Trying to get involved as a first year student can seem like an intimidating task. You are entering a completely new world, and don’t want to step on toes. Trust me, I’ve been there. Thankfully, at Nazareth, there is an abundance of ways to get involved, even as a first-year student.
There are over 50 clubs/organizations here at Naz, and they are all easy to get involved with. You can learn all about each of them at the activities fair, which happens at the beginning of each semester. Every club is there, and you get to meet the leaders of each club. They are always actively looking for new members to join, and there is a club for just about every interest you could possibly imagine. Joining a club is something I definitely recommend, especially if you are looking to get more involved in the campus community and meet new people who share common interests. I was involved in starting the Club Basketball team during my freshman year. Since then, it has grown and although I am no longer a part of it due to time constraints, they have joined a league and play other schools in the northeast region!
There is also a job fair that occurs near the beginning of each semester at Nazareth that takes place in the gym the weekend before classes start. All of the on-campus employers set up tables where you can network and find work on campus. I got hired on the spot at the job fair my freshman year, and a lot of people have similar experiences. It is also a great opportunity to practice networking. Getting an on campus job is a great way to get involved, no matter what year you are.
Going to a variety of on campus events is another great way to get involved as a first year student. A lot of these events are designed to encourage interaction, so they are a great way to get to know people, get involved, and make new friends. There is also a Naz App for students that lets you set preferences and find events that fit your interests. This is probably the most effective way to learn more about what is happening on campus.
My last suggestion is to simply keep your door open as much as possible, and walk around your residence hall. See if anyone has their door open, introduce yourself, and be open to meeting new people. As a first-year, almost everyone is feeling overwhelmed and nervous about meeting new people and making friends. Chances are, you’re in the same boat as a lot of the people you’ll meet in your residence hall. You never know when you’re going to meet your best friend.
Getting involved on campus is an important part of the college experience no matter what year you are, so the earlier you start, the better.