive alerts from MSU.

  • You can sign up online
  • You can text EAGLEALERT (all one word, no spaces, and no "s" on the end) to 79516
  • Update your information through Omnilert Account Management, or contact them at support@omnilert.com
  • Stop receiving messages anytime by texting STOP to 79516
  • Download the LiveSafe app, "a two-way communication tool to help students put safety at their fingertips."

Further Safety Information

Here is some more information provided by MSU to help you maintain your safety:

On-Campus Dining & Groceries

MSU has fantastic food options, a variety of dining plans, nutritional advice, and multiple locations across campus to grab a meal that you can explore through Morehead State Dining Services.

 

Dining Halls

The 2 primary locations to grab a meal are:

  • The Rock (near the Mignon complex and Craft Tower)
  • ADUC

The Rock is a self-service dining experience with rotating menus, but some staple options always available like pizza and sandwich bars. The hours are as follows (and are subject to change):

  • Monday - Thursday:
    • Breakfast: 7AM - 10AM
    • Lunch: 11AM - 3PM
    • Dinner: 4PM - 10PM
  • Friday:
    • Breakfast: 7AM -10AM
    • Lunch: 11AM - 3PM
    • Dinner: 4PM - 8PM
  • Saturday:
    • Brunch: 11AM - 3PM
    • Dinner: 4PM - 8PM
  • Sunday:
    • Brunch: 11AM - 3PM
    • Dinner: 4PM - 10PM

ADUC features a variety of fast food and comfort food options - from chicken sandwiches to burritos and sushi! The hours vary based on restaurant - with some like Chick-fil-A offering breakfast options. Check the dining services link to view availability!

Also, be aware that meal plan options may vary from the featured menus posted by the restaurants in ADUC. Please check with a team member before ordering with any questions.

 

Groceries on Campus

Need some food, snacks, and pantry essentials to take back to your dorm? Go to Eagle Market, located in the Alumni Tower! They accept credit card, Flex, and BeakerBUCKS! Hours vary, so check availability by following the aforementioned link.

 

Vending

There are a variety of food and beverage vending options throughout campus. Almost every accessible building has at least one set of vending machines offering popular snacks and drinks.

Off-Campus Dining & Groceries

There are a number of dining and shopping options located nearby campus in walking distance. There are even more throughout Rowan County that can be accessed via public transportation - MorTrans - should you crave or need something specific. Below is an extensive list, with addresses, phone numbers, and website links as are available.

 

Restaurants

  • Cattleman’s Roadhouse
    300 Topside Trail, Morehead, KY
    Phone: (606) 462-3604

  • Melini Cucina (Italian)
    608 E Main Street, Morehead, KY
    Phone: (606) 780-8865

  • China Star
    1340 Flemingsburg Rd, Morehead, KY
    Phone: (606) 780-7888

  • Pop’s Southern Style BBQ
    110 Hwy 801 S, Morehead, KY
    Phone: (606) 784-6378

  • Hibachi Express
    408 Flemingsburg Rd, Morehead, KY
    Phone: (606) 784-1363

  • Mr. Gatti’s Pizza
    520 E Main St, Morehead, KY
    Phone: (606) 784-6637

  • Buffalo Wild Wings
    250 Newtowne Square, Morehead, KY
    Phone: (606) 784-1299

  • Down Home Diner
    3333 KY-801, Morehead, KY
    Phone: (606) 783-1888

  • Papa John’s Pizza
    417 Flemingsburg Rd, Morehead, KY
    Phone: (606) 784-3551

  • Subway (one of several locations)
    212 Stone St, Morehead, KY
    Phone: (606) 784-7002

  • KFC
    1535 Flemingsburg Rd, Morehead, KY
    Phone: (606) 784-6636

  • Taco Bell
    238 Flemingsburg Rd, Morehead, KY
    Phone: (606) 784-6745

  • Wendy’s
    402 W Main St, Morehead, KY
    Phone: (606) 784-6438

  • Huddle House
    2333 Flemingsburg Rd, Morehead, KY
    Phone: (606) 784-1139

  • Fazoli’s
    180 Newtowne Sq, Morehead, KY
    Phone: (606) 784-2063

  • China Café
    228 W Main St, Morehead, KY
    Phone: (606) 784-2388

  • Reno’s Roadhouse
    1695 Flemingsburg Rd, Morehead, KY
    Phone: (606) 783-0467

