Ram Orientation
By: Sophie Emerson
Hello incoming Rams! It is officially orientation season. More and more students are filtering onto campus for their weekly first-year, transfer, and international student orientations or completing them online, and we are so happy to see so many new faces! As you begin your journey at Colorado State University, it can feel very daunting to try to build a new community in a new place.
As an incoming transfer student for fall 2022 from Wisconsin who did their orientation online, I had no idea what to expect coming into a new environment and starting everything over again. But some activities that helped me get a handle on things were attending the Ram Welcome events and going to all the tables around for the clubs and programs. It really helped to get a feel for what I was interested in and helped me meet new people. Also, I got a free little plant at one of the tables, which was the best part. I especially appreciated the programs that were designed for other students who had things in common with me, such as the transfer welcome events and the events specifically for my major.
Orientation programs can feel overwhelming, but they really are worth it and help you start to settle into campus. Also, if you do not have the resources to come to your summer orientation in person, don’t worry. Once you come to campus or start classes online, your community will start to form around you. Don’t be afraid to put yourself out there and try things you didn’t in high school, like new clubs and on-campus events.
Finally, if you still feel lost into the semester, like many do, here are some resources to help find your community: https://ramlink.campuslabs.com/engage/organizations https://inclusiveexcellence.colostate.edu/ https://engagement.colostate.edu/
If you are a first-year student who is planning to live Off-Campus stay tuned for an email invitation to our first-year seminar taught by Justin Schwendeman-Curtis, our Assistance Director! This course will help you in adjusting to campus during 8 weeks of the fall semester. If you want more information, send Justin an email, justin.schwendeman-curtis@colostate.edu.