Welcome Week is the week before classes begin over at Grand Canyon University...well actually it is more of the party before school starts! As I approach my senior year at GCU, my experience with Welcome Week has always been different but one particular thing has always been the same: the excitement of moving in to your dorm, or for me this year, finally moving into Big Papago Apartment!
Whether you are a freshman, transfer, a returning student ready to smell the campus air again or a Welcome Week volunteer who would assist said people moving in, Welcome Week is one of the most exciting times of the school year.
Here is the guide to survive Welcome Week underneath a very hot summer in Phoenix!
1. Take advantage of express move-in.
Planning out what you'll bring to your dorm/apartment is stressful, so don't add in more stress about moving all your things into your dorm. Express Move-In is a great option for moving in, as volunteers who are students and faculty alike get their cardio and muscle workouts at the same time by helping you move your things into your dorm or apartment. Sure there will be traffic, but it won't hurt to turn on the radio or even open your car window to listen to the loud music playing all over campus.
2. Create a strategy for unpacking.
Sure, your things will be move into your dorm, but it is time for adulting by unpacking on your own while your parents are heading to their designated parking spots. When it comes to unpacking, you must form a strategy before even moving in. Always pack similar items with each other; for instance, I put all of my clothes into a giant duffel bag and placing all fragile items in one huge box where the bedding will provide cushion for those items. If adulting isn't really your thing, dump everything in your desk drawers.
3. After moving into your housing, REST!
You deserve the first nap of the semester after all the hard work to get into your dorm or apartment! Whether you woke up early for express move-in or stayed up late the night before (like I have), you get tired and it's exhausting for those who spent hours on the road heading to campus. Once you've settled your bedding in your extra-long twin bed, take a nice and wholesome nap; don't mind the noises outside.
4. GO ON AN ADVENTURE!!
After you're all settle into your dorm or apartment and full of energy, it is time to explore the beautiful campus! Grab your roommates and/or friends to go on an adventure. Even if you're a returning student, chances are the new buildings can confuse your views of the campus. As for new students, take this time to find where your classes are located so you don't get lost on the first day.
5. Avoid food lines.
Whatever you do, AVOID THE FOOD LINES DURING WELCOME WEEK! Since so many people will be moving in at the same time, the lines in all the restaurants on campus will be long! So be wise to plan ahead and grab something to eat before heading to campus. Eat a snack from your food stash, or even grab food on campus during a time where everyone is at an event.
Overall, the most important thing to survive Welcome Week is to HAVE FUN! GCU has created numerous exciting events everyday during the week. Plan ahead and see which events interest you the most, and the best part? There's a 50/50 chance that free food will be involved or even a free shirt! So don't be camped out in your dorm until the following Monday -- go out there and see what GCU offers during this exciting week!
