5 Things to Remember When You're New to Campus

The Week of Welcome has come and gone, and classes have officially begun… so now what? You’re figuring out life in a residence hall room, but perhaps you’re still lukewarm to the community showers. Maybe you are loving college and having a blast. Maybe you are starting to miss your friends and your hometown. You may have felt a combination of all of these things at some point in the past week! We promise everything you are thinking and experiencing is normal.

As you adjust to life on campus and being a Falcon, here are some things to keep in mind:

1. It is okay to eat in Riverside Commons alone. We know this probably sounds silly… but seriously, doing things on your own can feel monumental when you are starting somewhere new! And you know what? Everybody does it. Whether it is dining at Riverside, going to the library, heading to the Falcon Center, or even checking out things around town, it is okay to do things on your own, and we promise, there is no need to feel self-conscious. With that said, if eating alone (or doing other things alone) truly makes you nervous, just ask people in your class or on your floor. This tactic generally yields positive results.
    
2. Other students want to make friends just as much as you do. Seriously. The best way to find your people is to remember to be genuine and completely yourself. We know this can be hard to do, but give it your best shot. If you are having trouble finding friends, don’t give up and keep putting yourself out there by joining clubs, attending campus events, or finding an on-campus job. It’ll happen.
    
3. That being said, the first people you meet do not have to be your best friends. Don’t put too much pressure on your first connections to be the ones that last. If they do, that’s fantastic! If they don’t, odds are they will be a springboard that leads you to the people who will last.
    
4. Everyone is just as nervous as you are. Even if others are putting up a cool front, no one has it all figured out yet. Everyone is just doing their best. Keep this point in mind as you navigate different academic and social situations—you’ll realize others are still finding their place in some way or another, too.
    
5. It just takes time. Establishing your new routine and feeling comfortable in a new environment does not happen overnight. Adjusting to college academics and expectations can also take some time to get used to. Trust the process and soon UWRF will become your home away from home!

Looking for ways to get out and get involved? Here are a few things coming up this month that you can look forward to attending:

Library Open House 
Thursday, September 12^th from 7:00 – 10:00pm in the Chalmer Davee Library

My First Resume
Wednesday, September 18^th from 12:00 – 1:00pm in the Kinnickinnic River Theatre, University Center

Education Abroad Fair 
Wednesday, September 25^th from 10:00am – 2:00pm in the Falcon’s Nest, University Center