As Sam Houston State University's (SHSU) students, either you are a newcomer lost in an ever-growing student body or you are more familiar with the college atmosphere. Regardless of college classifications, it has likely been months since you set foot in school and SHSU is always changing. I mean after all, we're getting a new bowling alley next year and we are one of the fastest growing colleges in the nation.

With that in mind, SHSU's Welcome Week serves to ease in students to the bustling nature of college.

From Thursday August 16th to Friday August 24th, the move to SHSU's college environment becomes less stressful thanks to Welcome Week. The move-in begins Saturday August 18th but the real fun begins the day after. From Kat Klub Bash to Kat Comedy Showcase to Party in the Pit, events like these allow students to ease into the college environment.

Take these times with a friend to find a group you want to be part of. There, you can find people with similar interests or hobbies. If your friends are not in college, don't be afraid.

Getting out and meeting new people can be daunting, but doing so is an accomplishment—a new environment is something to always tackle. Welcome Week helps with this stress because it gathers people together in a relaxed environment when they don't have to worry about mid-term exams or ten-page papers.

If you're concerned about thriving academically, don't worry! Welcome Week also has you covered. This Monday on August 20th, SHSU introduces Study Skills For A Strong Start, which allows students to get a head start on studying.

Even for liberal arts majors, getting that A in a class proves to be quite a challenge as it requires balancing life and being good at time management. You will learn all these skills at this event—so if you have time, take advantage of it.

Don't forget this is also an opportunity to get your name out there in the community you want to be a part of. Next Wednesday, on August 22nd, the LSC will host a Volunteer Opportunity & Organization Fair event where students can come in to check out a chance to volunteer or join an organization they want to be part of.

Volunteering can help improve self-esteem. Working for other people as part of a team helps puts you in a community interested in helping you grow. Joining an organization is a chance to develop work experience through volunteering, event planning and networking. It also helps develops your passion for a subject, something that employees note when done intelligently.

It's a once in a semester opportunity no students should miss out on!