Tag Archives: freshmen

Tips For A Great Move-In Day!

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Move-in day is exciting! You arrive at your new home-away-from-home, you get to meet your new room and lots of new people, and you get to move into your new room! As exciting as it is, it can also be a little overwhelming so here are some tips to help you prepare for move-in day. We can’t wait to see you! 

Arrive On Time 

Keep note of what time check-in starts. It’s smart to move-in as soon as you can because it is a process. From checking-in with the front desk to fill out papers, to finally moving into your room, it can take longer than you think. Also the earlier you move-in, the more of a chance you will get a good parking spot.

Label Your Boxes and Containers 

If you are using boxes or containers to pack your things, label them. It’ll be helpful to remind yourself which of your items are in each box or container. It also makes unpacked MUCH faster. 

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Wash Sheets & Towels Beforehand 

It’s good to wash your bedsheets and towels before moving-in so it’s fresh and clean in your dorm room. Also, who wants to spend their first few days of college doing laundry?  

Clean Your Room Before Moving-In

Before you move your things in, make sure you do a quick clean. Disinfect your shelves, dressers, and desks. Vacuum or sweep the floor and clean your windows. Having large trash bags will also be helpful to you. After a hot summer, your room might be dusty so it’s smart to do a quick clean of your room before you bring your stuff in and unpack. 

Use A Dolly 

The dorm does provide dollies, but they are limited. If you don’t have a dolly and need one, ask your front desk. If you own a dolly, bring it with you. Having a dolly will make things easier for you to bring your things from your car to your room, especially big appliances like a fridge.  

Bring Tools & Supplies 

Tools and supplies such as scissors and command strips will come in handy when you move into your dorm room. Scissors are a tool you’ll need whether you’re opening up boxes or plastic packages. Command strips will help you decorate your room, like hanging up string lights or picture frames. You can’t put nails in your walls, so command strips are an easy way to hang things on your walls. 

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Have Water & Snacks 

Moving in takes a lot of time and work. It’s important to have cold water and snacks to keep you hydrated and energized during the process. You don’t want to get hangry while moving-in! (Once you’re all moved-in, reward yourself to a delicious meal!) 

Have Bathroom Essentials 

Don’t pack your toiletries at the bottom of the bag or box. Make sure you have easy access to the things you might need right away. Don’t forget to put toilet paper and soap in the bathroom right away!

Keep Receipts & Packaging

Once you move-in, you might realize you won’t actually use some of the things you bought. Keep your receipts and try not to damage the packaging boxes so you can return those items. We can all use some extra cash. 

Make a Shopping List 

You may realize there are things you forgot. You’re not alone, it happens to the best of us. Start a list with your roommate. A trip to Napa Target might be in your future.

Hopefully, these tips will help make your move-in day go a little smoother. Once you get to your designated residence hall, do not hesitate to ask the dean, RA, or dorm staff any questions or concerns you have. We can’t wait to see you around campus! 

Note: Be sure you carefully read your communications from Student Life to understand what COVID-19 safety precautions will be in place for move-in day this year and how that might alter your plans!

Tips For A Successful First Year

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Today is the first day of classes and if you’re a freshman, EVERYTHING is new. We hope you’re excited but in case things feel a little overwhelming, here are some simple tips to help make this year a successful one. 

Go To Class 

This isn’t high school, no one is going to make you attend your classes, and skipping your early morning lectures for some much-needed sleep might sound like a great idea but you know what? Go to your classes. You’re here for a reason, to learn! 

Meet Your Professors

Your professors want to get to know you so introduce yourself. You will make a good first impression and if you need help in the class, they’ll already know who you are. A great thing about PUC is most of your classes are small so you’ll have lots of opportunities to get to know your professors better. We know taking classes remotely can make this a bit difficult but definitley try anyway! Send emails or schedule some time to video chat. 

Don’t Use Your Phone During Class

It’s as simple as that. It’s a bad look if you’re on your phone while your professor is teaching. Even if your professor doesn’t have rules about phones being out, it’s still good not to be on it during class, EVEN if they can’t tell you’re using it! 

Take Notes 

It’s essential to take notes during class so you remember what you learned. Your professors will be throwing a lot of information at you, so keeping notes will help you stay on track and prepare for tests. Find some classmates to share notes and study with.

Use Google Drive 

Google Drive is a great way to keep your files backed up. From writing your notes and papers in Google Docs to doing group assignments, Google Drive will help keep all your files safe in one place. Plus, it’s free! 

Eat Well 

Eat well so you can feel well. College requires a lot of energy so make sure to add vegetables and fruits into your meals every day. Drink lots of water to stay hydrated and stray away from energy drinks. 

