Freshman year always goes by in a whirlwind. There are so many things going on, people to meet, and places to go that it’s often hard to choose what to focus on. Here are some “must-dos” for the freshman who is unsure of what to do.
Okay, you feel a little silly, nervous, and excited during Welcome Week, but so do all the rest of the freshmen, even if they put up a good front! You will meet a lot of people during this week and become instant friends with some of them. Ultimately, these are the people you are going to be with for the next four years. Have some fun, and enjoy the moments. One day, you will be walking across campus with a friend, you met during Welcome Week, remembering the first time you met each other in a human knot!
One of the greatest mysteries of Alexander Dining Hall is where they get their ice cream flavors. From the typical chocolate ice cream, to the one with the blue pretzels, and all the way to fireball ice cream, the options change every week. Dare to be brave, and try them all out. Trust me; it is a great thing to know all the flavor options. It will save your time come senior year when you only have 10 minutes to eat.
There are many buildings on campus and a lot of different nooks within them. For a couple of weeks, it can be hard to navigate around campus. However, don't worry, you will soon become an expert at knowing exactly when to leave any building to get to class exactly on time. One way to get involved and make friends is to find the CSE Office (the Center for Student Engagement Office). The reason to find this office is because these are the people who put on all the major events around campus for students. So, if you want the inside scoop, that is where you will find it.
There is an age-old tradition here at Geneva College that has been faithfully upheld for years by desperate, late-night crammers, the constantly loyal procrastinator, and unwavering, waiting-to-the-last-minute-to-complete-an-assignment student…the midnight run to Sheetz. You will probably have a point in the year when you realize that you will be staying up very late to finish your list of assignments. That, my youthful freshman, is when you will know it is time for the midnight Sheetz run. Enjoy the walk with your follow red-eyed freshman to get some boneless wings or a milkshake. You might be surprised how productive you are once you've gotten a snack.
Attend an Athletic Event
Yes, this is a “must-do.” Why? Because one-third of the students at Geneva College are student-athletes. Even though you might not be a sports-person, attending sporting events can be a lot of fun. They are also a great way to support your friends and classmates. Get some of your roommates, get out there, and cheer on your school. It is a fun time, and you will not regret it, even if you do need a bit of a refresher on the rules of football.
This freshman “must” is a hard one because it requires a car. However, I have no doubt that you will make friends with someone who has a set of wheels. The incline is located in Pittsburgh and overlooks the whole city. One of the great things about going to Geneva College is that Pittsburgh is just a 40 minute drive away and makes for some great weekend fun. Every freshman should do this before the year is up because it not only gets you out of the Geneva College bubble, but it gives you the opportunity to see the city and experience some new things.
Okay, freshmen, at this point in the semester, you have now payed your dues and have attend chapel faithfully. There may be no need to actually go to the last chapel; however, there is something to be said for the last chapel of the semester. The last chapel of the semester is one of comradery! Yeah, sure the whole campus is not attending. However, the ones who are there are the true spirits of Geneva. They stuck it out (or they had to be there); yet, either way, you are there hearing the Chaplain make one last cheese joke, or watching the last reading series promotional film, or singing the last Psalm of the semester before heading off. There is something special about that last chapel that can only be shared by those who attend.
There are many other things that could be on the list that you will discover in your time at Geneva College, yet for right now, this will do. Now, you can make your own list of Geneva College “must-dos” for the next generation of freshmen.
For more information on Welcome Week or upcoming Geneva events, contact the Center for Student Engagement Office at cse@geneva.edu or 724-847-6644.
-Hannah Beckhusen ‘16
Opinions expressed in the Geneva Blog are those of its contributors and do not necessarily represent the opinions or official position of the College. The Geneva Blog is a place for faculty and contributing writers to express points of view, academic insights, and contribute to national conversations to spark thought, conversation, and the pursuit of truth, in line with our philosophy as a Christian, liberal arts institution.
Aug 29, 2016
Dual enrollment is an opportunity for students to earn college credits in high school. Find out how you can get a head start on your degree!
If you are a high school student who wants to take proactive steps toward a college education, then you might want to consider taking college credits while you're still in high school.
Going to college while still in high school is an adventure. Early college is seen as a benefit to high school students because of the college credits they earn and the experience they gain from working with college. A student starting Early College for the first time could use these five, firsthand tips tips to get the most out of the experience.
Is there a way that we could start to conquer some of those fears before even stepping on the campus as a freshman? The answer to that question is "yes." Early college is a great opportunity for high school students to peer into the college experience before going to college full time.
You've chosen the college campus you love and now you realize the program structure does not move you towards your ultimate goal. Instead of transferring schools, consider creating your own path as an independent major.
Learn more about Geneva College.
Have questions? Call us at 724-847-6505.
© Geneva College | All rights reserved