  • Tres Hermanos Núñez
    101 W Main St, Morehead, KY
    Phone: (606) 462-3000

 

Cafes

  • Root-A-Bakers Bakery & Café
    313 Flemingsburg Rd, Morehead, KY
    Phone: (606) 780-4282

  • Fuzzy Duck Coffee Shop
    240 Morehead Plaza, Morehead, KY
    Phone: (606) 784-9877

  • Lollie’s Sweet Treats (Dessert / Snack)
    Morehead, KY
    Phone: (606) 336-1627

  • Rolled Over Ice Cream
    1600 Flemingsburg Rd, Morehead, KY
    Phone: (606) 780-7462

 

Groceries & Supplies

  • Walmart Supercenter
    200 Walmart Way, Morehead, KY
    Phone: (606) 784-3262

  • Kroger (Trademore Center)
    300 Trademore Center, Morehead, KY
    Phone: (606) 784-7529

  • Allen’s IGA
    224 Morehead Plaza, Morehead, KY
    Phone: (606) 784-4311

  • Parkhills Grocery
    5070 Flemingsburg Rd, Morehead, KY
    Phone: (606) 784-8774

  • Save-A-Lot
    303 Lee Clay Ave, Morehead, KY
    Phone: (606) 784-6536

  • Brooklyn Belle Market
    9335 Cranston Rd, Morehead, KY
    Phone: (606) 462-8024

  • Caudill’s Grocery
    4141 Cranston Rd, Morehead, KY
    Phone: (606) 784-2167

  • Sharkey Food Mart
    2755 Sharkey Road, Morehead, KY
    Phone: (606) 780-0003

  • Tackett Grocery
    125 Old KY Hwy 801 N, Morehead, KY
    Phone: (606) 784-9938

  • Viking Food Mart
    2335 Flemingsburg Rd, Morehead, KY
    Phone: (606) 783-1119

BeakerBUCKS & Dining Off-Campus

BeakerBUCKS can be used to dine off campus at specific locations, listed below:

  • Fazoli's (Stone Street)
  • Valero Gas Station (410 Flemingsburg Rd.)
  • Long John Silver's
  • Buffalo Wild Wings
  • McDonald's (both locations)
  • KFC (Stone Street)
  • Don Senor (140 Toms Drive)
  • Dairy Queen (by campus)
  • Subway (downtown - Stone Street)
  • Holbrook's Drug
  • University Laundromat (121 Lee Cemetery Rd.)
  • Pepsi & Snack machines (on campus)

 

From the BeakerBUCKS webpage:

"Meals, Flex Dollars and the Dining Dollars program are not included and cannot be used at any off-campus merchants. Alcohol and tobacco products cannot be purchased with BeakerBUCKs."

IT Department

MSU's IT Department can be reached at:

  • 606-798-4357
  • Located at Ginger Hall 111

Should you need help activating your account or resetting your password, you can also visit our Technology page!

Connecting to Campus Wi-Fi

From our WiFi Information page:

"Morehead State University Wifi and ResNet (Residential Hall Network) is a technology service for students, employees, and guests at all on-campus facilities. It offers comprehensive high-speed Wi-Fi connectivity for work devices and personal devices, including mobile phones, tablets, smart TVs, and gaming systems. ResNet provides Wi-Fi network connectivity to campus technology resources and direct Internet access for students in residence halls.

MSU broadcasts wireless internet across three networks:  MSU_GUEST, MSU_SECURE and MSU_DEVICES. For instructions on connecting with your smartphone or other devices, visit Mobile Devices."

 

MSU_Secure

"This network provides a safe, secure connection to the internet and MSU resources. This is the preferred on-campus, secure wireless network available to users with a current MSU account.

MSU_SECURE requires an Eagle ID and password to connect and should be utilized with PCs, laptops, tablets, and smartphones."

 

MSU_Devices

"This is the preferred network to securely connect game consoles, e-readers, streaming devices and smart TVs. Users must complete a one-time setup, enabling their device to access MSU’s ResNet. Users will need to know the MAC Address of the device they want to connect to.​ Learn more about MSU_DEVICES."

 

MSU_Guest

"This network provides limited internet access to MSU guests. Unless you have an Eagle ID and password, you will access the internet on campus through MSU_Guest."

 

Assistance

"The IT Help Desk at 111 Ginger Hall is MSU’s one-stop, walk-in location for those who need help with technology issues. You can also call 606-783-4357 if you need technical assistance. The center and the helpline are staffed during normal University operating hours."

