How To: Make the Most of Your First Month at Trinity

Adjusting to a new place can be intimidating! Talk about a sensory overload. We’ve been there, so from one Trinity girl to another, here are some tips and tricks on making the most of your first month on campus!

1. Go to every Greek Organization during your first weekends in September to find the fraternity/sorority best suited to your party preferences!
2. Not into Greek life? Make sure to visit other organizations such as the Fred and the Mill.  The Fred is located in Summit Suites East (next to MCEC academic building) and is part of the Fred Pfiel Community Project which holds events every Friday for the campus community.  Check them out at: thefred.trincoll.edu.  The Mill (located on Vernon Street next to Psi Upsilon) is a theme house that sponsors concerts and events throughout the year.  Check them out at: themilltheblog.com
3. Don’t stick to just eating at Mather because you’ve already learned the ropes there.  Venture over to the Bistro if you live on south side of campus or the Cave if you live on North campus to meet new people and try new food.
4. Attend sporting events; it’s a great way to soak up the last rays of sun in the fall and meet new people.  Go to boy’s games such as football, soccer and rugby to check out the campus cuties.  But don’t forget to support the girls, too.  The field hockey team has qualified for the NESCAC championships for the past five years and are sure to provide an exciting game!
5. Not having a car freshman year can be a bummer, but there are plenty of ways to still get your “off-campus” fixes.  The Cinestudio is always showing current movies (did you catch Bridesmaids last weekend?) and old classics if you’re feeling nostalgic for childhood.  Craving a meal other than campus dining?  Trinity Restaurant located on Zion Street is a quick and safe walk from Summit Street, and serves amazing Italian and Greek fusion food.  They deliver to campus too! 
6. Picking classes for your first semester at college can be intimidating, and it’s possible you won’t end up being interested in any of the fields you’ve chosen.  However, if you are particularly interested in a certain course this semester do your best to stand out!  Trinity has a small enough student to teacher ratio that you can develop a personal relationship with your professor.  Who knows, they may become your advisor down the road.  Campus Correspondent Julia took a course with her now advisor her first semester at Trinity!
7. Missed the activities fair?  It’s not too late!  Trinity has a number of great student organizations that students are heavily involved in.  The Community Service office (located downstairs in Mather Hall next to the bookstore) is a great place to start looking if you want to get involved.  These organizations are always looking for new members, especially freshman to ensure the longevity of their club! 
8. Befriend the staff.  Whether it’s who’s crafting you’re perfect grill wrap at the Cave or who’s carting you around Vernon Street in the campus shuttle on weekends, make sure to let these people know how much you appreciate them.  It will not only improve the campus climate, but a small school like Trinity is more fun when you know everyone.  And who knows, the shuttle driver might not mind driving you home from the library late one winter night if he knows you by name!