Have Good Communication With Your Roommate (if you’re on campus)

Whether your roommate is someone you already know or a match your dean made, you need to make sure you have good communication. Living with someone can be tricky so be sure you allow open communication so you can live peacefully. 

Network 

Try to get to know the people in your department, even the faculty. Not only will this make your years at PUC better, but it will also help when you need to find a job or internship. The more people you know, the bigger your network will be. 

Keep Your Social Media Clean

Speaking of networking, you should always think about keeping your social media clean. When you start applying for jobs, employers might examine your social media accounts to get a glimpse of who you are. From Facebook to Instagram, they will see what you post, share, and are tagged in. Make sure your platforms reflect the kind of person you want to be.

Check out our social media tips for more information. 

Take Care of Yourself 

It’s very important that you take care of yourself. Besides eating well, get enough sleep and exercise. To do your very best, you must take care of yourself physically, mentally, and spiritually. Remember, you’re not alone! If you’re struggling, reach out to your RA, a dean, a faculty, or some friends. 

Happy first day of classes! 

 

Things To Expect Your Freshman Year

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Starting college is a very exciting time though it can be nerve-wracking not knowing what to expect, especially during such unprecedented times. While everyone’s college experience will be different, we’re here with a few things you can almost certainly expect. 

You’ll Make Friends Quickly

Even shy people make friends in college, even remotely! From SA activities to your classes, it won’t be hard to meet new people and make friends. Don’t be afraid to talk to people, especially during orientation. Everyone is just as nervous as you are. 

You’ll Have Flexibility 

College gives you freedom. You get to choose your classes (to an extent), when to eat, when to nap, when to have fun, and so on. Having more freedom is great but be sure to use good judgment! 

You Will Get Lost (once you’re on campus)

It’s a big campus so getting a little turned around is completely expected. We’ve all been there! If you need help finding your way to class, just ask! If you happen to find yourself lost with no one around, pull up the campus map!

Classes Might Get Hard 

College isn’t easy and you’re definitely going to have some tough classes. But there’s no need to get discouraged! PUC offers tons of resources from study groups to private tutoring! 

You’ll Figure Things Out

You’re bound to have questions as you start this new journey. Maybe you don’t know what major to declare or you’re trying to decide when if you can handle a campus job. The great thing about PUC is, you have tons of people and resources to help you figure things out, so use them! Check-in with your friends, your RA, or your advisor for some great advice. 

Remote learning isn’t ideal for anyone. We would much rather have you all on campus, hanging out and having a blast but your safety is the most important thing. Remember, we’re all in this together. Your first year of college goes by really fast so take chances, try new things, and make as many memories as you can. Have fun and stay positive!

 

 

Note: Be sure you carefully read your communications from Student Life and regularly check the Fall Campus Plan webpage to stay up-to-date with the COVID-19 safety precautions PUC will be enforcing.

 

How To Thrive and Survive Freshman Year 

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Starting college is a challenging transition; a new environment, new people, new classes. Even starting at home with remote learning, it can be very daunting. Here are some tips to making sure you thrive during your first year at PUC!

Take Classes That Interest You 

You’ve most likely already registered for your first quarter so don’t worry about that, but it’s never too soon to start planning ahead. The great thing about PUC is it’s a liberal arts college. That means along with your required courses for your chosen degree, you’ll be taking general education classes AND electives. This gives you a great opportunity to receive a very well rounded education and to take some really fun classes. Take the time to look for classes that interest you. Even if those classes don’t fulfill a requirement for your major, you can find some that fulfill GE and elective credits. 

Go To Class

You think this would be obvious, but some students just need a reminder. Sleeping in and skipping class may be tempting at times, but fight the temptation. Going to class and taking notes will help you understand and keep up with the material. You and your family are also paying for you to take these classes, so don’t waste your time and money.

Meet Your Professors 

It’s good to know your professors. Introduce yourself and take advantage of their office hours if you need help on an assignment, have questions, or just want to send an email to say hello. Not only will this benefit you from a learning aspect, but it will also benefit you in the long run. Building relationships with your professors can open a lot of networking doors. 

Know Your Academic Advisor 

Just like your professors, your academic advisor wants you to succeed. Get to know your adviser because they will help you with anything you need. From registering for classes, deciding on majors and minors, and giving you career advice, your adviser will be there for you.  

Get Organized

Staying organized in college is a must. Buy a planner, use an app, or get a calendar to stay on top of test dates, due dates, and meetings you might have during the school year. 

