Have you ever been to a new place and had no idea where you were going? If you answered yes, you are not alone. Thousands of incoming college freshmen experience this problem every fall. Thankfully, a new mobile app called FourSquare can help you find your way in a foreign place.
FourSquare is a free, geo-locating app (available for both iPhone and Android devices) that allows users and their friends to explore and share information about new places. Specifically, users can upload photos of locations and provide tips or recommendations for other users. Users can also check-in at locations, discover if people they know are currently nearby, earn badges for check-ins, receive coupons or special discounts for check-ins and compare check-in points earned with their friends. In essence, FourSquare is a fun, interactive alternate to traditional maps and directions.
So how does Hinds Community College use FourSquare? Currently, we are in the process of mapping all six Hinds campus locations. During this process, we are adding multiple photos of each check-in location and providing information about what each building houses. For example, McLendon Library on the Raymond Campus has several comfortable study areas, a coffee bar and a unique Pez candy dispenser display.
Hinds Community College is also creating lists for all of our campuses. Each list contains the buildings or check-in locations of a particular campus. For example, the Raymond campus list currently has 49 places for users to discover. These lists will be very helpful for students who can reference them whenever they’d like.
We encourage all students and staff to join FourSquare. When you set up your account, be sure to follow Hinds CC on FourSquare (search for “HindsCC” under users or by visiting https://foursquare.com/hindscc). Additionally, strive to be a good FourSquare user by:
- Adding accurate information about check-in locations
- Commenting in friendly, casual language
- Creating lists of favorite locations
- Uploading only photos you own of locations you visit
- Using correct spelling and punctuation when providing tips
We look forward to seeing you on FourSquare!
