How to Get the Most Out of Your First Semester at CU Boulder

Hello CU Buffs!

Wondering how to make the most out of your first semester? Two Journey Leader Mentors provide advice on how to thrive at CU Boulder:
Rylie is a current senior at CU Boulder from Pueblo, Colorado. She is majoring in Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences and is also on the pre-med track. Rylie plans on applying to medical school once she graduates with the hopes of becoming a physician in the field of pediatrics. Outside of the classroom, Rylie enjoys hiking, going to the student recreation center, watching Netflix, and hanging out with friends and family. Her favorite animals are dogs and elephants and her current favorite app is TikTok.

Entering your first semester of college can be a scary and overwhelming thing. All of a sudden, you have been thrown into a brand-new environment that you know nothing about and are just expected to figure it all out. Knowing how to get the most out of your first semester at CU Boulder is really beneficial, and I hope I can provide some insight that will help you through your experience. My first piece of advice is to try anything and everything. I know this is cliché, but it’s the truth. There’s going to be no other time in your life where you will have this many opportunities that are going to be presented to you so go for all of them. Even if you try something and end up hating it, that’s okay, at least you can say you did it and never have to do it again. My second piece of advice is to GO TO OFFICE HOURS. This is another thing that may seem cliché but going to office hours and getting to know your professors is what is going to differentiate you from other students. Not only will office hours help better your grade in the class, but they will also allow you to build connections which could benefit you in the future. My last piece of advice is to take care of yourself and find what you’re passionate about. I know that college is stressful but try not to put too much pressure on yourself. Remember, it’s okay to change majors, it’s okay to take a long study break, it’s okay not to succeed all of the time. Take it from me, I got a 50% on my very first college midterm and thought the world was about to end. Now, I’m a senior and about to apply to medical school soon and that 50% means nothing to me. I’m excited for you to start your experience here at CU! Skooooo buffs!

Kayla Clark is entering her last semester as a senior at CU Boulder. She is studying integrative physiology with a certificate in public health, and hopes to be a physician assistant after college. She is involved in Greek life, tutoring, and being a TA. Kayla's favorite thing about CU is the friendly community and the location close to the mountains. Her favorite restaurant in Boulder is bartaco and her favorite thing to do is spend time outdoors. 

Being a first year student in college is difficult. For me, I had two first year experiences as I transferred to CU and had to start all over with making friends and getting involved. The best thing to do is to try to be as outgoing as you can and join a club you are interested in. It may seem daunting at first, but the best way to make friends is to do things out of your comfort zone. My biggest regret was saying no to trying new things or hanging out with people. It took me a long time to find a balance between academics and a social life, and that is okay! Don’t be too hard on yourself if it takes a while. College is a new environment, and it takes time to find ways to handle stress, time management, and just living on your own. Always make yourself a priority and try to develop a support system. CU also has great tutoring and mental health services that I wish I had known about! ASAP tutoring is great and helped me be successful in many classes. Even if you don’t think you need tutoring, it is a great way to study and have time to ask questions. Speaking of studying, I have found one of the best things you can do is study with friends. I have met some of my best friends in my classes. Lastly, utilize office hours! It is not only a great way to get help, but it helps you form relationships with professors and make connections on campus. I have gotten to be a TA and have had several internships through my professors, which looks great for your resume after college!

And lastly, a few reminders: Make sure you continue to check your holds and to-dos on Buff Portal and complete the Online Experience.