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Welcome to Western: Your September Checklist
Starting university can feel exciting and a little overwhelming all at once. This checklist covers five simple things you can do in your first month to feel more settled, social, and set up for success.
Charlotte Montgomery-Seto
Director of Outreach
Hey First Years… welcome to Western!
The first month of university, when everyone is settling in, is a really exciting time. But it can also feel a bit scary! Sometimes, it's easy to compare yourself to your new peers. Feeling like you are “behind” or “not doing enough” is a completely normal feeling. But, to alleviate your fears, here is a certified “First Month of First Year Checklist” to help you first year max!
Join two clubs
Joining clubs is such a great way to meet people who share your interests! Just make sure you pick clubs you're genuinely excited about, not ones you think will look good on a resume. And it doesn't all have to be academic-focused, either. Clubs can just be about having fun and putting yourself out there, whether that's an intramural sports team, a board game group, or a club built around a hobby you love!
Go to all your classes
You don’t necessarily have to go to all your classes to be a successful student. However, going to classes is a great way to keep yourself in a routine, get out of your residence, and meet new people. Plus, it helps you engage with the material better!
Do something social once a week
Not everyone's into the bar scene in first year, and that's completely okay! What matters is making sure you're carving out time away from studying at least once a week to just relax and have fun. It doesn't have to be anything big… hosting a movie night with your new friends or joining an intramural team at the rec can be just as good!
Review your notes
Giving your lecture notes a quick review once a week is such a great habit for keeping up with class content. Trust me, future you will thank you when midterm and finals season rolls around and you're not stuck cramming!
Studying can definitely feel tedious sometimes, but little check-ins like this go a long way in setting yourself up for success. And don't hesitate to ask for help when things get tricky! Office hours (usually posted on your course's OWL page) and student-led study sessions are there for you, so take advantage of them!
Get enough water, sleep, and food
Staying hydrated, well-rested, and fueled with good, healthy food is honestly one of the best things you can do for yourself as a student! Sure, it's tempting to grab a sweet treat with every meal or stay up late chatting with new friends on a school night (we've all been there!), but your health deserves to be a priority too!
Optional: Email one professor
This one's not a must-do, but if you're hoping to snag a summer research placement, it's never too early to start reaching out! There are lots of ways to land a placement, but you really can't go wrong with a good old-fashioned cold email. Just remember to tailor each one to the professor you're writing to. It's all about quality over quantity!