4 answers
Parker
Student
Escondido, California
1
Question
Updated
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How should I, as a freshman, look to get involved on campus, in order to build a quick sense of community and belonging, so that college can feel like home?
I am a high school senior, who is going to attend Liberty University, in Virginia, in the fall. I have built a really strong sense of community in my home town in California, and since I'm moving so far away I know a strong community will help me a lot as I miss my home. What are some programs/clubs/things I should do to really get involved early on campus in order to build strong relationships? Should I get a job on campus, join some clubs, etc.? Thanks for the advice!
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4 answers
SARAH O'CONNELL
Program Manager
5
Answers
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Updated
SARAH’s Answer
Hi Parker, the best way to make connections is to be open, introduce yourself, and keep in touch with the people you meet. These small, repeated interactions help turn the campus into a community. Try to say yes often and join activities you truly enjoy, like clubs, residence events, or study groups. Good luck, and I hope you have a great time!
Jarrel Thomas
Senior Support Engineer
13
Answers
Charlotte, North Carolina
Updated
Jarrel’s Answer
Hey Parker, I know being far from home can be daunting and even evoke some anxiety so I want to take a moment to recognize that. Also, just to set the expectation as someone who's moved away from home that building a strong community takes time so don't rush or force it for familiarity.
In a practical sense, I would say ground yourself in the familiarity in terms of what you know. Find clubs or programs you were already doing in California or interest you've had. Having some level of familiarity and comfort in a subject allows you to focus on building good relationships rather that trying to juggle everything at once.
In addition, I would say yes to as many things as you can (within your limit) college is a time for everyone to get meet new people and build friendships, the only way to achieve that is to get out there and meet people. Never let it get in the way of your priorities, but take someone up on a event you may not have thought about you'll never know who you'll meet there and may even learn more about yourself.
Lastly, since you mentioned it I would say only get a job if you need it to build a resume or for finical reasons. While you can meet friends and build relationships at work, the variable of being attached to someone's livelihood adds another layer of difficulty there that would be best to avoid at least until you have another community to lean on during those diffculty times.
Good luck in Virginia and have an amazing time meeting new people!
In a practical sense, I would say ground yourself in the familiarity in terms of what you know. Find clubs or programs you were already doing in California or interest you've had. Having some level of familiarity and comfort in a subject allows you to focus on building good relationships rather that trying to juggle everything at once.
In addition, I would say yes to as many things as you can (within your limit) college is a time for everyone to get meet new people and build friendships, the only way to achieve that is to get out there and meet people. Never let it get in the way of your priorities, but take someone up on a event you may not have thought about you'll never know who you'll meet there and may even learn more about yourself.
Lastly, since you mentioned it I would say only get a job if you need it to build a resume or for finical reasons. While you can meet friends and build relationships at work, the variable of being attached to someone's livelihood adds another layer of difficulty there that would be best to avoid at least until you have another community to lean on during those diffculty times.
Good luck in Virginia and have an amazing time meeting new people!
TRAVIS UPCHURCH
Federal Contract Admin
288
Answers
Austin, Texas
Updated
TRAVIS’s Answer
Take the minimum number of courses your first semester so you can adjust. Get a part time job on campus as a student worker or nearby. Join an intramural sports team on campus. Go to church, meet people, throw a frisbee at someone and see if they throw it back at you. People want to meet you too; you just have to introduce yourself. Good luck you will do well.
Faith Ajanaku
Consulting
4
Answers
Dallas, Texas
Updated
Faith’s Answer
Hi Parker! Here's a simple way to organize your college activities. First, split them into personal and professional categories. For personal interests, think about what you love doing. If you like dancing, anime, or helping others, you could start a dance team, join an anime club, or get involved in community service groups.
For professional interests, consider what you want to study and your career goals. If you're interested in business or technology, look into joining clubs like a consulting club, social entrepreneurship group, or computer science club.
When you get to campus, you'll find many people eager to welcome new members. Just remember not to take on too much at once to avoid stress.
For professional interests, consider what you want to study and your career goals. If you're interested in business or technology, look into joining clubs like a consulting club, social entrepreneurship group, or computer science club.
When you get to campus, you'll find many people eager to welcome new members. Just remember not to take on too much at once to avoid stress.