Starting at IMSA can feel like stepping into an entirely new world. Between living away from home, adjusting to a new academic environment, and suddenly being surrounded by hundreds of people you’ve never met, the first few days can be a lot. Luckily, you’re not expected to have everything figured out immediately. Here are ten things that can make your transition a little easier.
1. You Will Get Lost
IMSA’s campus can feel confusing at first, especially when you’re trying to find a classroom while also remembering a completely new schedule. You’ll probably take a wrong turn, walk into the wrong hallway, or spend five minutes trying to figure out where you’re supposed to be. Don’t worry—it happens to almost everyone. Give yourself extra time during the first few days, pay attention to your surroundings, and don’t be afraid to ask someone where a building or classroom is.
2. Everyone Is Trying to Figure Things Out
Even if it seems like everyone else knows exactly what they’re doing, many people are just as nervous and confused as you are. Some students may look completely comfortable because they already know someone, while others might be quietly wondering who they’re going to sit with at lunch. Introduce yourself, start conversations, and don’t be afraid to make the first move. You’re all starting a new chapter together, so there’s really no reason to wait for someone else to approach you first.
3. Your Room Doesn’t Have to Be Perfect
You might arrive with an elaborate vision for your dorm room, but don’t feel pressured to have everything figured out on day one. You’ll probably discover that some things you thought were essential never get used, while something you completely forgot about becomes part of your daily routine. Give yourself time to figure out what makes your space comfortable and practical. Your room will naturally change throughout the year as you settle in and make it your own.
4. Make Friends Outside Your Room
Your roommate might become one of your closest friends, but don’t limit yourself to the people you live with. Talk to people in your classes, meet students from other halls, join clubs, and go to school events even when you’re not sure who else will be there. It can be intimidating to walk into a room where you don’t know anyone, but those situations are often where you meet people you wouldn’t have otherwise encountered. Your friend group doesn’t have to be established during your first week.
5. Learn Where the Food Is
You will eventually develop opinions about campus food. Very strong opinions. Take some time to figure out what meals you like, where you can grab snacks, and what options are available when you’re hungry at an inconvenient time. It’s also a good idea to keep some snacks in your dorm for those moments when you’re studying late or simply don’t feel like leaving your room. Knowing your food options makes busy days a little easier.
6. Ask for Help
Whether you’re confused about an assignment, lost on campus, having trouble with your schedule, or simply unsure about something, ask. Teachers, counselors, RAs, upperclassmen, and your classmates can all be valuable resources. IMSA can move quickly, and trying to figure everything out completely on your own can make things more stressful than they need to be. Asking a question doesn’t mean you aren’t capable—it means you’re willing to use the resources around you.
7. Take Care of Yourself
IMSA academics can be demanding, and it’s easy to get caught up in the pressure to constantly work. However, staying up all night to finish another assignment isn’t always the best solution. Make time to sleep, eat properly, take breaks, and do things that have nothing to do with school. Whether that means going for a walk, talking with friends, listening to music, or simply taking some time alone, giving your brain a break can make it easier to focus when you return to your work.
8. Don’t Say Yes to Everything
There will be clubs, events, activities, competitions, and opportunities everywhere. It can be enticing to try everything at first, but eventually, you may realize that your schedule is completely packed. Try new things, especially during your first few weeks, but don’t feel obligated to commit to every opportunity that comes your way. Find activities that you genuinely enjoy and give yourself enough time to balance them with your academics, friends, and personal life.
9. Get Comfortable Being Uncomfortable
You’re going to experience things that are new to you. You may have difficult classes, awkward conversations, homesickness, or days when nothing seems to go according to plan. That doesn’t mean you’re doing badly. Being at IMSA means stepping outside of the routines you’re used to, and that can take some adjustment. Instead of expecting yourself to immediately feel comfortable, give yourself permission to learn as you go. Some of the experiences that feel uncomfortable at first may end up teaching you the most.
10. Enjoy It
It sounds obvious, but it’s easy to forget. Between assignments, exams, projects, and everything else, make time for the moments that make IMSA memorable. Late-night conversations, random hallway adventures, walks around campus, studying with friends, and laughing over something completely ridiculous can all end up being the moments you remember most. You came to IMSA to learn, but that doesn’t mean every moment has to be about academics.
Your first day probably won’t go exactly as planned, and that’s okay. You’ll make mistakes, learn the campus, meet new people, and slowly figure out what works for you. Don’t compare your first few weeks to someone else’s experience, and don’t expect to have everything figured out immediately.
Most importantly, give yourself the chance to actually experience IMSA. The classes are only one part of it. The people you meet, the independence you gain, and the random memories you make along the way are what will eventually make the place feel like home.
Welcome to IMSA. You’ve got this!
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