College is a time of excitement, exploration, and freedom for many students. It’s a chance to discover new things that you are passionate about in a safe environment. However, not everyone is able to dive head-first into the whirlwind of university life. With so many unique new experiences, it is not surprising that you may long for the familiar. If you ever feel overwhelmed, check out these suggestions that will help you get acclimated quickly.
We’re Here to Help You.
Just remember – people process new situations in a different ways. Don’t feel discouraged if it seems everyone around you is having an easier time with college life than you are. There are people here who want you to have a great experience at UNCG and are just waiting for you to let them know you need assistance.
Get to Know your RA.
You will have an RA assigned to your area of the residence hall. Getting to know your RA is an important first step in feeling connected. RAs host social events on your floor or in your building. Attending these events is a great way to connect with others in your hall. You can also assist your RA in putting events together. RAs love getting your input.
Stay on campus for the first few weekends.
For the first few weeks, there will be a multitude of programs and fun activities you can attend. Attending these events is a great way to meet people with whom you can form friendships. If you go home every weekend, it may take you more time to make connections with other new students.
Leave the door open when you’re home.
An open door is welcoming to other residents. If you keep your door closed at all times, your floor-mates probably won’t realize that you’re home. When you’re in your room and you feel like socializing, just prop the door open.
Be the first one to say, “Hello.”
This can be especially challenging if you’re naturally shy. Try giving yourself a pep-talk to work up the nerve to step into view, and introduce yourself. You might be surprised to find that the person you talk to may be struggling to talk to others too.
If you feel homesick, tell someone.
If you’ve made some new friends, let them know you’re feeling a little blue – they might be feeling the same or could have ideas of how to take your mind off of any feelings of homesickness. Your RA and the professional staff (i.e. CRL/ACRL/RCC) in your building are also great resources. They go through detailed training to help you.
Socialize
Talking to other new students is a very important step in getting acclimated to campus life. So is being willing step out of your comfort zone. Following are just a few ways that you can get connected to your campus community:
- Attend events in your residence hall.
- Create activities for others to attend. Invite other new students to these activities.
- Say “Hi” to familiar and unfamiliar faces.
- Meet others on your floor or in your hall.
- See what UNCG and Greensboro have to offer and invite new friends to join you.
Be Respectful
Respecting your roommate, hall-mates, and staff is important. We have tools in place that can help. The first step is to complete and abide by the Roommate Agreement Form, a form that contains communication tips, general expectations for roommate relationships, discussion questions, and a roommate contract. This form will allow you to set ground rules with your roommate before issues arise.
Here are a few more suggestions:
- Calmly and respectfully address any concerns directly with your roommate. Don’t gossip down the hall or on social media.
- Abide by policies. Keep noise levels down. Keep common areas clean.
- Respect UNCG. Contribute positively to the UNCG reputation as an institution of which you can be proud to be a part.
- Take pride in your hall. Make this a place others envy. Get involved in ways that will make your hall the best place to live.
- Respect yourself. Make choices that positively contribute to your goals.
Be Accountable
As a resident, you are responsible for your actions in the halls. Policies are in place to create a safe environment with comfortable amenities. With your help, we can ensure that the residence hall remains safe and comfortable for everyone. If someone asks you to turn down your music, kindly and respectfully do so. Keep the bathrooms clean after use as others have to use them as well. If facilities need repairing, submit a FIXT Work request. If you believe that others aren’t positively contributing to the community, address them calmly and respectfully. You would be surprised how many people really want to get along, but just don’t realize they are disturbing anyone. Following these practices and policies will help you become part of a great community.
Focus on Academics
Find hall-mates who have classes similar to yours, so you can help each other academically. If you decide to study in the common areas in your hall, you may find that others have similar study patterns and you will be more likely to get into a regular study schedule. Taking charge of your academics will help you feel balanced because you will know when your time is free for community activities.
Have Fun!
If you take the time to plan out your course schedule and your study time first, you can work out when you have free time. You’ll probably find that you have plenty of it. Make time to relax, to go outdoors, to go to the fitness and recreation centers, to do whatever makes you happy. Time for fun is just as important as time for study. If you can figure out how create a work-life balance in college, the results will benefit you for a lifetime.
