Veronica O'Rourke '22 

Don’t be afraid to branch out and try new things! It is okay to not know what you want to do yet when it comes to classes, so don’t be afraid to take a class you never thought you’d take.

 

Danso Kuzoe-Jones ’22 

If you plan ahead and do work every day, you will never be surprised by deadlines.

Natalie Solari '22 

Introduce yourself and try to become friendly with your neighbors on move-in day. Everyone feels awkward during the first few days, don’t stress! You will find your people.

 

 

Samuel Crockford '22 

The first few days can be overwhelming, so it’s good to find places that are peaceful when you need it. The chapel is almost always open and it's beautiful and quiet.

 

Julia Graham '22  

Check out the Arbo! It’s a great place to unwind when you’re stressed, or just need to take some time for yourself.

 

Luci McGlynn '22 

Don’t be afraid to ask for help! It is okay not to know all the answers yet—you’re not alone. Plus, everybody is always willing to offer advice!

Long Ta ’22 

Grab n Go is free. It’s a great alternative if you are too busy for lunch

Cassie Franklin '22  

Try to take a variety of classes, and never let yourself believe you are not going to succeed in a certain subject. If you are curious and willing to work hard, you can do well in any department at Conn. Nothing is unachievable!

Diana Kim '22 

Try not to limit yourself. It’s great if you have an idea of what you want to do at Conn, and equally great if you don’t, but don’t be afraid to try something new, something that might not fit into your plan. You chose a liberal arts college for a reason! Enjoy its opportunities!

Leslie Ruddy '22 

You don’t always need to buy a textbook! Borrowing books from the lending library for the semester, requesting them from the ARC when available, and checking to see if the professor put them on hold at the reserve desk at Shain Library can save you a lot of money!

 

Rachael Powell '22  

Get involved on campus right away! Keep an open mind about clubs and organizations because they can be a great way to make meaningful connections and to find your true place at Conn.

 

Aubry Shaw '22 

Keeping an open mind is key! If you allow yourself to embrace different and new opportunities, it will really benefit you in your transition. College is what you make of it, and it’s really exciting that you get to choose your own path.

Jake Corcoran '22 

Don’t be afraid to ask questions. Almost everyone on campus will be happy to answer and help.

 

Maddie Comer'22 

The days leading up to move-in day can be very daunting. Be sure to relax and take some time to think about all of the exciting opportunities ahead. You are not alone in this process. When you arrive on campus, there will be a whole team of people there to support you!

Ben Fort '22 

Remember, everyone is nervous when they go to college, it’s not just you!

 

Alana Reiss '22 

Remember that all of your fellow classmates feel exactly the same way you do! Everyone is nervous about their roommates, scared to make friends, anxious about classes, and missing their family, you are not alone! Making connections and opening yourself up to other people will foster friendships that could last a lifetime!

Eilis Reardon ’22 

Talk to as many people as possible during Orientation! You may not remember their names, but making a good first impression always helps!

Autumn Galindo ’22 

Don’t be afraid to go to office hours! Not only are professors always happy to help you, but you will also be building connections with them.

Hailey Gilson ’22 

Even if you struggle during the first few weeks, know that won’t define the rest of your year. Keep an open mind and believe in yourself! Everyone else is feeling similar to how you do, even if it doesn’t seem like it.

 

Bella Sorrenti '22 

Try classes that sound interesting even if you have no experience in the topic! Who knows? Maybe you’ll end up majoring in it!   

Milo Becker '22 

Take a ConnCourse! It's an easy way to expand your academic horizon and find connections between your courses.

Avery Light ’22 

Keep your room clean, because as you juggle your new life at Conn, nothing will seem as overwhelming or stressful if you have a clean room.

Nate Palumbo ’22 

Find your favorite study place. This will be key in maximizing your study and work time. Whether you are a person who needs complete silence when working or likes to be in a collaborative space surrounded by people, Conn has the place for you.

Samantha Hunt ’22 

Congrats on your admission to Conn! Don’t be afraid to ask questions and be yourself, especially in the few first weeks! Your going to love your next four years here at Conn!

Leah Kosovsky ’22 

Take advantage of every interaction and connection you make with others. You never know who you could end up building a meaningful relationship with!

