Published: Dec. 11, 2019

Chip the buffalo hanging in a hammock in front of will vill east

While you may have been preparing to come to campus for a while, getting here may still require some adjustment. This semester could be your first time at a new school, moving away from home, living with a roommate or taking a university-level course. With each new semester comes a lot of change. Don't worry, we're here to help. Here are a few tips to help you start your first semester off strong at ¾«Æ·SMÔÚÏßӰƬ.Ìý

Find your community

There are many opportunities to find community at CU. Start by connecting with your roommates and neighbors.ÌýIntroduce yourself to the people living in your building or on your floor. Another way to meet new people and find your place on campus is by getting involved! ¾«Æ·SMÔÚÏßӰƬ has a number of clubs, student organizations and free events that you can participate in. Here are some places to start:

  • °Õ³ó±ðÌý has more than 500 student groups with a wide variety of interests. Whether you're into the outdoors, Greek life, academic development or philanthropy, there is a community here for you to join.
  • The offers a number of opportunities to get involved, including club sport teams and intramural sport leagues. You can also join group fitness classes or attend Inclusive Rec events.
  • If you're interested in exploring a substance-free lifestyle, the Collegiate Recovery Center offers free community meetings and sober events for students.

Create a routine

Creating consistency is a great way to manage change and minimize stress. Set yourself up for a great semester by making a new routine for yourself. Here are some ways to get started:

  • Create good habits by setting a consistent bedtime and morning routine. Try to go to bed and wake up at the same times each day, so you can get the recommended 7-9 hours of sleep.
  • Find your favorite study spot on campus or a place to take a break between classes.Ìý
  • Explore campus and find the best way to get to your classes. Try to stick to the same routes for the first few weeks while you know your way around.

Get organized

Get ahead by getting organized early on. Review the syllabus for each of your classes, and make note of important dates and deadlines. Invest in a planner or calendar to help you keep track of assignments, quizzes and presentations. You can also use planner apps like Ìý´Ç°ù .Ìý

Prioritize your mental and physical health

Staying active, practicing self-care and checking in with yourself are important tools to help you feel your best. Here are some steps you can take to reach your wellness goals this semester:

  • Get the recommended 7-9 hours of sleep each night. Nap pods are also available on campus for a mid-afternoon snooze.Ìý
  • Eat balanced meals and snacks throughout the day. Students can also meet with a registered dietitian on campus for a free nutrition consultationÌý´Ç°ù to get help navigating food options in the dining halls.Ìý
  • Take time to relax, engage in hobbies and practice self-care.Ìý
  • Attend free campus events geared towards wellness and healthy living.Ìý
  • Protect yourself against the cold and flu by getting a free flu shot.Ìý
  • Sign up for free workshops to learn about stress management, meditation and more.

Stay in touch

Coming to campus can be a big change. Having people you can talk to and a community to support you during the transition can help. If you are feeling uncertain or overwhelmed by recent changes, reach out to a friend or loved one to talk it through. Stay in touch throughout the semester and make plans to reconnect over breaks.​

Getting used to changes in our lives can take time, and it affects everyone differently. If at any point you feel overwhelmed,  offers free workshops, therapy groups and counseling resources to support students.