Students moving into dorms

We know those first-day nerves can run deep for our first-year students. Fortunately, you’re not alone.

And because Orientation won’t be the last you see of those first-day butterflies, Champlain College is at the ready to help new and retuning students become the best version of themselves. But don’t just take our word for it—take it from Champlain students who have been through it themselves. This is your ultimate guide to keeping your cool, balancing your schedule, and being yourself when you get to college.

Don’t Compare Yourself to Others

Your peers are doing amazing things, but so are you! Try not to get bogged down by comparing your strengths and weaknesses to theirs. Everyone is at a different experience level and going down different paths, so it’s important to embrace yourself and your abilities.

Get Involved in Your Major and Campus Clubs

Champlain College’s annual Spirit Week brings the entire Champlain community together for a week of fun and catching up. We’re talking s’mores, sidewalk chalking (as pictured above from 2020), carnivals, and more. It’s a great time to put yourself out there.

The best way to elevate your college experience is by getting involved. Whether your interests are major-specific or beyond, Champlain has tons of opportunities for you to explore. Looking to create fun events for yourself and others? CHAMP allows you to become part of a planning committee for on-campus events. Love exercising outdoors? The Hiking Club will take you to new heights on our beloved Vermont trails. Interested in student government? The Student Government Association (SGA) has many roles and options for you! There is a place for everyone’s interests at Champlain.

Champlain offers activities for students every day of the week and on weekends. Whether it’s bowling, movies, or staying active, we have activities to support your interests!

Don’t Be Afraid to Ask

A faculty member advises a student in their office.
Communications and Creative Media Professor Cheryl Casey meets one-on-one with a student.

Your academic advisors, professors, faculty, and staff are here to help! Your classmates and upper-year peers will also often know the answers to your questions, or they can at least help you contact someone who does. So don’t be afraid to ask!

Your college experience is one of the most developmental periods in your life; you’re gaining responsibility, living on your own, and figuring out your career path, all in just a few years! Not sure whether you’re going to like something? Try it out. You may find your new favorite hobby.

Do Something That Scares You

Near the summit of Mount Mansfield, Vermont’s tallest mountain peak, located less than and hour away.

Burlington is a college town, which means there are plenty of places for you to explore and people to meet. Check out our favorite restaurants, green spaces, and the places we recommend first-years go immediately upon arrival!

Explore Burlington

students marching in the pride parade sporting Champlain Include, pride flags, and WGC.
Welcome to our small, but mighty town. Every year, dozens of festivals, parades (like the Pride Parade, photographed above), and events are hosted by community members and organizations at Champlain College and beyond. Photo by Emma Seidenberg, ’22
Kaitie Catania

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