Find Your Study Spot

Your study environment plays a big role in the quality of your studying. Find a study spot that works for you and will help you stay motivated. While at home, try to avoid your bed or places you like to hang out and relax in. Once you’re on campus, try the library, a lounge, or the campus center to see which place works best for you to stay focused. Even your room could be your ideal study spot without being distracted. PUC has a lot of great study spots! 

Get Involved & Step Out Of Your Comfort Zone

PUC offers many programs from student organizations, clubs, and various intramurals throughout the year. There are also on-campus job opportunities with flexible hours. Getting involved in school will help you learn new skills, meet new people, and have you feel more connected to your school. Consider joining a school club, intramural team, or getting a job on campus. Don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone and get involved! 

Take Advantage of Free Stuff 

There are many opportunities at PUC where students can receive free things, and we all love free things! From school events, like sports games, guest speakers, and food trucks to receiving scholarships throughout the year. You can even receive discounted items from stores using your college ID. Take advantage!  

Explore The Area

Eventually, we’re all going to be able to be together on campus. College is a great opportunity to get to know a place you’ve never lived in before. Even if you’re familiar with your chosen college, there is always something new to explore. Reward yourself from all the hard work you do during this week by discovering new places and things. College is stressful, so don’t forget to give yourself a break and have fun. The Napa Valley is known for great food, try a new place each quarter.

Seek A Balance 

College is filled with so many things from classes to social life. Know how much you can handle and don’t overwhelm yourself. Find that balance between productivity and downtime to help you stay focused and relax throughout the school year.  

Give A Warm Welcome To Your Roommate

Get to know your roommate! If you don’t know them already, take the time to learn about each other. Not only will you be living with them for the next nine months, but they can become an important confidant, so find some common interests! 

Relax 

You may feel you always have to be productive, but remind yourself to take a breather. It is important to stay focused in school, but it is also vital for your health to make time for yourself. It’s okay to watch a show or hang out with friends from time to time. Make sure you allow yourself to relax from working hard. You deserve it! 

Get Enough Sleep

All-nighters are no fun, so try and avoid them, (this means planning ahead). Getting enough hours of sleep throughout the night will help you in a big way. You’ll be well-rested, think more clearly, and be able to function throughout the day.  

Even though your first year of college can often be challenging, it’s also supposed to be fun! Don’t stress, remember you are not alone. There are tons of others feeling the same way. Utilize your network of new friends and professors and don’t forget to learn and have fun. You will thrive and survive your freshman year! 

Note: Be sure you carefully read your communications from Student Life and regularly check the Fall Campus Plan webpage to stay up-to-date with the COVID-19 safety precautions PUC will be enforcing.

 

Incoming Pioneer Creates Community on Instagram

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Midway through the spring quarter during some daily social media perusing, I came across an Instagram account I didn’t recognize. It was called PUC Class of 2024. It’s bio said “Welcome PUC class of 2024! Follow to find future pioneers💚💛 DM to be featured 🤩”. Intrigued by this I decided to DM the account assuming one of our great Admissions Counsels had started it. What I discovered was the account was run by a senior from Lodi Academy. Her name is Ashley Garner and she’s about to start her first year as a PUC Pioneer! She wanted a way to get to know her fellow classmates before arriving on campus. We loved the idea so much we decided to chat with Ashley to learn a little more about her! 

Where are you from?

I’m from Lodi, California

What are you planning to study?

I’m planning to study psychology.

What about college are you most excited to experience?

I’m most excited about meeting new people and having new experiences!

Are you planning on joining any campus clubs at PUC?

I would love to be involved in campus ministries and/or praise teams.

What made you decide to start the class of 2024 IG page?

I created the 2024 class because I wanted incoming freshmen, as well as current students, to have the opportunity to get to know each other and to start creating a community.

Who can join?

Anyone is welcome to join! Any incoming freshmen are welcome to be featured! 

What is your goal for the page?

My goal is to create a safe and fun family-like community for the class of 2024!

What’s been the most fun part about running it?

I’ve had many great interactions with other future PUC students, and I’ve even made new friends.

Favorite movie?

My favorite movie is 50 First Dates.

Last book you read for fun?

The last book I read for fun was Simon vs. The Homo Sapiens by Becky Albertalli.

Favorite meal?

My favorite meal is probably anything from Chick-fil-a.

Tortilla chips or Fritos for your haystacks?

Both, but probably Fritos.

Favorite place to shop?

My favorite place to shop is definitely Target and I also love going to thrift shops!

 

Are you about to join the PUC Pioneers family this fall quarter or are you a current student excited to get to know your new classmates? Head over to Instagram and follow @pucclassof24.