This week incoming students and their families are tossing their belongings on carts and wheeling their way to their new homes on campus. 

Moving into the residence halls at AU signals one of the first steps into college life for first-year students who’ve just arrived in the District. We asked several members of the AU community to share their best piece of advice to get new students pointed in the right direction. 

Melissa Scholes Young, CAS professor, Department of Literature 

“Check your email. Daily. Join a club that is out of your comfort zone. Find interesting people and listen to their story. You’re here to learn about the world and your place in it. Stretch a little.” 

Priya Doshi, SOC senior professorial lecturer, strategic communications 

“Among your first-year peers, remember that everyone is new here, and everyone is nervous. If you offer a smile or a greeting, you’re likely to get a positive response. That can be all it takes to start feeling a sense of belonging.” 

Ron Hill, Kogod professor, Department of Marketing 

“Make it your goal to develop a continuing relationship with your parents reflective of your new status as an adult. Tell them how things are going at college without them asking and give some details they would be interested in but rarely hear. Even ask them about how their lives are progressing and the most important things they enjoy as people, not parents. The calls for money will always occur but surprise them with your interest in developing adult-to-adult relationships. It will help them see that they are not giving up a child but are gaining a lifelong and special friendship built upon mutual respect and interest in each other’s lives.” 

Cheryl Holcomb-McCoy, SOE dean 

“The only person you should compete with is yourself. The beauty of a diverse campus is the varied experiences of its students. However, students often compare themselves with others, putting them in a state of constant anxiety. Focus on yourself and avoid comparing your journey with others.” 

Monica Jackson, deputy provost and CAS professor, Department of Mathematics and Statistics 

“Try taking a class that is completely outside of your current interests to broaden your mind. Don’t be afraid to change majors—many students do. Also, your faculty are an excellent resource as you are exploring new ideas.” 

Amanda Taylor, assistant vice president of diversity, equity, and inclusion and SIS professor 

“Remember to be compassionate to yourself and others. The past few years have been a lot and we are all working through things seen and unseen—even (and especially) those of us who may appear on the surface to have it together. We are all carrying broken things inside. It’s okay to mess up and try again tomorrow. It’s okay—and important—to reach out for help and support along the way. That’s what this time is for—to explore, to learn, and to grow—and we are here for each other on the journey.” 

Gihan Fernando, assistant vice provost of the Career Center 

“As a new member of our community, I encourage you to focus on getting settled both academically and socially before focusing on internships and jobs. That said, if you are looking for a part-time job, and especially if you have a Federal Work Study award, don’t miss the Finding Part-Time Employment Job Fair on September 7. Your career advisors look forward to meeting you and starting the conversation about your interests a little later this semester.” 

Sasha O’Connell, executive in residence and SPA professor, Department of Justice, Law, and Criminology 

“Keep in mind it is not a race to graduation, but a journey to be savored, so actively engage with your fellow students, professors, and the broader community. Be open to what you can discover and use the precious time you are on campus to try new things.”