Wondering what to expect for your first week as a college student? Hillel has the answers.
The fall semester is just around the corner, so what better way to answer all of your last pre-college questions than Hillel’s Virtual College Prep series? “Incoming First Years: Know Before You Go,” hosted by Michael Kagan, director of student experiences at Hillel International, included insider tips for packing, moving, dorm life, and what you can expect in your first week as a college student. Check out some of our favorite pieces of advice!
- When it comes to making the most of the time between move-in day and the first day of classes, it’s all about getting out and getting to know your campus.
First-year students usually arrive before the rest of the students, giving them a few extra days to familiarize themselves with their new spaces. We asked our student panelists how they recommend using that time, and their answers had one common thread: Use these days to meet new people.
“At the most fundamental level, just walk around campus to get a feel for what everything looks like,” said Ben Small, a rising third-year student at the University of Pennsylvania, going on to joke that he highly recommends finding the nearest bathrooms and snack options for all of your classes.
Einav Tsach, a rising fourth-year student at University of Maryland, and co-chair of the Hillel International Student Cabinet, agreed. “Everyone just wants to meet everyone and to make friends,” he said.
If there’s bad weather or you’re more of an introvert, our panelists had advice for that, too. “Leave your door open in your dorm, or wherever you’re living…” Einav suggested. “It might feel awkward at first, but if you just take that little plunge, 99% of the time you’ll find a person on the other side who might be really surprised and impressed.”
- Living with a roommate has its ups and downs. Communication is the best tool for a successful relationship — but it’s okay to find your own space, too!
For many incoming first-year students, college is the first time they’ll be sharing a room with someone from outside of their family. Living with a stranger can be an adjustment, but there are plenty of strategies for navigating these new relationships.
“With roommates, every situation is different,” said Courtney Saxe, a rising second-year student at the University of Arizona. She noted that she found it helpful to remember that both she and her roommate were having this experience for the first time, and that even though they had other differences, that was something they had in common.
One of the biggest challenges many students face with adjusting to roommate life is the lack of alone time. For Courtney, finding her own space and communicating clearly made a big difference. “It’s important to set boundaries and go find your comfort spots on campus,” she said. “Sometimes you just want alone time, and it’s important to communicate that early on.”
Communication can also help when navigating tension or being clear about what you need — or don’t need — from your roommate at different times. “Things are more prone to get tough as the semester progresses,” Ben said, noting that stressors like homework and midterms can lead to increased tension. Being clear about your needs for space, quiet homework time, or support can be the difference between a peaceful dorm room or an uncomfortable one.
- A successful syllabus week can help you lay the groundwork for a successful semester.
Syllabus week, otherwise known as the first week of classes, is usually lighter on homework and assignments, because it’s often a time for students to explore different classes and get used to college life. One thing all our panelists agreed on: It’s not a week to skip class!
“Some people think that this is the week to skip all your classes and go to parties in the evening, but definitely do go to class,” said Einav. “Go to class, take notes, and, more importantly, meet people! This week is a great time to meet people in your classes.”
Having people you know in class is important — classmates can help you study, you can work together on assignments, and if you miss class for some reason, they can help share their notes to help you get back up to speed.
Syllabus week is also a great time to explore different clubs on campus, since you’ll have more free time without a heavy load of homework. “Look at what clubs you want to do, because a lot of clubs require applications,” Ben advised. “Preparing for that in the first two or three weeks of school, when your academic load is a little bit lighter, is probably the best thing you could do.”
- It’s okay to be nervous about antisemitism on campus, but you might be surprised at how much support you’ll find!
It’s no secret that antisemitism on campus has increased since October 7, and at Hillel, students and their parents often ask about how to prepare. Our advice, echoed by all of our panelists: Know your resources, be confident in your identity, and remember that Hillel is always there to help.
“Every Jewish student deserves to feel safe and confident on campus,” Courtney said, noting that resources like your college Hillel and campus4all.org, Hillel International’s one-stop resource for navigating antisemitism on campus, can make it easier to feel confident in standing up for yourself. “But if you’re feeling anxious… go and talk to the Hillel staff. . They’re there, they’re trained, they’re ready to help and help you feel less nervous.”
“There really is a big, strong Jewish community that’s there behind you, and it’s there to support you, whether the specific Jewish community on your campus is big or small,” Einav agreed. “There’s always someone to find. There’s always someone to talk to, and we all are able to have those conversations and lean on each other.”
- At the end of the day, remember: College isn’t only about the classes you take or the clubs you join, but who you become.
When it comes to starting your college experience, there’s a lot of focus on the day-to-day: What you’ll buy to decorate your dorm room, who your friends will be, what classes you take, what clubs or organizations you join. But at Hillel, we want to encourage you to keep at least one eye on the big picture: Who do you want to be when you finish college? How do you want to grow? Who do you want to become?
Whatever the answer, Hillel is here to help you get there.
“Starting college is about taking a leap into the unknown, and truly knowing you are not the only one doing it,” said Samantha Brody Marks, Springboard Ezra Fellow at Boston University. She shared a midrash about Nachshon ben Aminadav, in which Nachshon was the first Israelite to step into the Red Sea after their escape from Egypt, prompting the rest of the community to step forward together.
“You might feel like this is you,” she said. “But it’s important to remember that in this story, Nachshon wasn’t actually alone. All of B’nai Yisrael [the Jewish people], his family, his friends, his community, were all right there behind him.”
“No matter what your first day, your first week, your first year brings, Hillel will be there,” Samantha added. “You’ve got this. We’ve got this. You’re not alone, and if you need anything at all, Hillel has your back.”
For all the insights and takeaways from our student and professional panelists, check out the full webinar recording. And from all of us at Hillel, good luck in your first semester — you’re going to be amazing!