Belonging
Q: How do I talk to some Miami students as a new international student yet to arrive in fall?
A: All admitted students have access to “RedHawk Connect,” (linked on your applicant status page). You can share social media accounts with other admitted students, and filter student lists by state, major, etc. Great way to connect before fall!
Q: How do I make new friends as an incoming sophomore?
A: First, don’t assume you are the only second-year student looking for friends! You’re not alone. Let’s break down some strategies.
– Strategy #1. Join a student org. Go to Mega Fair and put yourself out there.
– Strategy #2. Get involved in your residence hall. Attend your all-hall and corridor meetings. Walk through your residence hall and introduce yourself to others that you see coming and going, in their rooms, and in the public spaces. Join your Community Leadership Team.
– Strategy #3. Get a job on campus. Best to look online in Workday. Log in to Workday and search “find jobs.”
– Strategy #4: Attend campus events. Invite an acquaintance to go with you. “Hey, I was thinking about going to that bingo event on Friday – would you want to come?” (Having a specific event in mind is probably better than just asking to hang out sometime).
– Strategy #5: Join an intramural team. You can put a team together or just join as a “free agent.”
Q: Everyone already has their groups of friends, how can I make some?
A: It’s a common misconception that everyone has already made their groups of friends, and you are absolutely not alone. We’re only three weeks in, and making friends takes time! We have a whole highlight about making friends with lots of advice and resources.
Q: How would you get to know your classmates better?
A: Start by being open to it. Put away the phone and headphones as you sit down before class. Look around. Make small talk (what hall? what major? where from? – that kind of thing. Try to find something in common). If that goes well, ask where they’re headed after class. “I’m walking this way, where are you headed next?” or “I was going to stop at King for a coffee, do you wanna come?” Now is a great time to start on this, while everyone is in a similar boat of not having found their people yet!
Q: Feeling really homesick…
A: First, sorry you’re feeling homesick. That’s tough, but you are not alone! We did a poll on 8/26, and 75% of responses said they also felt homesick at first (322 responses). College is a lot of huge changes all at once – of course, you feel homesick! We have a whole highlight with resources and advice about homesickness. Check it out!
Q: I was doing so good for 2 or so weeks. But the homesickness has returned. Help!
A: It’s okay that it ebbs and flows, and it’s okay (and completely expected and normal) to miss home. College is a big change! If you’re finding your homesickness is extremely painful or very persistent, consider making an appointment at the Student Counseling Service. The intake counselor will help you determine the best course for understanding and reducing these difficult feelings.
Q: How long does it usually take to adjust to “college life”?
A: This completely depends on the person and situation. Definitely doesn’t happen overnight! And even when it feels like everyone else has it all figured out, most have not. We share so many resources on our story – take advantage! Put yourself out there and get help when you need it!
Involvement
Events
Q: Is dog therapy on every weekend?
A: The dogs can’t be here every weekend, but you can catch them on occasion (e.g., like this past weekend with the Puppies and Pilates event!). Keep an eye on the events calendar!
Q: What is there to do if my family is not coming for Family Weekend?
A: You definitely don’t need to have your family in town to attend the amazing events happening this weekend! Grab a friend or two and go with your new Miami family! Or ask a friend if you can tag along with their family. Options!
Q: Advice for parents’ weekend?
A: Don’t lose track of your assignments due next week. Work ahead if you can! Plan out a few places you want to share with your family. What will help them best understand your experience and bring your college stories to life for them? And be patient with your family. They’ve missed you!
Also, take advantage of the fun activities planned, OR do your own thing. It’s your weekend!
There is also a Family Weekend guide in the Miami University Events App with tips/parking/events/etc.
Orgs/Club
Q: What are clubs that are low-commitment for everyone?
A: We have a blog post about this! Check it out!
Q: Intramurals? How to sign up and get a team together?
A: Sign up at IMLeagues.com. Grab some people from your hall or send out a GroupMe, etc, to get a team together. You can also join a team of “free agents” and they’ll add you to teams that are requesting additional players (no guarantee you’ll get on a team, in that case!)
Q: Where can I find Miami swimming clubs? Broomball team? Badminton club? Or any other club?
A: Always start with the Hub, where all of our student orgs are listed. You can typically find their socials there as well, or search on Instagram!
Q: Is it difficult to start a new club? If it needs a facility (like a gym) how would we get that space?
A: People start new clubs all the time! Here are the basic steps:
- Meet with a SEAL ambassador
- Write and review an org constitution
- Attend training
- Submit application
- Wait for review
- Become a registered student org, which will give you access to reserving space and other resources/services!
Find more details on the Student Activities website!
Q: What diversity clubs are currently active?
A: There are over 100 orgs listed in the Culture and Diversity category on the Hub. Check them out!
Q: How do I sign up for clubs if I missed /mega Fair?
A: Definitely find the org on the Hub and/or follow them on Instagram. Many, many orgs are still recruiting/open to new members, and you can reach out to them individually if you have questions!