June 7, 2024
By Tom Dey, a New Student Enrollment leader and marketing major from Wheaton, Illinois
Transitioning to college life as an out-of-state student can feel daunting, but there are key steps to make the process smoother and more enjoyable. As someone who has been through this experience, I’ve found that getting involved and being proactive are crucial. Here are some essential tips to help you integrate into campus life and make the most out of your college experience.
Embrace Big Red Welcome Events
Firstly, attend the prominent Big Red welcome events held during move-in week. These events provide invaluable opportunities to connect with peers and familiarize yourself with campus culture. As move-in starts, everyone rushes to settle into their dorms, suites and Greek houses. The university hosts daily events throughout the week to help students meet each other and find activities to get involved in.
One particularly fun event is the block party. During this event, we visited the HSS (Harper, Schramm and Smith) or the suites area, where they had set up bouncy houses, yard games and food trucks. It was a memorable night that showcased the vibrant campus atmosphere coming to life. Another exciting event that week is the Boneyard Bash, which takes place on Saturday at Memorial Stadium. Students can watch the Huskers scrimmage for about an hour or so. Coach Rhule also talks about making it a great school year, which adds to the excitement and school spirit.
Build Relationships with Dorm Floor Mates
Prioritizing relationships with your dorm floor mates is essential. These individuals will form an essential support network during the school year and beyond. When making connections on the floor, I always embraced the role of the event planner. I found that organizing group lifts at the REC, poker nights or study sessions created a welcoming atmosphere where everyone could feel included.
Never be afraid to knock on your neighbors’ doors; everyone is in the same boat during those first few weeks, eager to make friends and find their place. It’s amazing how a simple invitation can lead to lasting friendships and a strong sense of community. Remember, those initial connections can become some of the most memorable and cherished parts of your college experience.
Create Lasting Traditions
One particularly memorable tradition that started during our freshman year and has continued into our sophomore year is attending all the Husker football games front row, decked out in matching red and white overalls. This spirited display of school pride quickly became a cherished ritual for our floor. Donning those vibrant overalls and cheering on our team created strong camaraderie and unity. It was incredibly fun and made us feel like an integral part of the Husker community. This tradition bonded us as friends, fostered a sense of belonging, and brought us closer together, making our college experience even more special. Getting a text from a family member or friend saying they saw us on TV in overalls was always fun.
Attend the Club Fair and Get Involved
Finally, one of the best pieces of advice I can offer for meeting people on campus is to attend the club fair and get involved in a club. When I was considering what to join, I thought back to the activities I enjoyed in high school, like cross country and track. At the fair, I eventually found the table for the Running Club and eagerly signed up. Joining the Running Club has been an incredibly rewarding experience, allowing me to connect with other passionate runners who share my love for the sport. It’s been a fantastic way to build friendships and create a supportive community based on our common interests. Being part of this club has not only enriched my college life but also made the campus feel like home.
Try New Activities
On top of joining the Running Club, I wanted to try something new and different. A bunch of the guys on my dorm floor mentioned they were creating an intramural flag football team and invited me to join. Although running plays and playing defense were not my strong suits, being a runner helped me keep up with the physical demands of the game. More importantly, it was a fantastic way to introduce myself and get to know the guys better. We bonded over small talk on the sidelines while waiting to go in for the next play.
Additional Tips
These experiences are just some suggestions on how to meet people during the first few weeks of your first year on campus. Whether it’s through clubs, sports or simply being open to new activities, there are countless opportunities to connect and build lasting friendships. Here are a few more tips to consider:
- Attend Academic and Social Events: Many academic departments and student organizations host events during the first few weeks. These can be great opportunities to meet people with similar academic interests.
- Participate in Community Service: Joining community service projects is a wonderful way to give back while meeting like-minded individuals.
- Explore the Campus and Surrounding Area: Take time to explore the campus and the local area. Familiarizing yourself with your new environment can make it feel more like home.
- Stay Open-Minded: Be open to new experiences and people. College is a time to explore different perspectives and cultures.
By taking these proactive steps, you can effectively integrate into campus life and make the most out of your college experience. Embrace the opportunities, build meaningful connections and create lasting memories. College is not just about academics but also personal growth, building relationships and enjoying new experiences. Go Big Red!!!