Get Some New School S-P-I-R-I-T
Feeling comfortable on your new campus is vital to a smooth transition. However, this can seem like a daunting task.
You are no longer a nervous freshman, but you are changing schools and adjusting to a new environment. You’re probably also going to be attending a much larger university than your old community college. Don’t let this intimidate you.
This is your chance to really become a part of your university, not just another face in the crowd. Read on for some suggestions that will help make the shift from community college to university a little less intimidating.
Get to know your school
This will make it easier for you to meet people and feel at home. First of all, hit the Internet and do some research. Learn about the school’s traditions. Find out what the school song is, what they use for a mascot and what your new school colors are. You can even buy some t-shirts and sweatshirts with the school’s name and logo.
Find out about clubs and organizations
Most schools have a long roster of clubs for just about any major or interest. Join an art club, the student government, or put yourself on the committee for student activities. Whatever your interests are, there should be one available for you. Once you join, you will automatically have a network of people who enjoy the same things you do.
Put yourself out there
Talk to as many people as you can. This may be hard, especially if you tend to be shy, but you have to try. You won’t meet anyone if you don’t put yourself out there. Besides, there are probably tons of people just as nervous as you. By Marian Dodd, Staff Writer
Check out the teams
Athletic games provide a great way to socialize. Cheering on your school’s athletes will give you instant common ground with other students, plus it’s fun to be surrounded by a bunch of people rooting for the same team.
Volunteer
Volunteering is rewarding, but it is also a great way to meet people. When you volunteer, you meet other people who live on or around your new campus. It can also give you perspective about the area in which you go to school. As an added bonus - it’s great for that all important resumé.
Expect the unexpected
Don’t set yourself up with a lot of ideas about what your new school will be like. Be open to different people and new experiences. You’ll learn a lot of things and meet some great people.
Now go out there and make your new university your home. Don’t forget to show some S-P-I-R-I-T along the way!