Free & Discounted Software

Adobe Creative Cloud:

From our website - Faculty and staff can log in to Adobe Creative Cloud on their university computer or at adobe.com using their MSU credentials. Students can access Adobe Creative Cloud in on-campus computer labs and use MSU credentials. Once logged in, tools like Acrobat, InDesign, Photoshop, and more are available.

 

Microsoft 365:

As a student, faculty, or staff member, you have access to Microsoft 365, which includes Word, Excel, Powerpoint, Teams, 5 terabytes of free storage, and much more! All you have to do is sign in to the Microsoft Office 365 login page with your mID and password.

Printing Stations & How to Use Them

Using Equipment in Camden-Carroll Library

  • We have 2 public printers in the library, both on the 1st floor.
    • Right side of the circulation counter
    • In the LRC (1st floor East Tower)
  • BeakerBUCKS are needed to release print jobs:
    • BeakerBUCKS are NOT Flex dollars
    • Add BeakerBUCKS to your account by downloading the GetMobile App, selecting MSU, and signing in with your MSU ID and password
    • Send documents to our printer by pulling up the document to be printed on one of our computers and follow typical printing procedures
    • A staff member will assist you if you encounter any issues
    • We can no longer provide flashdrives or plug them into our printer per the IT Department in our ongoing steps to ensure MSU's cyber security.

 

Printing from a Personal Device

  • You can download the Papercut app or connect to MSU printers by following these instructions:
    • Sign into MyMoreheadState.
    • In the MSU Student Services Section, scroll to MSU Student Printing.
    • A new tab will open. Choose to either download Papercut or to connect manually to connect your device to a local printer. Follow the provided instructions.
    • Check with a librarian or staff member if you have questions about which device to connect to.

 

Document Center - 1st Floor ADUC

  • Specific instructions and services are not yet provided on our website, but...
  • Visit in-person
  • Call them at 606-783-2032
  • Email them at printing@moreheadstate.edu

Getting/Replacing your MSU ID Card

You very likely have already received your EagleCard.

If you haven't, or if you lost your card, need to deactivate the old one, and get a new one, you can visit the EagleCard Office on the 1st floor of ADUC, 12 ADUC Hall.

They are open M-F, 8AM-4:30PM.

Make sure to bring another form of ID with you, such as a driver's license or passport!

Your first EagleCard is free. However, replacing a lost or stolen card is $20 while replacing a damaged card is $10.

What is it Used For?

Your EagleCard is used to:

  • Access your residence hall
  • For dining services
  • For accessing the Rec Center
  • For printing, vending, and many other things besides

 

EagleCard Tips (from the EagleCard website):

Never!

  • Bend, mark, or punch holes anywhere on your card.
  • Scratch the stripe on the card.
  • Store your EagleCard near magnets or magnetized surfaces.
  • Tamper with the contactless chip.
  • Leave your card on your food service tray, table, computer terminal or washer/dryer.
  • Store your pin number with your EagleCard.
  • Let anyone else use your card for any reason.
  • Do not keep your EagleCard with your phone while charging on a wireless charger.

Always!

  • Treat your EagleCard as you would your debit card or driver’s license.
  • Know where your EagleCard is at all times.
  • Keep your EagleCard on a lanyard or keychain card holder.
  • Notify the EagleCard office as soon as possible if you misplace your ID.

Services Offered

MSU has a university post office (UPO) for sending and receiving mail and packages.

Hours of observation are Monday-Friday, 9AM to 4:30PM, excepting holidays.

 

Here is a list of products and services:

  • Registered Mail - This is the most secure service the Postal Service offers.
  • Priority Mail
  • Express Mail
  • Certified Mail
  • Return Receipt Cards
  • Restricted Return Receipt Card
  • Insured Mail
  • Media Mail

 

Acceptable forms of payment include:

  • Cash
  • Credit and Debit Cards
  • Checks
  • BeakerBUCKS
  • Departmental charges (for faculty and staff)

 

Residence Hall Mail Delivery:

From the webpage - "Delivery of letters to University residence halls is the responsibility of the Housing office. Students living in campus residence halls pick up their packages at the campus post office. An email notification from postoffice@moreheadstate.edu is sent to the recipient when packages are ready for pick up. Parcels are held at the campus post office for one month before being returned to sender."

How to get Amazon & other Online Orders Delivered

Do you need a mailing address for your Amazon packages while on campus?

