New Student Jitters? Don't Sweat It
By Karen Hunt
Freshman: finally the wait is over and college life can begin.
It may seem overwhelming so here is some advice to help ease the pressure of a new environment. First of all, breathe. Campus may seem large at first, but soon it will become a home away from home. Second of all, have fun. College is not only a time of learning but a time to discover new activities and learn what passions will become the driving force to success.
Bruce Pitman, vice provost for student affairs and dean of students, is excited to welcome all incoming and returning students. This is the beginning of a journey that will be a lifelong experience.
“Being a Vandal means being a part of a warm and vibrant community,” says Pitman.
The Vandal community is more than just students attending classes together. It’s a community where friendships and networking begin to take hold and set the stage for the future.
“New students can expect to have a lot of interesting experiences in the first couple of weeks,” says Pitman.
Participating in new student orientation or walking around campus will help students become familiar with the layout of buildings, and will help curb some of the disorientation students may feel on the first day of school. Students may also want to remember to give themselves enough time to get to and from classes. And with all the walking around campus, the first few weeks of school can be tiring so remember to get plenty of sleep.
“Students may have very sore legs the first week of school,” notes Pitman, with a tongue-in-cheek grin. “And they may also experience fatigue since many students don’t go to bed until 2 a.m., but may rise early for a morning class.”
It is important to stay focused on school but don’t forget to have fun.
“The freshman year is certainly full of new experiences,” says Pitman.
It is a time when students develop new friendships, take part in new experiences and find a new identity. It’s a time when students are able to sample a little of everything. Often, it’s the first taste of freedom students feel from their parents. But even freedom comes with responsibility.
“Try not to get behind,” advises Pitman. “Treat the first couple of days as serious as you would the last couple days of the semester.”
It is easy for students to get side-tracked from studies with all the exciting activities happening around campus. But it is important to remember that when students don’t keep up with homework, it can pile up without them realizing. While staying on top of studies is important, it also is important to get involved in university activities.
“Join a club, an organization or become involved in leadership opportunities in your living groups,” says Pitman.
The University of Idaho has many opportunities and organizations where students can become involved. The Associated Students of the University of Idaho Volunteer and Engagement Office is a great starting point for students looking to volunteer in service trips, habitat for humanity, and alternative service break trips.
“Enjoy some of the unique and wonderful out-of-class opportunities,” says Pitman.
Also, don’t forget to check out opportunities and clubs associated with individual colleges. This can be helpful in the future and show leadership positions that pertain to a specific major.
“There are many communities that are built within an academic department,” says Pitman. “These communities may even launch students into a career.”
And Pitman's best advice? "Don’t be afraid to try new things. This is what college is for: experiment and experience."