By: Katie Beth Haidet
FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. (UATV) – The University of Arkansas will be welcoming a new freshman class this fall. Graduating high school and moving away from home can be intimating for many students. It is easy to feel alone in the new unknown.
Dorm choices:
The University of Arkansas offers 20 on-campus housing for incoming freshman. Adohi Hall, Clark Hall, Duncan Avenue Apartments, Founders Hall, Futrall Hall, Gatewood Hall, Gibson Hall, Gregson Hall, Harding Hall, Holcombe Hall, Hotz Honors Hall, Humphreys Hall, Maple Hill East, Maple Hill South, Maple Hill West, Morgan Hall, Pomfret Hall, Reid Hall, Walton Hall, and Yocum Hall will all be a home away from home for students.
Each Hall is has a different layout for students to choose their layout of choice. Depending on the dorm each student chooses will have its own rules, activities, and closures during breaks.
Greek life:
Each student has the choice on whether or not they want to participate in greek life at the university.
Fall 2023 Sorority Recruitment dates are August 11-19 with Bid Day on August 19.
Fall 2023 Interfraternity Council Recruitment dates are to be determined, but the registration will open June 1.
For more information students can visit uagreeks.uark.edu.
Finding a balance:
Finding a balance between school, social life, work, and other extracurricular activity can be challenging.
One student athlete, Kennedy Morrison said she has looked up to her older teammates when trying to find a balance.
“I am a huge procrastinator,” said Morrison, “Making a checklist made it ten times easier for me.”
Another student who has had a job since Sophomore year, Elizabeth Knight, said communication is the most valuable lesson she has learned through college.
“Always be open with communication with bosses, with friends, with professors that you have so that you’re able to get all of that done and and still be able to have time for yourself to enjoy college without going to stressed,” Knight said.
Each student has to find what works best for them when planning their weeks, but it is possible to have positive balance that supports their mental health.
Getting involved:
There are many opportunities for students to get involved on campus. Whether that is in greek life, student media, Associated Student Government, etc. there is options for everyone.
UATV’s Station Manager, Kye Kocher said getting involved has changed her experience at the university for the better.
“If I can go back and have one thing to say to my freshman year self, I would say that the sooner I got involved would be better because I really regret not starting until my sophomore, even really junior year. I feel like I wasted so much time and these are the people that I’ve spent the last few years with, and I wish I could’ve had longer with them,” Kocher said.
Networking for post-grad opportunities starts as early as you step foot on campus.
Moving away from home:
Packing your bags and moving miles away from home can be intimating, but it is not as scary as it sounds.
One student who moved from Alaska, Megan Cowell said the only way to become comfortable is by being uncomfortable first.
“Being willing to put yourself out there and being willing to be uncomfortable in order to later have best friends. Meeting people is never going to be comfortable and so being willing to put yourself outside of your box of comfort. Also making sure that you are being intentional with every person to meet you never know when you’re gonna be your best friend,” Cowell said.
Each student is struggling with their own fears and insecurities, so it is important to know you are not alone on this new chapter.