So you just submitted an application to the University of Iowa or are planning on it? First, congratulations! Applying to college or transferring is a big deal, so give yourself some credit especially if you just got accepted! Second, what’s next? Here is a list of things you can look forward to as an incoming freshman or transfer student:

1. Orientation

   Orientation starts with you meeting your academic advisor and picking out your first semester’s schedule of classes. This is a big deal for you! I still remember meeting my advisor for the first time, and I knew developing a connection with them would be one of the best things in my college career (and it has been)! At first, I wasn’t sure if the classes we picked were going to make me happy because we enrolled in classes I wasn’t expecting, but it worked out great in the end because I got to know my likes, dislikes, and try new things (like learning about public health) I wouldn’t have otherwise even paid attention to if I wasn’t given a little nudge in the right direction.

   The next step of orientation is optional. You can choose to participate in the Becoming a Hawkeye program. Here you can come to campus (before On Iowa and your move-in day) to hear from campus offices, learn of campus resources, and meet current and new students!

2. On Iowa!

   On Iowa! is a series of welcome events so you can familiarize yourself with not only the campus, but also your classmates, resources, and the area. Throughout the week you can expect to attend small group welcome sessions to meet and build connections with other new students, take your class photo standing in the block I formation on the Pentacrest (pictured below), and attend the president’s block party and get some free food. One of my favorite On Iowa! events is Kickoff at Kinnick. All the students of your class walk to Kinnick, enjoy free food and snacks, learn the Iowa Fight Song, see so many performances, and more. Don’t forget to track down Herky for a picture!

   

   

3. Success at Iowa

   This is a course that is required for new students to take in their first semester at Iowa, but you work on it online on your own time. This course prepares you and guides you through transitioning to college and the college experience.

   This is a great way to ease the college transition and get set up to be a better student overall. Sometimes, taking other transition programs or classes can be daunting, so keep in mind you must take this course. If you feel like you may need extra help, the programs listed in the next point may be a great resource for you.

4. First-Year/Transfer Student Courses

   First-year courses are of course a one-time opportunity. When you meet with your advisor for the first time you should definitely bring up the following options to talk through what may be right for you.

   One of these course options I completed was a First Year Seminar. Courses in this category are 1 semester hour classes that are meant to be easy. Mine was called Intercultural Communication and Engagement, where there was really only one graded assignment which was recreating a game we played in class with others, reflecting on how it went, and pondering how we could apply principles we discussed in class. Ultimately these first-year seminars are a great place to work closely with other new students, get to know professors, and explore your course interests in an easy manner.

   The College Transition program is another course option just for first-year students. With this program, you will take classes as you normally would and pair select courses with seminars and workshops that facilitate small-group interaction and practicing good college-student habits. The courses highlighted in this program to pair with these workshops and seminars are normally gen-ed courses or courses freshmen commonly take as an introduction to popular majors or tracks, so you won’t be taking a random class without reason. Ultimately, this first-year program is great to be a part of if you are a first-generation college student or feel anxious about becoming a college student.

   A little less structured than the college transition program is Courses in Common. Enrolling in this program allows for you to see familiar faces in at least 2 of your classes. There is no workshop or seminar associated with this program (it may be associated with the class you enroll in though) so you would have to be a little outgoing to say hello in your classes. This program is meant for students to do just this and form study groups between the two classes, so if you are outgoing and don’t feel the need for a workshop about transitioning to college, this program is perfect for you!

   Explore Iowa is another course you can take to learn more about effective learning. What you will cover in this course you can apply in your classes and day-to-day life to help you achieve all of your goals.

   And finally, Honors Prime Time is for University Honors freshman students. Here, you will be able to move in early and take a 3-4 day course for one semester hour of course credit. These courses are supposed to be a fun introduction to the university, your peers, and the honors program. I participated in a course that wasn’t related to my major and covered poetry, and I loved hearing how creative my peers were and how they shared broad perspectives. Courses change every year and range from being very related to academic pursuits to simply exploring the Iowa City area. No matter which you enroll in, the duration is short enough to give any one of the options a try!

5. Move-In Day

   This is one of the most memorable days of your college career. This may be your first time living away from home or in a setting where all your neighbors are students like you. Regardless, move-in day is exciting to make a new space your own. You may even have a roommate to meet (in person) when you get there, just don’t get too excited that you forget to take a picture with your move-in crew!

   

   My biggest piece of advice for this day is to prop your door open while you are moving in, unpacking, and organizing your room. Not only will this bring circulation, but people will stop by to say hi to you. Over the next few days, you will be constantly introducing yourself, listing your major, and where you are from. In the midst of this, try to say hi to your RA. They will be able to help you will all questions about housing in the future, so it would be great to develop a connection with them early!

6. Your First Day of School

   How exciting! Your first day of college! Unlike high school, you can look forward to spending your free time between classes how you wish, the possibilities are endless. The campus is right across the street from downtown, making food and coffee easy to grab with friends. Even more convenient are the multitude of locations on campus just in case you are in a super tight rush.

   I loved scoping out new spots to study when I was new to campus. If you are worried about looking silly or getting lost, you are not alone. Your first day of school is the perfect time to explore, as many other people are too, just give yourself plenty of time to get to class just in case you do get lost!

   Also, take a picture for your mom, she will love it. On my first day of school, there was a student organization advertising on the main walkway of campus saying that they would take a cute first day of school photo for your family. They even had props, how cute!

   

7. The Student Organization Fair

   This is probably the biggest can’t-miss event of your freshman year. Grab your roommate, floormates, or a random person you see walking down the hall to go to the student organization fair. Held once a semester, the student organization fair allows every student organization on campus to table in one space. Whether you are wanting to join a sorority or fraternity, a service group, a social club, an intramural sport, or something else, there is something for everyone to be a part of. The University of Iowa has over 600 student organizations you can get involved in, or you can create your own! This is the best place to get information about any club, sign up for their contact lists, or hear about the experience of being a member. Below is a picture of one of my student organizations tabling at the student organization fair.

   

    

This list is just the beginning of a few things on your journey as a Hawkeye. I hope you are just as excited as I was when I was a freshman and make the most of any opportunity that comes your way!