b's 2013 Baltimore college guide [Pictures]

Amy Davis / Baltimore Sun

Dear new college students, Have a second? We know -- not really. College is getting under way and you're busy moving into the dorms, awkwardly trying to bond with your roommate and realizing how many 100-pound textbooks you'll need to lug around campus. But give us a moment. Yes, you've gone through orientation, did campus visits and packed your parents' SUV with Target goods. But we think you deserve to get the lowdown on your college experience from those who can really help -- other area college students. We're back with our annual Baltimore College Guide, which covers just about everything you need to know about area schools -- the best events (an Ice Cream & Condoms night?!), the best classes to take and best on- and off-campus hangouts (shout out to Evergreen Cafe). So peruse, take some notes (no quizzes later, we promise) and start the best years of your life. You have our permission. Sincerely, b P.S.: Shower shoes. You'll thank us later.

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Gene Sweeney Jr. / Baltimore Sun

What surprised me most about Baltimore: The amount of diversity that this campus provides was shocking to me, along with the number of abandoned homes on North Ave. Best school events: Midnight Madness definitely brings the surrounding community into Coppin. Also the Morgan vs. Coppin basketball game (above) is the highlight of the basketball season. Best public transportation: The subway offers the best transportation in my opinion; it's fast and easy to travel on. It is very hard to get lost on the subway. Best hidden gem near school: Druid Lake's back hills are an amazing place to take a run or walk. No one seems to be familiar with the area. Best way to meet people: A lot of students are afraid to attend events on and off campus. The best way to network and meet people is to go outside their comfort zone. Favorite on-campus place to study: Physical Education Center, second floor. There is not a lot of classroom traffic up there. Favorite off-campus place to study: Starbucks in downtown is very peaceful. Favorite thing to do on the weekend: Sleep! During the week classes become hectic, and it's always a good feeling to be able to sit back and relax. Must-take classes: Any class that Professor Irving Smith teaches. He is a professor that pushes students to see life beyond Coppin and molds you to be an overall well-articulated student ready for the world. What I wish someone had told me when I was a freshman: Not to take 8 a.m. classes. And time management. Best hangout spot on campus: In front of the dorms and in front of the rejuvenated library quad. Best hangout spot off campus: Anywhere where there are good vibes and good people. What the Greek life is like: I'm not a part of a Greek organization, but the members of the Greek life are nice people. They are always open to assisting freshmen in bridging that gap from high school to college. By Brittney Wagner, senior, sports management major with a concentration in medicine

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Insider tips from area college students, for fellow students.