A Letter to Freshman Me (and You, Too!) 

"Hey friend! 

I’m so proud of you for sticking with this school year so far. Being a new student at a new school in a new place is exciting, but it can also feel like a lot sometimes.

There have been days where felt overwhelmed, confused, and sometimes even a little lost. I know that with the winter season in full swing, you might be feeling extra blue or maybe even a little lonely. I just want to let you know, it is totally normal to feel this way!

There are a lot of people at the U who are still looking for their group; you are not behind, and you certainly are not alone.

I  want to share a couple of tips that I have learned along the way to build social connections in college."

Note: Don’t feel like you need to try doing all these things, maybe just pick one that you feel like you can start with and then add another one when it feels right!  

 

Tips for Building Strong Social Skills in College

Get on the campus offices’ email lists and read them! 

Almost every office and department on campus has an email list where they share about giveaways, scholarship opportunities, and fun events they are hosting with regular newsletters.

These email lists are how I found out about a study through the Department of Kinesiology my sophomore year, where I got a free Fitbit for participating! 

Make sure to actually read these emails so you don’t miss out on cool opportunities. Here are a few of my favorite newsletters and links to get signed up you can sign up: 

• Center for Campus Wellness

• Financial Wellness Center

• Office of Undergraduate Research 

 

 

Find a cause you are passionate about and look for ways to volunteer. 

Service is a great way to meet new people, and the best part is that you can start at any time!

 

 

The U has an office that is dedicated to community engagement, which is a great place to start. The office is called the Bennion Center, and here is how you can get started.

 

 

Join an undergraduate research lab. 

You can join a research lab at any time during your undergraduate career at the U. (Yes, even as a freshman!)

The University of Utah is an R1 Institution, which means that you have the chance to work with professors who are leaders in their field. Joining a lab provides you with the opportunity to start networking with other undergraduate students in your field, and possibly graduate/postdoc researchers as well. Connect with the Office of Undergraduate Research to help you get started and explore your options.

 

Join a club that you are interested in. 

Maybe you want to meet people who share a similar interest as you, or maybe you want to try something new. Either way, clubs are a great way to meet people outside of your major and have some fun.

There are over 450 Registered Student Organizations at the U, so there is truly something for everyone. Take a look at Campus Connect, the database for all campus organizations and events, and search to find something interesting! 

 

Apply for an on-campus job. 

If you are looking for a little extra cash and a way to meet students from all over campus, apply for an on-campus job. There is something for everyone. Did you know there is a special place where you can find all open positions on campus? Check it out!

 

 Attend campus events, even if you go alone. 

This is easier said than done, but this is a great way to meet new people quickly. The Union hosts several events a semester designed to help you meet new people, so don’t be afraid to go alone! Be brave, and try to talk to new people. 

• How to find any event on campus: events.utah.edu
• Events at the Union 
• How to register for events: Campus Connect

 

Okay, that was kind of a lot. Like I said, don’t try to do all of these things at once; pick maybe one or two that feel right for you and give them a try. 

But most importantly, please remember to give yourself grace. Remember that you are loved, valued, and seen because you are YOU.

If you ever need support, don’t wait to ask for help; there are so many resources on campus that are designed to assist you and many of them live here at the Center for Campus Wellness. 

 

I am always cheering for you! 

 

Sincerely yours,

-  Sydney