Twelve Tips for Incoming First-Year Students at Wake Forest University
By Lynn Huffard
Disclaimer: this article was written prior to WFU decisions about returning to campus amid the coronavirus pandemic*
As the summer days begin to wane and your arrival at Wake’s campus comes closer and closer, it is super normal to be feeling anxious and scared. I remember feeling so overwhelmed by the thought of move-in day that I could basically cry on command. It’s for sure a nerve-wracking time and has probably only become more stressful under the circumstances of Covid-19, where the bookend events of your senior year were abbreviated and adjusted.
Despite the circumstance, I hope these twelve tips for incoming first-year students will give some insight into what to expect when you first arrive to campus and provide helpful tips to successfully transition to college life.
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1. Wake Forest University does an amazing job welcoming first year students to campus. Lay your worries to rest because Wake Forest University is so prepared to welcome its first-year students. All of cozy South Campus is teeming with positive energy on move-in day. Everyone is flanked by their families or friends from home, carrying in boxes and lamps and supplies. There are huge, strong, friendly athletes all lined up ready to help you unload and carry your bags and things inside the dorms.
2. August in North Carolina is HOT & HUMID, so wear something breathable and comfortable to move-in. Don’t worry about dressing up or trying to look cute. Just wear something that is easy like a light white tee, flowy shorts and sneakers. Comfort is key here.
3. Speaking of clothes… I remember feeling so nervous about what to wear to classes at college, and the thing is, you can wear just about anything. Some people like to get dressed up, some people wear workout gear, and some wear sweats at all times. Whatever your personal style is go for it. I personally like to wear jeans and a cute top, or even dress up a bit for classes with a skirt, dress or romper, just to get myself in school mode- but there are some days you are sure to find me in sneakers leggings and a t-shirt! I also wear a backpack everywhere on campus, and basically everyone else does too. A nice backpack and a coat that goes with everything I think are two staples to invest in for school!
4. Just bring essentials. Do not worry if you feel like you don’t have everything site on scene- decorations, storage, etc. There is a tent set-up on Hearn plaza with rugs, lamps, mirrors, and storage bins- plus anything you can’t get there, you can get at the Target, Walmart or Home Goods all in the Winston-Salem area- or worst-case - order online. Settling in takes time so the room probably won’t be perfect right away!
5. It’s ok and expected for move-in to be a little awkward. It’s you and a random roommate settling into a tiny dorm room- but that is also half the fun! I was in Collins, whose rooms are painfully small, but it’s ok because it gives you a chance to get creative. Also don’t let the size of your room freak you out. The beauty of smaller dorms is they encourage students to be more active and social, going out into the lounge areas to hang out and keeping doors open in an inviting and friendly way.
6. Go to the orientation events. Although sometimes they feel a little contrived or awkward, they are such an important part of the Wake Forest University experience. There is no other time like this, and it can be the place where you meet lasting friends. My current best friend and I met day 1 in our student advising group- so be open and enjoy it, even though it maybe feels a little weird. Your student advisors are also great resources as well as your RA’s if you need advice or are feeling homesick at first!
“1. Everyone is in the same boat 2. Take your time settling in, it is a big adjustment, 3. Do things that make you happy, and feel good- health should always be your first priority!”
7. Reach out to upperclassmen. Don’t be afraid to ask upperclassmen you know already for advice and guidance. Getting other perspectives can be so helpful and help calm your nerves. Also, they will be able to help you out with social events happening and introduce you to more people. Everyone remembers being a first-year student and are usually really excited to help out!
8. Take time for yourself- it’s ok to not be doing something at all times. FOMO is a real thing at college, and for a lot of students it’s probably the first time you have felt it before- and it can be really anxiety inducing. My recommendation is: schedule time for just you. Whether that is taking an hour to nap, watching your favorite show, or going to the gym, it is important to take care of yourself first and that way you will feel energized when you are out socializing, in class, or doing just about anything else on campus. Sometimes you may feel like if you’re not socializing or doing something you are missing out, but that is not the case- and trust me, everyone is feeling the same way. You could leave your room door open, to keep a friendly vibe going, and reach out to those on your hall or in your orientation groups who you could see yourself becoming friends with. Just remember, it is ok and important to relax during this transition!
Image: WFU Instagram
9. Limit first semester activities. Adjusting to college life is in and of itself a large activity that is going to take a lot of your time and energy. Although it is tempting to sign up for anything and everything that Wake has to offer (the activity fair is hot and a lot), allow yourself an adjustment period. I would say try to do 1 or 2 clubs or activities that pique your interest first semester. It is a great way to meet more people and a great way to get to know upperclassmen! But be choosy- do things that you know you will enjoy, for example if soccer was your thing in high school, then do the club soccer team. Stick to things you will look forward to going to, so they don’t add stress, but instead provide a welcome break in your day and another social outlet that isn’t just hanging with friends or going out.
10. Social life is important – but find a balance. I think a lot of students first year find it difficult to balance social life with school and general health- and that’s normal! Try to find friends that have similar attitudes towards going out and partying as you- or at least one buddy who does. This will help you stick to what makes you feel most comfortable. Pace yourself with social activities, it can be really tiring, so no need to overexert! If you know any upperclassmen definitely reach out to them about nights and events that will be fun to attend. It is really important to listen to your health and your body and to be safe- parties will always be there- make yourself a priority and try to start slow and find a rhythm that works for you and your schedule!
11. Eating on campus. Wake is not necessarily a food lover’s haven, but it definitely has options. There’s the main eating hall the Pit (has stations with basically all your basics), Village Juice (a healthier but pricier option), Forest Greens (Salads and Sandwiches), Chik Fil’ A, Moe’s, Subway, and Starbucks. Meals are a really good break from school to socialize and decompress a bit. Find friends who you can plan having meals with and allow yourself time to find food that makes you feel good on campus. Read the descriptions of each plan and see which residents they are each catered towards. The good news is, you can always add on food dollars, so if you are someone who you don’t think will eat at the main dining hall (the pit) that often, then maybe get a plan with smaller amounts of swipes and add on food dollars. The pit however, is a great place to be social especially for underclassmen, so definitely have a plan first year that will give you the freedom to choose!
12. You will be in class- but probably not as much as you expect. As a first-year student you will probably feel at first like you have tons of free time and not tons of class. While the time spent in class in college is definitely less- how much work you need to commit outside of the classroom will probably increase. That said- as first year students you will definitely have more free time than you did in high school because you aren’t physically in a building all day- so use the time to go to the gym or run outside (endorphins please!), or take a nap (I never napped until my first year of college- you will probably too), or spend time with your friends! Wake Forest definitely has a work hard, play hard culture, so you honestly will probably spend a lot of time in the library or wherever you choose to work- so study alongside friends when you can to make life a little more fun.
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I hope these tips were helpful and eased your mind about your arrival and first few weeks at Wake. The most important takeaways from this are that 1. Everyone is in the same boat 2. Take your time settling in, it is a big adjustment, 3. Do things that make you happy, and feel good- health should always be your first priority!
Wake is such an amazing place with tons of resources to help you. It is a beautiful campus full of smart and social students- enjoy it! Feel free to submit more questions to WFU Style by emailing us wfustyle@gmail.com, or dm-ing us on Instagram: @wfustyle.
We will be at the activity fair come fall- definitely consider joining if you have a passion for lifestyle, fashion, & culture! Can’t wait to meet you all :)
