The fall semester is always a special time for me. The energy is fresh, with new students moving into their dorms and returning students reuniting with their friends. Moving, exploring campus buildings and meeting new people is exciting for freshmen, but it can also be stressful. As a junior at Shippensburg, I have been through it before, and so has every other upperclassmen student on this campus. Here are some tips to make sure that your first week on campus is as seamless as possible.

1. Talk to people

Talking to new people can be hard. I moved to Shippensburg without knowing a single person on campus. At first, I was anxious and unsure of myself. However, I eventually adopted the mindset of “Who cares?” If someone I meet during Fall Welcome Week dislikes me, who cares? There is no point in being embarrassed. Everyone around you is also anxious and unsure of themselves. By starting a conversation with someone, you may be calming their nerves, in addition to your own. 

2. Calm down

When I was a freshman, I was scared of everything. I have always been anxious, but coming into a new environment, I wanted to be prepared for anything. A few weeks before classes started, I emailed all of my professors to ask what textbooks I needed. As I later learned, this was completely unnecessary. Most people will tell you to wait until the first week of classes to see if you need to buy any materials. You are probably nervous about college, but take a breath. You will be fine. Even if you mess something up, everything will be okay.

3. Join clubs

The best thing to do outside of class to get to know people is to join clubs that interest you! Even if you do not become an official member, meeting new people with similar interests can be a great experience. Most campus groups will be at the Campus Activities Fair, so explore your options there!

For many, their first year of college starts a new chapter of life. Take this opportunity to learn who you are and what you like. I guarantee that you will be a different person four years from now. Embrace it. Welcome to Ship!

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