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The Rotunda
Thursday, January 30, 2025

Q&A: Class of 2020 edition

What are some tips on packing enough but not too much?

“The key is thinking that less is more. When you are heading to Longwood think of the things that are essential for you to live away from home and bring those first. I promise you won’t regret it. When you are moving in, you will find that there is less space than you expected and bringing less will help your move in problems. As you move throughout the year, you can then bring anything you missed on your first move in as your parents visit or you go home for the holidays. Please, save yourself the trouble and do not pack a U-Haul full of stuff and bring it with you to your one sided bedroom.”

-Adam Fletcher, Class of 2016, Peer Mentors, Longwood Ambassadors

How do I sign up for the Internet?

“Internet Setup Instructions: Student Instructions”

  1. Connect your computer directly to your room’s Ethernet port on the wall with an Ethernet cable for initial setup. Do not connect to the network using a wired or wireless router. Connecting directly to your room’s Ethernet port will allow you to get an individual login. Once you have set up this login, you can gain access from anywhere on the network, on or off campus.

  2. Turn on your computer and open up any web browser such as Internet Explorer, Firefox or Chrome. You will be automatically directed to the login/registration screen. If you have created a Shentel account for the 2015-2016 school year, you may continue with Login. If you have not set up a Shentel account, select Click Here to create your new Shentel Internet account.

  3. Click the drop down to select the College/University you attend.

  4. Select your property and/or room number, and then enter the apartment/room number and/or letter.

  5. Click Search.

  6. If you do not enter the complete apartment/room and/or letter a drop down box will appear with a selection of addresses/apartments for you to choose from.

  7. Make sure the correct apartment/room number and/or letter shows up at the top of the screen.

  8. Follow the on-screen instructions to fill in your personal data and create a username and password. Passwords must include: Upper case, lower case, one digit (0-9), 8-10 characters, no special characters and no spaces.
    Be sure to use your college/university assigned email and create a security question and answer. Once completed, click Submit.

  9. If your account has been successfully created, you will see a registration confirmation screen. When you click EXIT, it will take you back to the initial login screen where you can use your newly created login and password to access the Internet. Your Internet should soon be up and running. There may be a delay for your account to finish processing. If you cannot login an hour after receiving the order confirmation, please call 1-855-267-7289 for help.

-According to Longwood.edu for connecting to Shentel for the first time

What’s the most cost effective way to acquire textbooks and other supplies for classes?

Textbooks: “The key is comparison. You have to do research on what is going to be cheaper for you. My advice is to head to amazon for most books and buy or rent from them. Amazon also offers a discount on its two-day shipping known as Prime for students, which will allow you to get books quickly. But don’t shy away from the bookstore because once in a blue moon their prices may be lower.”

Other school supplies: “All that you should need are a few spiral notebooks and some pencils and pens for classes, so head out for some back-to-school shopping before moving in.”

-Adam Fletcher, Class of 2016, Peer Mentor, Longwood Ambassadors  

What is my mailing address at Longwood, and how do I get mail?

“On the first day that you move in, you should visit the post office located on the bottom of the student union to get your box number. Your mail will be delivered to your box and if it is a package, you will be emailed. A majority of the post offices emails are sent to your junk box so make sure to check those.”

Sample Address:

Student’s first and last name

201 High Street

Longwood University

Box No. xxx

Farmville, VA 23909

-Conrad Brinkman, Class of 2019, Big Siblings

What is it like going to college in another state?

“It’s really exciting going to college in a different state because you’re far away from home and experiencing another culture,”

-Anna Knapp, Class of 2019, Cormier Honors College  

What would you tell your freshman self?

“If I could tell my freshman year self anything, it would be to focus more on studies and less on socialization. Your friends don’t get you passing grades, you do. Have fun, but remember why you’re at Longwood.”

-Rachel Gates, Class of 2018, Zeta Tau Alpha Sorority

Will the pool be open when school starts?

“I spoke with Matt McGregor, associate dean of wellness, this afternoon, and he stated that the pool in Willet would be open on its regular schedule until a couple day(s) before fall break, which begin(s) on Sept. 28. It will be closed on Sept. 25 and during fall break and return to the normal operating hours following the debate.”

-Tim Pierson, Vice President of Academic Affairs

What is the best way to get involved on campus?

“The best way to get involved on campus is by going to all of the events and meeting people. The more people you know, the better connections you have. Longwood also host(s) many club fairs each year. These (students should) get on the email list of each club you want to get into.”

-Conrad Brinkman, Class of 2019, Big Siblings

What is your advice for getting along with your roommate/s?

“I'd say agree to a set of rules or conditions you can both accept and stick to them. Learn to compromise, but if something makes you uncomfortable don't suffer in silence; talk it out. Almost all problems can be solved just by communicating with your roommate. Never let a situation get so out of hand that you feel you need to act out aggressively toward them; it won't benefit either of you. And one last thing, sharing is caring; things that can be shared like fridges, coffee makers, microwaves and even clothes and shoes can be shared. Since the dorm rooms tend to be a bit cramped anyways, it's nice to know that you can both occupy the same space and use some of the same things without creating conflict.”

-Nikki Copenhaver, Class of 2019, Longwood Equestrian Team

What do I do if I am sick at college?

“For minor colds and illnesses, the Stu (Student Union) sells some over-the-counter medicines that you can buy that can do the trick. For more serious matters the Student Health & Wellness Center, which is located above the gym, has doctors that can prescribe medications; all you have to do is make an appointment during their hours Monday through Friday. In the case of an emergency, the (Centra Southside Community) Hospital is located very close to campus. Additionally, do your roommates a favor and try to stay away to prevent the spread of germs, but ultimately it’s bound to happen in such close corners.”

-Logan Potts, Class of 2019, Cormier Honors College