With 15 University campus computing sites and numerous computer-based resources, students can become overwhelmed by the variety of options available to them.
From the World Wide Web and electronic mail to Microsoft Word programs, many students find that computers on campus serve more than one purpose.
Susan Gavula, computer system specialist I for the Information Technology Division, said many computing sites on campus get overcrowded when students procrastinate and flock to the them at the same time.
"(Angell Hall) is by far the busiest site," Gavula said. "Friday and Saturdays are okay, but Sunday nights around 7 or 8 pm it gets crowded."
Gavula said the unavailability of computers at some sites is the most common annoyance for students.
"Over the board, that's probably the number one complaint," Gavula said.
LSA junior Jody Ferguson said waiting for a computer is sometimes the result of students procrastinating.
"Sometimes it does get a little too crowded and people are just playing on the web." Ferguson said.
Doing homework and surfing the web are the main attractions of the labs, Ferguson said. The computers have a multitude of programs, including Microsoft Excel, NCSA Telnet and Netscape Navigator that allow students to create graphics, databases and programs.
Soon after beginning their college careers students will realize that e-mail is the most common form of communication between the thousands of University students, faculty and staff.
Should students run into problems, computer sites have consultants available to help them. Workshops are also available during the first few weeks of school, to assist students in untangling the University's technology, as well as throughout the year.
"The consultants are very helpful," said recent LSA graduate Brian Tuovila. "If one doesn't know, the other one will."
LSA junior Aisha Jones advised students to take use of the opportunities computing experts offer students.
"Take the computer classes and workshops," Jones said. "They will help. You have to be familiar with computers if you're going to be a Michigan student."