Jillian Rothman ’22 

Don't be afraid to take risks and try new things! Being a first-year at Conn means that you are able to expand and explore your interests far beyond the ways you could in high school. Have an open mind and take advantage of every opportunity Conn has to offer. Doing this allows you to be passionate about your interests, and will let you meet the friends that will shape your next four years at Conn!

Mary DiMaggio '22 

Don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone! College is the perfect time to try new things and meet new people. There are so many exciting opportunities ahead and you might discover a new passion or interest you didn’t have before!

Rachel Kantor ’22 

Push yourself! Get out of your comfort zone! Great things can happen when you try something new!

Lydia Klein ’22 

All the students at Conn either are or have been a first-year and know exactly how it feels. That is a crazy big support system … use it!

 

Neal Mahoney ’22 

Always say hi to people before they say hi to you! Everyone is scared on the first day, so the more friendly and personable you are to them, the more likely they are to return the favor!

Logan Bowdish ’22 

Take full advantage of all of the academic resources Conn has to offer. The Academic Resource Center is a great place to go if you ever need extra help.

 

Brendan Stiltner ’22 

Make plans and eat with people at the dining hall. Since everyone goes there, it is a great place to meet new people and strengthen relationships!

Joslen Beslity ’22 

Use the Writing Center! You definitely will be writing a number of essays your first year at Conn and the Writing Center is an extremely useful tool. Everyone who works there is super helpful and kind and your professors will appreciate the extra effort you took to book an appointment. Don’t be nervous, I’ve gone in there with maybe five sentences and come out with a much better idea of what I’m doing. :) Also, call your parents—they miss you!

Marianna Palladino ’22 

Make sure to check out the outdoor spaces on campus! There are so many cool spots, including anywhere from Tempel Green and the Arbo to the tables outside Blue Camel at Shain Library. Sometimes you just need a relaxing space, and the outdoor spots at Conn can definitely provide that.

Susanna Buckley ’22 

Try everything! Attend at least the first meeting of any club that piques your interest. If you like it, keep attending, and if you don’t, try a different club!

Finn Tobias ’22 

Introduce yourself to your classmates during Orientation. Although you may think it will be awkward, it’s the best way to make friends! You’re all in this together, so try and be as outgoing as you can be!

Victoria Harrington ’22 

Try new things and be friendly because you never know where a new friend will come from! Join clubs and make friends with the people on your floor and keep an open mind!

Jordan Groff ’22 

Don’t hesitate to introduce yourself to anyone you run into, everyone is trying to meet new people.

Eric Huber ’22 

Never be afraid to try new things and be outside of your comfort zone. Sticking to the same things over and over will limit your college experience and prevent you from getting the most out of the time that you have here.

Jacob Bernstein ’22 

Be sure to eat well, get enough sleep and exercise regularly. A lot of people forget how to take care of themselves when they are living away from home.

Lena Kezdy ’22 

If you’re feeling lost, don’t be afraid to get help! The faculty, staff and students at Conn are super supportive and will help you out with whatever you need.

Quinn Kilmartin ’22 

Don’t take yourself too seriously! College will get so much easier if you can learn to laugh at yourself. You’re 18 years old and you’re going to make a lot of mistakes, don’t get hung up on the little things.

Chris Adamsons ’22 

Branch out and try things you wouldn’t have tried in high school. You may fall in love with something or meet someone who could be your best friend.  Also, keep all your options open. Do not close a door because something is new. Experience it all because you never know what may interest you.

Matt Sambor ’22 

Attend the school-run activities during orientation. They are a great way to meet people!

Katie Liell ’22 

Find a way to try as many new things as you can—it will change your college experience for the better. Also, bring a blanket for the green as it’s easily one of my favorite things about Conn.

Cameryn Lesko-Jelley ’22 

Follow your passions and interests and do you! Take classes because they interest you, join clubs based on what you like, not just because your friends are telling you to join. But also be open to challenge yourself with things you don’t know about, because you may find a new passion. Also, try and have realistic expectations about college, not everything is going to be perfect, and that is absolutely okay.

Erin Fitzpatrick ’22 

Become involved on campus early, whether it’s through work, clubs or athletics. It’s a great way to meet people and make friends!