The first week of classes is fun, and maybe a little scary for everyone. Whether you’re a first-year student or a senior, there is a lot of uncertainty in the air. If you’re a first-year student feeling nervous about the college transition, don’t worry! You are not alone and there are people here to help make it easier.
Although it can be a scary transition, it’s also a very exciting one. The start of the fall semester means a clean slate, and the start of new beginnings. The first week is all about getting to know your professors, and understanding all the expectations of each class. So, if this is your first rodeo, don’t panic. Below, I have listed out everything you need to know to survive the first week of classes:
IF YOU GET LOST it’s okay! You can ask any passing person and they will either help you find your way or be lost themselves. It is completely normal to be lost at first. We are lucky to have a small enough campus that is relatively easy to get around. The Shults Center is right in the middle of everything, so if you get lost and can find your way back to the Shults Center, you’re pretty much within sight of anywhere you could possibly need to go on campus.
IF YOU WALK IN LATE TO CLASS don’t sweat it. Again, the professors understand that new students are still trying to find their way around. So, don’t freak out if you are about to walk into class late, it happens!
THE SUNDAY before the first week of classes is usually the part-time job fair on campus, where students can talk with on-campus employers about finding part time work right on campus. Attending this is a great way to figure out what your schedule might look like if you choose to work your freshman year.
THE CAB(Campus Activities Board) and UA(Undergraduate Association) put on a lot of great events to celebrate the first week of classes, and I would recommend taking advantage of these! To find these events, simply go to the Nazareth College app and look through the events page to see what’s happening each week. Last year, they brought in food trucks, sponsored trips around Rochester, and had an ice cream social for the commuters.
My final suggestion is that you do a dry walk around campus the weekend before classes start. It’s a great way to get to know the campus a bit better before heading to class for the first time. I did this a couple of times when I came in as a first-year because I am directionally challenged and always get lost no matter where I am! You may also want to take a peek inside the academic buildings to find your classrooms, which are listed right on your class schedule! That way, you aren’t wandering aimlessly around the hallways on Monday!
My #1 tip is to just enjoy the first week! Enjoy the unknown, and enjoy the process of building knowledge and understanding more about the somewhat “intimidating” transition from high school to college. The first week of college is likely something you won’t forget, so just have fun!
