New students should take advantage of the time they have in Moscow
Congratulations. You’re now a Vandal.
You’ll soon start to notice, if you haven’t already, it isn’t just the campus that makes being a student in Moscow great.
That’s part of what makes walking on campus in August so easy. The streets fill with thousands of students moving into their homes for the year, the line in front the Vandal Card window stretches out the door and new students eagerly buzz around campus socializing with other newcomers.
The small close-knit community of Moscow really comes to life when crowds of people come to town. The area thrives and buzzes with all the newfound energy. Soak it in, enjoy it and immerse yourself in the community, even when it’s calmer than how you find it when you first arrive.
The Vandal family stretches wide and far. Whenever you meet a Vandal, they will always be happy to give advice. Whether it’s an employee at the financial aid or registrar’s office, an academic adviser or a Vandal you meet off campus — like at your first summer internship or future career — you’re sure to get the advice you need.
So when you’re wandering around campus your first couple of days, don’t be afraid to ask for advice or assistance. Take the time to absorb all of the information you can. The University of Idaho offers a lot of opportunities to do something you like and meet new people.
You’ve already made the decision to attend UI — hopefully it was a good one. You owe it to yourself to make the most of it, especially for the price you (or your parents, if you’re lucky) are paying.
If you’re already going to school full-time, take the art class you’ve always wanted to or the science class you know you’ll never use but think is cool. It’s OK to not know what you want to do or change your major one or more times. This is the time to explore your options and find what will make you happy and successful.
It sounds clich, but the best way to make the most out of your college career is to find something you like doing and people you like doing it with. Plus, if you pick your activities carefully, they won’t only help you get through college, but they’ll help you get a job or an internship as well.
Volunteer, run for student government, join a club, participate in research or play club or intramural sports. There really is something for everyone. If you’re not sure what to do, visit the Department of Student Involvement on the third floor of the Idaho Commons.
The best part is, you don’t have to know anyone at UI to get involved. If you feel like you are the only one without a best friend on campus in the first few weeks, you’re definitely not alone.
But don’t worry, because when your senior year rolls around you’ll be the one going to parties and sharing a Patty’s burrito with a large circle of friends.
— KH