First Week of College FAQs

So you moved in, said sweet goodbyes to your family and finally met your new roommate. Your freshman year is in full swing, yet there are still questions to be answered. Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about the first week of freshman year.

When can I buy my textbooks?

You don’t need to get your books right away, so it’s best to wait until after the first class to be certain of which edition your professor requires. Spend time finding the most inexpensive option, because as long as you have your textbooks by the start of the second week, you’ll be alright. Sites to buy or rent textbooks are Half.com, Amazon.com and Campusbookrentals.com.

When should I join clubs, Greek life and teams?

Attending an activities fair or asking about groups doesn’t hurt, but don’t feel pressured to make these commitments during the first week. There are plenty of opportunities to get involved on campus later in the year, and most other freshmen spend their first week getting to know campus life.

If an appealing opportunity arises, then consider it, but don’t feel pressured. Joining groups just to get involved quickly can be stressful. After all, your grades will be your biggest priority.

Do I have to rush to find my long-time friends?

There’s a chance you’ll end up living down the hall from the friends you’ll keep in touch with for the rest of your life. If you don’t experience this, there’s no need to worry. All freshmen are somewhat nervous about making new friends when they arrive on campus.

There’s no rush. If you put yourself out there and try to meet new people, you’ll certainly find great friends during the first few weeks of school. Like any process, good things take time.

When can I drop a class?

Before you decide, take at least one more week to attend the class and weigh the pros and cons. If, after greater consideration, you still want to drop it, don’t feel embarrassed. Many successful students drop classes for various reasons, and if you regularly see your advisor for proper classes, it won’t have a negative effect on your transcript.

Familiarize yourself with the drop deadlines and try to replace dropped classes so you still earn enough credits for the quarter or semester. Ideally, retaking the class will show graduate or professional schools that you respect the academic process and want to learn.

When will this start to feel normal?

Transitioning to life on campus can be different for everyone. Your first week may feel hectic and filled with information, but rest assured that it will calm down. You’ll grow accustomed to having a new schedule and you'll make friends naturally. For a few weeks, life is going to feel unusual, but trust that things normalize as the term gets underway.