10 Things To Do Your First Week at College

Recently, I was asked to write a bulleted list of advice for a group of incoming first-year students at Wheaton College Massachusetts . My goal was to keep my advice general enough that it could work for any new college student.

With that in mind, I decided to expand my list with more details in the hopes that you’ll share it with those who can benefit from it.

College is a transition time for all who participate in it. The first couple of weeks can be overwhelming, but they are also a powerful time to start things off on the right foot and make that first semester (and beyond) successful.?

Get to know your roommate(s) and neighbors. Leave your door open to invite others to say hello.

You will spend a lot of time with them over the next year, so now is the time to get to know them better.?

Talk to your roommate about their preferred living style. When do they go to sleep? How organized/clean do they need the room to be? Are they more spontaneous or want to plan? How do they feel about sleepovers? Having these conversations early can help avoid problems later.?

Beyond your dorm room, you’ll want to get to know those around you better. You’ll see them in the halls and in class. Plus, once you get to know them, they’ll meet new people on campus, and it will start building community and friend circles that make college more fun. You never know who might say hi if you leave your door open.?

Find your classrooms ahead of time to minimize stress on the first day of classes.

That first day, you will be full of emotions, so make it easier and know where you are going. The larger the campus, the more important this is. But, even on a small campus, it’ll help you to know exactly where each classroom is. Not all room numbering makes sense; you don’t want to rush around on day one.?

Plus, if you know where you are going, you’ll know if you want to walk with new friends, have time to grab a coffee beforehand, or determine different walking paths. Plus, it is a great excuse to explore your campus.?

Try the different dining locations on campus so that you understand the options at each.

No matter where you attend college, the food will differ from what you are used to. Each dining hall or cafe might have different hours and food options. Find the ones that work with you. Depending on the day, course load, or other activities, this might differ. Also, don’t forget that professors may have different rules on food in the classroom, so plan accordingly.?

This is also a great time to get to know other people. Invite your roommate or newly met neighbors to go grab a meal. Sitting down and eating together is a great way to spend time with people.?

Attend the activities going on to meet other students beyond your dorm.

Your college is a community with a lot going on. Those first few weeks will have many activities to choose from. Follow your school’s social media accounts and begin reading your emails regularly so you know what is happening.

While it would be easy to cozy up in your dorm room, don’t. Go out and see what's going on. This is a great way to meet people with similar interests, discover new locations on campus, and learn about the different clubs and organizations. Whatever interests you have, there is probably something going on. Be sure to watch for an activities/organization fair that most colleges hold so that all the different clubs can recruit new members. These are the perfect time to see all the campus has to offer. You never know when you might pick up some new branded schwag.?

Say “yes” when invited to go out and do something.?

Know yourself first, so you don’t overextend too much but don’t shy away from trying new things or going to new places at college. If some of your new friends are considering exploring the nearby city or attending an athletic event, consider going with them. Even if you aren’t into what they are doing, it still might be the perfect way to start building friendships.?

Of course, that rager of a party the night before your first class might not be the best idea, but always remember you choose when to leave any event.?

Check-in with your friends and family to let them know how you are doing.?

As a parent, I promise you that you can’t text or call home enough during those first few weeks of college. Your family wants to hear from you and hear how things are going. Send them a first-day-of-school selfie, answer their texts, or give them a call.

Many of your friends will be going through their transitions, so talk to them and share what is happening. This is also a great way to get advice from them on what they’ve done that they hadn’t thought of before arriving. Thanks to technology, it is easier than ever to stay in touch with those we care about, so amid all the fun you are having, don’t forget your old friends and family.?

Walk around campus to familiarize yourself with the locations of offices/services you might need.?

I bet you took a tour of your college campus before applying, but that didn’t show you all the places you will want to know the location of. Locations of your public safety, counseling center, health services, and financial aid office are all ones you don’t want to wait until you need them to find them. Plus, even if you never need them, your friends might.

Many colleges now have an app with important phone numbers and other information. Be sure to search the app store for your phone and see if you have one. Consider adding important phone numbers to your contact list if they don't. Your public safety or campus police number is a good idea, at minimum.?

Begin checking email several times a day so that you develop the habit of doing so.

Love it or hate it, email is now part of your life. Everything from important class updates from your professors to forms you must fill out for school will arrive via email. It is each student's responsibility to check their email regularly and respond promptly.?

You’ll realize that you can quickly read messages and determine if further action is needed. Learn that you’ll want to save any email confirming something for you, so don’t delete it. Asked for an extension on an assignment, got confirmation from a department chair approving something, and always save those emails to cover yourself in the future.?

Send an email to your advisors and professors introducing yourself.

Even on the smallest campus, the fall means a lot of new faces for the faculty and staff.?

Take the time to email your professors and advisor(s) to introduce yourself. Better yet, see their office hours and swing by to do it in person. Office hours are for the students and the best way to get to know one another better. You’ll want to know your advisor(s) closely, so even though you might not know why you have them, meet them, and you’ll quickly realize.?

Have fun! College is a big step full of emotions, so enjoy it.?

You’ve taken the first step in the next phase of your life’s adventure, and no one knows what lies ahead. But I’m confident you will make many new memories and more than a few friends for life. You are paying a lot of money and dedicating much time to it, so ensure you get what you need.?

Take care and enjoy the days ahead. They might be some of the best of your life.?