Hello incoming freshmen! College is an experience that can be both exciting and overwhelming. That’s okay! There are lots of new things to get used to, and it’s normal to feel nervous. But our hope is for you to love life as a student at Walla Walla University, so here are a few tips for making your college experience fun and enjoyable.
1. Get out of your comfort zone and be friendly.
Proverbs 18:24 (NKJV) says, “A man who has friends must himself be friendly.”
The first few weeks of college is the prime time to find friends. Everyone is experiencing something new, getting out of their comfort zone, and searching for their place. This is a great opportunity to get to know people, hear their stories, and make friends. The people you meet that first week may just be friends for life.
2. Find your classrooms before the first day of class.
There are few things more stressful than running behind to your first college classes as you struggle to find the correct building and room. Any new place can be a bit confusing before you learn your way around, but finding your classroom a day or two before classes start will help your first day run more smoothly.
3. Visit the Student Development Center.
The SDC is located in the basement of Village Hall. It houses career services, disability support services, peer tutoring, and internship services.
Career Services provides you with access to resources that include: internship databases, application preparation, interview training, career fairs, LinkedIn profile preparation, business etiquette training, personality and interest assessment and counseling, and industry leaders.
Disability Support Services can provide students with electronic books, test access assistance, housing and dietary accommodations, interpreter accommodation, lecture and note-taking assistance, as well as adaptive technology and equipment loans.
Peer Tutoring is free for all WWU students and includes support for most lower-division classes as well as some upper-division classes.
For many majors at WWU internships are required and Internship Services helps connect you with the opportunities you need to satisfy those requirements.
4. Embrace the Sabbath.
College is often an exciting time of life, but it is busy and can be overwhelming. You are likely to make some of the most amazing memories of your life, but burnout is real. We recommend finding ways to make Sabbath a meaningful and restful day for you. There are lots of Sabbath worship opportunities on campus, and the Walla Walla area is home to many outdoor recreational areas.
5. It can take a little while to find your stride, and that’s OKAY!
There are many changes to get used to as you settle into college. You will likely have a lot of questions and feel overwhelmed with information. That’s normal. Give yourself some grace and hang in there.
At WWU, all freshmen have their own personal mentor. Feel free to ask your mentor questions or let them know if you need help. They are there to make your transition into college as enjoyable as possible.
Posted September 2, 2021
