The transition to the University of Idaho can be an exciting yet confusing and stressful time for incoming freshmen and transfer students. But there are people at UI who want to help, and it doesn’t hurt that they’ve been down Hello Walk a time or two. Here’s what University of Idaho faculty, staff and students think all incoming students should know.
Max Cowan — ASUI President
Create a support system
“Someone to drive you home when you need it, lend you notes when you miss class, walk you to the health clinic or counseling center when you’re not feeling well.”
Go to the office
“Have a question about financial aid, student involvement, or the career center? Nothing beats face-to-face.”
Get consent
“College students have sex. If you do, make sure you’ve got consent. Nothing is sexier than ‘Yes,’ or the effort to ask for one.”
Make eye contact
“Introduce yourself to your professors by shaking their hand and looking them in the eyes, then follow up during office hours. It’s harder to fall behind if they know you.”
Make music
“Pooping in the Ridenbaugh bathrooms is the best. It’s the noisiest building on campus. If you don’t know where that is, look at a map (bonus advice).”
Kathy Aiken — Interim Provost
People care
“They should know that there are people here who are interested in their success so they aught to reach out to those people if they are having any kind of issue. I think that’s most important.”
Go to class
“That is the single most important element for success for a student at the University of Idaho.”
Get involved
“They should join or be involved in at least one thing outside of the classroom that is of interest to them. That helps them make connections with the university and the community, it provides some social interaction outside of the classroom that I think is really important, and helps people be involved in the community.”
Go to something
“The fourth thing I think they should know … they should attend some events. A sporting event, a theatrical event, a musical event, a lecture … something. We have so many options that you should really take advantage of that.”
Be safe
“The last thing is that you should remember your personal safety is certainly our concern but it’s also … you have some responsibility for making good choices and being thoughtful about your safety and the students who are directly around you. We are a really safe campus and we pride ourselves on that but people have some individual responsibility for making the right kind of choices and being thoughtful about those things.”
Bonus points
“If there’s a sixth one, you should write your parents, call occasionally … and not just when you need money.”
Alton Campbell — Acting Director, University Honors Program
Participate
“Get involved in at least three activities fall semester — consider a department activity like a student club, an interesting fun activity — such as the Ultimate Frisbee Club, and a leadership or service event/activity — like Fall Leadership Week or Saturday of Service.”
Expand your mind
“Use your time at the UI to study and learn, to develop your thinking skills and to discuss your ideas with other students.”
Volunteer
“Stop by the Volunteer Center, look over all of the options, and sign up for a service project. Start thinking about an ASB (Alternative Service Break) trip for next spring.”
Make connections
“Get to know at least one professor and/or staff member fall semester.”
Don’t be afraid
“Ask for help when you need it”
Craig Chatriand — Associate Dean of Students
Get involved
“Get involved with your residence hall community or the Greek community. Join a campus club (especially in your major) or play an intramural sport. Students who are involved tend to earn better grades and enjoy their colleges experience more.”
Find your happy place
“Find two special places on campus to study. Explore campus and by the third week of classes, have two places where you can go and get down to the business of learning.”
Eat fresh
“Attend the Moscow Farmer’s Market. This great event happens every Saturday through October from 8 a.m. – 1 p.m. on Main Street.”
Get advice
“Meet your academic advisor. This person can be a tremendous help to you if you get to know them early in your first year.”
Become a true Vandal
“Buy a copy of the “I Book” and learn the traditions of the University of Idaho. Our institution has a great history and becoming a Tradition Keeper is a great way to pass on what it means to be a Vandal.”
Marissa Rudley — Campus Dietician
Stay healthy
“Never underestimate the power of nutrition and physical activity on your physical and mental wellbeing–make the choice to live up to your healthiest potential.”
Shop well
“Smart food shopping, meal planning, and cooking are skills that serve you for a lifetime. Take advantage of the free monthly cooking classes and find your inner chef.”
Not ramen
“Contrary to popular belief, pizza, energy drinks and Top Ramen are not the foundations of a balanced college diet. While these can be incorporated into a healthy diet, moderation and balance is key.”
Prioritize and budget
“Eating healthy doesn’t have to be expensive. When you prioritize healthy eating and eat unprocessed, whole foods that are in season, it’s a win-win for your health and budget.”
Eat fresh
“Take advantage of fresh foods grown by local farmers. Get to know the Moscow Farmer’s Market on Saturdays, get involved with the UI Soil Stewards, or shop at the Moscow Food Co-op and enjoy the best of the Northwest.”
Shannon Haselhuhn — Health Education Program Coordinator
Wear comfortable shoes
“Though fashion is important, walking all day up and down hills — sometimes in the snow and rain — will make you appreciate functionality over style … besides that, it makes you look smart.”
Use the Student Rec Center
“You have an amazing facility to get sweaty in every day. There are so many choices for exercise, so find something that you like and get your money’s worth.”
Know the resources that are here to help you
“This campus offers programs, services and resources to assist students with academics, health, safety and so much more. If you need something, just ask. I bet you’ll find the help you need.”
Go to class
“Make it easy on yourself and decide to show up every day.”
Look out for each other
“If you see someone who needs some help, help them. We’ve all been there, and we’ll all be there again. Following the golden rule never stops being cool.”
Butch Fealy — Director for Intramural Sports
Get active
“Whether it is a club, your living group government, intramural sports, student government … find something that you like or are passionate about and be a part of something bigger than you. You will enhance your resume and personal development just by devoting a couple hours a week to something outside the classroom.”
Spend money wisely
“I have donated to Goodwill so many things I thought I needed in college, video games, clothes and furniture that I couldn’t live without. Turns out you don’t. Survive on the basics.”
Know the people who work here
“Introduce yourself to your professors and other University staff. They truly care about your success and want to celebrate your triumphs and help you avoid pitfalls.”
Sit in the VIP section
“Sit in the front row and do all the extra credit they give you. If you went to a baseball or basketball game you would want to be in the VIP section, so sit there in the classroom and start getting used to it.”
Start building good behaviors
“Get to the gym, get a sleep schedule down, eat healthy, stay active, volunteer, and of course, study. There is always going to be distractions but get started while you have so much access and start shaping the best you possible.”
Ben Kirchmeier — Customer Support Manager, ITS
Pay attention to email changes
“We now have a single account for your email, Black Board and the student computing labs and that’s all your NetID. So that will be your (email address) as your username at http://vandals.uidaho.edu and then your password.”
Have each other’s back
“There’s a new program that the Dean of Students is doing. It’s the ‘I Got Your Back’ campaign and this promotes safety across campus and what to do and how to stand up for people that are maybe in some serious trouble.”
Study spaces
“The library is an easy place to study and there are a couple of computer labs there.”
Head to Bob’s
“Bob’s Place is actually a fairly good place to go if you don’t live on campus. It’s a reasonable place to eat.”
Free stuff
“Don’t forget to install Sophos antivirus, which is free for all students.”