Your First Steps on Stride Campus

Congratulations on joining Stride Campus! This guide will help you get the most out of your first few days on the platform.

Welcome Bonus

As a new user, you receive 120 credits as a welcome bonus! Use these credits to:

• Download study materials from the Resource Library
• Chat with Nia, your AI study assistant
• Access premium features and resources
• Explore the platform without immediate earning pressure

Day 1: Getting Oriented

Explore Your Dashboard

Your dashboard is your central hub for campus activities:

1. Credit Balance: See your current credits (120 to start)
2. Quick Actions: Access key features like Arena, Spaces, and Chat
3. Campus Feed: Stay updated with community discussions
4. Recent Activity: Track your interactions and progress

Complete Your Profile

Make sure your profile is complete:

1. Add a Profile Picture: Help others recognize you
2. Write a Bio: Tell others about your interests and goals
3. Update School Info: Ensure your school and major are correct
4. Set Privacy Preferences: Choose who can see your profile

Take the Platform Tour

Stride Campus offers guided tours for new users:

1. Look for the "Take Tour" button on your dashboard
2. Follow the interactive guide through key features
3. Learn about Spaces, Chat, Resource Library, and AI Assistant
4. Complete the tour to earn bonus credits

Day 2-3: Start Participating

Join Your First Spaces

Spaces are campus communities where students discuss specific topics:

1. Browse Public Spaces: Look for spaces related to your interests
2. Join 3-5 Spaces: Start with subjects you're studying or interested in
3. Introduce Yourself: Post a brief introduction in each space
4. Read Recent Posts: Get familiar with ongoing discussions

Recommended Spaces for New Users:

• General campus discussion
• Your major or field of study
• Study groups or academic support
• Campus events and activities

Start Earning Credits

Begin building your credit balance through participation:

Easy Ways to Earn Credits:

• Upload Study Materials (+20 credits each): Share your notes, summaries, or helpful resources
• Participate in Discussions: Comment on posts and engage with others
• Get Upvotes: Create valuable content that others appreciate
• Daily Login (+5 credits): Consistent engagement bonus

First Upload Suggestions:

• Class notes from recent lectures
• Study guides you've created
• Helpful websites or resources
• Practice problems with solutions

Connect with Other Students

Start building your campus network:

1. Search for Students: Look for classmates or students with similar interests
2. Send Friend Requests: Connect with people you'd like to study with
3. Start Conversations: Use the chat feature to introduce yourself
4. Join Study Groups: Look for or create study groups in relevant spaces

Week 1: Deep Dive

Explore the Resource Library

The Resource Library is a treasure trove of study materials:

1. Browse by Subject: Find resources for your current courses
2. Search for Specific Topics: Look for materials you need
3. Download Resources: Use your credits to access helpful materials
4. Rate and Review: Help others by rating resources you use

Chat with Nia

Nia is your AI study assistant and campus guide:

1. Ask Study Questions: Get help understanding difficult concepts
2. Request Campus Resources: Find study materials and campus services
3. Get Academic Advice: Receive guidance on study strategies
4. Explore Platform Features: Learn about tools you might have missed

Sample Questions for Nia:

• "How can I find study materials for my calculus class?"
• "What are the best study strategies for exams?"
• "Can you help me understand this concept?"
• "What spaces should I join for my major?"

Participate Actively

Become an active member of the community:

1. Post Regularly: Share insights, ask questions, or start discussions
2. Help Others: Answer questions and provide support
3. Share Resources: Upload materials that others might find helpful
4. Engage Authentically: Be genuine in your interactions

Building Your Reputation

Quality Over Quantity

Focus on creating valuable content:

• Well-Organized Notes: Share clear, comprehensive study materials
• Helpful Responses: Provide thoughtful answers to questions
• Original Content: Create your own study guides and summaries
• Community Support: Help other students succeed

Consistency Matters

Regular participation builds your reputation:

• Daily Engagement: Spend 15-30 minutes on the platform daily
• Regular Uploads: Share new resources weekly
• Active Discussions: Participate in space conversations
• Helpful Interactions: Support other students regularly

Understanding the Credit System

How Credits Work

Credits are earned through participation and spent on premium features:

Earning Credits:

• Resource uploads: +20 credits each
• Upvotes received: +1 credit each
• Daily logins: +5 credits
• AI chat bonuses: 1-20 random credits
• Follower milestones: +10 credits every 100 followers

Spending Credits:

• File downloads: 50-250 credits (based on file size)
• AI messages: 10 credits each
• Premium features: Varies by feature

Level Progression

Your level is based on total credits earned (not current balance):

• Novice (0 credits): Starting level
• Apprentice (100 credits): Early engagement
• Scholar (300 credits): Active participation
• Expert (600 credits): Regular contributor
• Master (1,000 credits): Established member

Tips for Success

Best Practices

For New Users:

1. Start Small: Begin with easy tasks like joining spaces and reading posts
2. Be Patient: Building reputation takes time
3. Ask Questions: Don't hesitate to ask for help
4. Stay Active: Regular participation is key to success

For Building Community:

1. Be Helpful: Share knowledge and support others
2. Stay Positive: Maintain a friendly, supportive attitude
3. Respect Others: Follow community guidelines
4. Give Back: Help other new users as you learn

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Spamming: Don't post too frequently or with low-quality content
• Ignoring Guidelines: Follow community rules and standards
• Not Engaging: Don't just lurk - participate actively
• Poor Quality: Don't upload incomplete or unhelpful materials

Getting Help

If you need assistance during your first week:

1. Check the FAQ: Common questions and answers
2. Use In-App Help: Built-in help system and tutorials
3. Contact Support: Live chat or email for personalized help
4. Ask the Community: Other students are often happy to help

Next Steps

After your first week:

1. Explore Advanced Features: Learn about all platform capabilities
2. Join More Spaces: Expand your campus network
3. Share More Resources: Contribute to the community
4. Connect with Nia: Get personalized study help

Welcome to the Stride Campus community! Your journey to better campus collaboration and academic success starts now. 🎓✨