You have already gone through SOAR and that end-of-summer, first-day-of-college countdown is dwindling down. Are you excited? Or are you nervous? Either one, we are so happy for you to be a UNA Lion too!

Here are 10 things you might want to know:

1. The lions are real and they’re roar is loud.

If ever you have time between classes go have a look at the lions, you never know what they will be doing. Either taking a cat nap in the shade (which is the cutest thing), or play with each other and their toys. BUT also they are real lions so they will roar and it is loud. You can hear them from across campus.

2. There is a tradition on the first day of classes.

It is a tradition here at the University of North Alabama to dip your pen or pencil in the fountain before your first class for good luck! I didn’t fail a class last year so...

3. The Commons is the common place to be.

My freshman year I basically lived at the Commons. It’s a great place to meet up with people, there is indoor and outdoor seating, Chick-fil-A (a must), and Starbucks (a necessity).

4. Make sure to go by the mail area and get your UNA address.

The mail room and mailboxes are located on the bottom floor of the GUC (some people pronounce it g-uh-ck).

5. Now that you officially go the University of North Alabama you can call Florence, "Flo."

You have earned this right to call the adorable college town we live in (for only 9 months out of the year) Flo.

6. The professors here CARE.

You are not just a name and number on a roll call list. The professors want you to succeed and they are there to help you. Do not be afraid to take advantage of their office hours – they have office hours for a reason. Also, don’t be afraid to ask questions.

7. The OAC is an awesome place to be.

The OAC lets you rent bikes, hammocks, and kayaks for any full-time student, just show your UNA Mane card when you go!

8. The wooden posts outside the freshman dorms?

They are hammock gardens!!! It was so much fun to go and rest, hang out with friends, or even study (because Wi-Fi from the dorms reaches!).

9. Need counseling for anything?

IT’S FREE! To any and all full-time student at the University of North Alabama. Don’t be afraid to take advantage of anything free that the university offers, you only have four years of these benefits!

10. The food in the caf ISN'T bad!

I loved eating at Mane Market as a freshman and will probably be eating there again some as an upperclassman. There's a salad bar, different cookies every day, and always french fries (what more do you need? haha!).