Find Your Place: A Successful Start to College Life

Each New York Tech student has a unique story—a different background, reason why they’re in school, life goal, and the list goes on. But what every student has in common is that at some point in their journey, they were a first-year scholar learning to adapt to college life.

Assistant Dean of Students Stephanie Pelham recognizes that the transition to university-level study isn’t always easy. As the new academic year begins, she shares with New York Tech News her top tips and words of wisdom for finding one’s place on campus.

“Don’t go to class and then run,” she offers as her core message. Rather than coming to campus strictly for classes, Pelham advises students to stick around. Whether it’s for an extra hour before or after, taking the time to eat in a shared space or work on a paper in the library is a small step one can take to become familiar with all New York Tech has to offer.

The university hosts a variety of events throughout September that are designed to bring students together and showcase the many ways to become involved on campus. Additionally, the Peer Success GUIDE Program assigns each first-year student to an upperclassmen who provides social support and direction to services and resources throughout the year.

“Recognize that you’re not the only one coming here alone,” Pelham advises. “There are other people who haven’t made friends or found their community yet—that’s why the school created these opportunities to network and meet people.”

Kicking off on September 3, the Long Island and New York City campuses’ Week of Welcome will offer activities like grab-and-go snacks and goodies, picnic-style lunches, resource information, social meetings, and bingo and casino games.

Pelham also suggests attending either campus’ Student Involvement Fair as a low-pressure way to meet more than 50 on-campus clubs and organizations. “It’s a low-risk commitment at this time because all you’re doing is signing up to say you’re interested in getting that club’s emails,” she explains. “Then you can decide if you want to get more involved.”

Students who peruse the fair and don’t see anything that lights their fire are welcome to propose a new club, Pelham says. The Office of Student Life is the gateway to turning ideas into action. For those not ready to start a club, the Campus Programming Board is where students can go to help plan and organize events on campus.

Recognizing that some students may have reservations about stepping into large social scenes, Pelham suggests finding an on-campus job through the Office of Student Employment as a less intimidating way of leaving one’s comfort zone. Whether it’s Federal Work-Study or partnering with a professor on an academic project, “New York Tech’s faculty and staff have great opportunities for students to get involved and build relationships with others on campus.”

There is something for everyone, she says, including those who prefer a more active lifestyle. Recreational opportunities on the Long Island and New York City campuses offer everything from a fitness center to basketball, tennis, and pickleball courts, as well as hiking, ice skating, and rock climbing outings.

“Students should take advantage of Campus Groups, as it markets all the ways students can get involved. It’s a very important resource,” says Pelham. “There’s a lot to do on campus, but you have to choose to engage with these opportunities.”