Here is how to structure your address:

Firstname Lastname

101 Residence Hall

Morehead State University

Morehead, KY 40351

 

Follow the above information, or contact the University Post Office should you have any further questions!

The following information is provided from the MSU Police Department Parking Information webpage.

The information below is not a complete summary of services or policy. Please consult the link to learn more.

Obtaining a Parking Permit

The registration of a motor vehicle does not guarantee a parking space. Permits are not issued to individuals with unpaid parking assessments. Decals/permits remain the property of MSU and are subject to confiscation or withdrawal by representatives of Morehead State University Police Department. Decals/permits are not transferable and will be turned in to the University Police and Traffic Office if the individual terminates employment or student status. 

Fees are not refundable. Only one permit shall be issued to an employee or student. The individual who registers for the permit will be responsible for parking violations by any vehicle bearing this permit. All permits expire on August 15. 

Permits may be purchased online.

Permit Placement: To be valid, the permit must be displayed from the rearview mirror and must be clearly visible. A permit must not be defaced or altered. If the permit is not properly displayed the vehicle will be treated as an unregistered vehicle. 

Traffic Regulations

  1. The traffic laws established by the Kentucky Revised Statutes apply on University property. 
  2. The speed limit is 20 mph (5 mph in parking lots) unless otherwise posted. 
  3. Unsafe operation of a motor vehicle is grounds for revocation of parking and driving privileges on property owned or controlled by the University. 
  4. Accidents occurring on University property should be reported immediately to the University Police Department. Draft copies of accident reports are available within 10 business days. 
  5. Motorists must give the right of way to pedestrian traffic at crosswalks. 
  6. Motor vehicles must meet all equipment and safety standards prescribed by Kentucky Revised Statutes. 
  7. City, state, and local law enforcement agencies have enforcement rights on all MSU property.

Guest Passes

Free guest permits are available 24 hours a day at the University Police Department for persons visiting campus. Persons attending special University-sponsored institutes or seminars must obtain a visitor pass from the University Police. University sponsors of such groups can make advanced parking arrangements through the University Police Traffic Office. Visitor parking permits may not be distributed to Students, Faculty or Staff for use. Any Student, Faculty or Staff member caught using a visitor permit will be charged with fraudulent use of decal, which carries a very strict penalty of loss of parking privileges, Impoundment fee, ticket fee and Fraudulent decal fee. 

Students or faculty and staff who require temporary vehicle registration may purchase a temporary permit at $10 per week. Student, faculty, and staff temporary registrations may not exceed two (2) weeks per semester unless specifically approved by the Chief of Police.

 

Visitor Parking

If you are here for a visit, we recommend parking behind the Adron Doran University Center at 205 East 2nd Street. We have parking spaces reserved for visitors. If you are here to visit the Office of Enrollment Services, we also have visitor parking spaces at 121 East 2nd Street.

Appealing Parking Violations

An appeal must be filed within ten days following the date of the parking violation notice. Parking assessments must be paid prior to the appeal being forwarded to the Traffic Appeals Committee. Appeals that cannot be resolved by Morehead State University Police staff will be forwarded to the committee. University Police personnel will not be members of that committee. Refund checks are issued if the appeal is upheld. 

Bikes

Morehead State University encourages the use of bicycles by members of the University community. Those individuals using bicycles on the campus must adhere to the following regulations: 

  1. Bicycle riders must follow the standard rules of the road. 
  2. Bicycle riders must follow the normal flow of traffic. 
  3. Bicycles are not to be chained to a railing, trees, etc. 
  4. Bicycle riders are to utilize the bicycle racks provided by the University.

Other Transportation Services

Visit the Tranportation Services webpage for a complete summary of services and information. Below is a brief overview:

 

MSU Shuttle Bus

Hours of Operation: Monday - Friday, 7AM-3:15PM

Route:

  • 7 a.m. - route begins at US 60 Lot - Overflow Lot
  • Baird Music Hall
  • Little Bell Tower
  • Adron Doran University Center
  • Center for Health, Education, and Research (CHER) on Second Street
  • Last route stops at Overflow Lot at 3:15 p.m. 

Note: No service from 10:45 to 11:45 a.m. for driver's lunch.

 

Public Transportation:

Mor'Trans Bus System is a public transportation system serving the Morehead area. Follow the link for more information!

Below are a links to a list of important policies you should familiarize yourself with while attending MSU: