Whenever I started my freshman year at Marshall, I was blown away by all of the events that happened during both orientation and week of welcome (otherwise known as WOW week). I met my roommate, moved in, started UNI, went through days and days of session, crammed around the John Marshall statue, and walked halfway downtown in the middle of the road even though that wasn't even the parade.Just understand this - it is intense. Even through all the lack of air conditioning, I am still able to pass along some insight.
1. Take orientation as seriously as you possibly can.
Pay attention during orientation!
Even with prior college experience, your college orientation is mandatory for a lot of good reasons. Make sure to listen and get your I.D. Also, take some time to meet your fellow classmates.
2. UNI is your best friend.
Happily helping a student learn and introducing them to school
Being a Marshall student, I was required to take a basic yet essential one credit hour course known as Freshman First Class. It lasts for half the semester, but it will prepare you for collegiate independence. Most importantly, I learned that the 8 a.m. is an artform.
3. Test your social skills to the maximum.
Socializing with a lot of new people is key
During week of welcome, you will be surrounded by literally tons of people. As an introverted person, that was probably the biggest shock for me. However, the main thing that I learned during WOW week was that people really aren't all that bad overall, especially when they are in the same situation as yourself.
4. Make friends, but do not set expectations too high.
Making lots of casual friends
Evidently you will meet a lot of people during WOW week, and hopefully you will start plenty of conversations and exchange a few phone numbers. As great and important as it is to socialize and meet new people, I do not recommend setting high hopes for every single one of them becoming your best friend. Everybody is different and we all have diverse backgrounds and personalities, so if you do happen to exchange phone numbers with somebody new (or several new people), take time to get to know them, and do not be discouraged if one of them starts to shun you.
5. Having the events schedule helps a lot.
All of the events are scheduled for a reason - to coordinate and familiarize you with college.
When you move in during the designated early move in day during WOW week, you will likely receive a schedule with a bunch of events that occur every day throughout the rest of the week. Don't lose that thing or you will be so lost.
6. Having a roommate is definitely a bonus
Roommates usually make for a happier experience
Even if you are not a people person like myself, having a roommate is definitely a unique and overall nice experience, especially when moving into the dorm and meeting them for the first time. Roommates are built in friends that will go through the awkwardness with you.
7. Take advantage of as many campus activities as possible.
Friendly people are to be found all over the place at campus events
During my WOW week, I attended a Cru event. Since then, I still regularly attend. I found my niche by looking for a place to be. Use campus activities as a way to get involved without the pressures of grades.
8. Interact with people in your dorm.
Guys having fun just like they should
As somebody who had been to college prior to deciding to officially attend it full time, I already knew people who lived on campus thanks to the wonderful autism support program that Marshall University is well known for. The program was definitely my best bet for meeting new people who I had a lot in common with, and it helped that we all lived in the same dorm building during the summer. Those events your RA arranges really do matter.
9. Get to know your RA really well.
The RA is meant to be there for you, even when they are not physically there
Your Resident Advisor is your best bet for gaining all of the necessary knowledge for your new home. Normally, I do not rely too much on mine, but during WOW week, I was asking all kinds of questions. Your RA is willing and excited to help you.
10. Understand that it is an insane week, but it is well worth it.
In the end, it's all worth it
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At first college may come across as a big shock, but I learned that it actually was not all that bad. WOW week is designed to keep you from getting homesick while making sure you can navigate your new independence. Embrace it.
11. Remind yourself that the semester is much smoother.
The semester provides a lot more time and freedom
WOW week might come across as crazy and it might lead you to think "Wow, is college really this busy?!" Well, college will keep you busy, but in vastly different ways. Stay calm - this is just an introduction to a new chapter.
12. Even if you would rather nap or get away from the change, just attend the scheduled events.
Stay awake during WOW week...you never know what you'll miss!
Yes, they might seem lame and unnecessary, but you never know what lessons might be thrown into one of them or if they might have a little treat to improve your mood. Also, you have the whole semester ahead of you to nap, so use up the extra energy that you have before the semester.
13. Every other freshman feels the same way that you do.
We all grow together!
A lot of incoming college freshmen have never lived on campus or taken a college course prior to WOW week, so you can imagine how they must feel. WOW is meant to make you feel comfortable, so embrace the change together.
14. Set a consistent schedule for yourself.
Time management is important no matter what week it is!
Of course, it is good to have a consistent schedule set for yourself throughout the whole semester, but with the help of the event schedule. Designate times to do things for yourself or times to meet with friends.
15. Use WOW as a chance to branch out.
College life is the best!
Last but not least, think of WOW week as a week for you to prepare for classes and branch out of your comfort zone. College is a great time - although the primary purpose is for you to take classes and get a degree for a job, there are endless possibilities and endless people to interact with.
