The Transition

Many first year students have a difficult time adjusting from high school to the new atmosphere of college. The transition to dorm life, having no rules, and prioritizing tasks is somewhat challenging for most young adults. Southern Methodist University is aware of the possibility of a struggling adjustment period for first year students. Various events have been created to help Freshmen adapt to their new surroundings and enjoy their first year of college.

SMU offers Orientation (AARO), Mustang Corral, A Night at the Clubs, campus Boulevards, and Family Weekend in September. Orientation is just the beginning for first years to become acquainted with their new home. During orientation various speakers, including faculty, alumni, and current students welcome the new mustangs. At orientation the freshman class meets with their advisors who help with first year schedules so the student does not have to go through the process of picking classes alone. Once schedules are set and ID cards are finished, first years are ready to move into the residence halls. Before they even have time to get homesick or feel alone, SMU buses their new students to various locations for a two-night stay, camp like environment known as Mustang Corral. At Corral friendships are formed and the traditions of the school are taught. Connections are quickly made and Freshmen return to their residence halls seeing familiar faces and ready to pony up for the football games. Once adjusted to dorm life, SMU holds what is known as “A Night at the Club”. This event allows students to go from booth to booth learning about all the various clubs that the university has to offer. There truly is a club for everyone and students quickly find their passions and get involved. The events do not end with the clubs. All campus boulevards, where everyone is encouraged to be on the boulevard to show their mustang spirit, and family weekend that occurs in September, help the students become involved in games and share the spirit and traditions with their family.

From Mustang Corral, to becoming oriented with the school, boulevards, learning about the clubs and all the other activities that are held for first year students, the adjustment from high school to college at Southern Methodist University is an easy and enjoyable transition. If you were at a large university do you feel you would have the same advantages of meeting new people as you have had at SMU? Do you feel that after the numerous events that the school has promoted your transition has been successful? Did these events help you to feel well connected to the school?