For a first-timer, navigating welcome week at a new university can be daunting and seem a little awkward. It can be hard to make friends, adjust to living somewhere new, and prepare for a semester of school work. As the semester approaches and I start thinking about my first week away at university (for the second time), I developed a list of tips and tricks that I wish I had known before my first welcome week.
Hopefully these eight tips will help you get adjusted that first week away from home and make your new school feel more welcoming.
1. Actually go to on-campus activities.
I know, I know, I can hear it now, "how lame...this doesn't sound fun". Campus activities during welcome week are designed with you in mind. Some schools have movie nights, BBQ's, or even sporting events. There are many options so there is something for everyone.
Icebreakers will help you make friends and the experience creates good memories to look back upon. I met my best friend during welcome week and still four years later, we laugh about the boy in our group at a campus activity that kicked a hole in the wall accidentally. It can also helps make your campus a familiar place, if you haven't been on campus many times before.
2. Leave your light unpacking for later.
Move all of your essentials in first, (fridge, microwave etc) but leave hanging up photographs or posters until your family has left and you have down time later in the week. Most people are out on campus making friends, so by hiding in your room unpacking, you're missing out on potential interacting with peers!
3. Don’t party too hard!
Yes, welcome week is about fun, and yes, we are college students, but you don't want to mess up your education at your new university before it even starts. I've seen students get alcohol poisoning during welcome week and not continue schooling for the year. Please always be careful, taking everything in moderation. Remember college is first and foremost about your education.
4. Go to your classes.
This one seems like a no-brainer, but I've heard a lot of fellow students think that since the first week of class is syllabus week that it isn't important to be there. During the first week of classes not only do professors give vital information that they may not repeat, but some professors give extra credit for showing up the first day so I'd definitely recommend making an appearance.
5. Join clubs and organizations.
Finding a club on campus that interests you is a vital part of making your university feel like home. You can meet others that share your interest and always have a meeting a.k.a. social event to attend. Most universities have an overwhelming amount of clubs and organizations so it's not hard to find your niche. Some universities even offer the option to create your own club.
6. Ask for help or directions if needed.
Navigating a new campus can be tricky. No matter how many times you look at a campus map before heading to class there is no guarantee you won't get turned around on your way to Biology. Everyone is technologically capable of just googling how to get somewhere on campus, but if you ask someone on campus, you could potentially gain a friend.
7. Put your phone down.
Adding on to the last point, I'm sure most students are wondering what's going on at home with friends and family and it can be super easy to fall into the technology trap and just sit on social media during free time. If you put your phone down and focus on interacting with others, you're not only making yourself a friendly face, but you are less likely to feel like you're missing out on activities at home.
8. Take care of yourself.
Most importantly, one thing that is different about being away at college is you are mostly expected to be self-sufficient. Don't forget to eat when you're hungry, drink plenty of water, take medications your prescribed, and reach out to others if your struggling. Your physical and mental health are your responsibility now so try to take care of yourself the best you can.
