We are this year’s Ambassador and CLAVE coordinators. We collaborate with the Office of Undergraduate Admission to recruit Black / African American and Latinx / Hispanic students to our campus. We are here to help ensure you feel seen and supported throughout your college search process. This time, we’re collaborating with some recent alumni to share individual tips and tricks for navigating your first year at Northwestern!

Don’t forget to explore your interests outside of academics

Kiki Ogbuefi, Class of 2022

From cultural organizations to cooking clubs, Northwestern provides many opportunities for students to explore their interests outside of school. While certain activities on campus require students to be fully committed to a club, multiple clubs and organizations do not require students to commit a large amount of their time. At the same time, many extracurricular groups on campus hold events throughout the year upon all students on campus. For example, suppose a student is interested in joining a Multicultural Greek Association but is unsure whether they will commit to joining a fraternity or sorority. In that case, they can simply attend open activities and events that will foster their decision to join a Multicultural Greek Association.

Ask for help

Francine Kibwana, Fourth-Year

Professors, TA’s, career advisors, RA’s, and so many other people on campus are here to help you. Whether it’s pertaining to your academics, personal life, or expenses, there is a resource available to assist you. The SES One Form, for example, is an online portal that allows students to apply for various funding; for example, they can help with medical expenses, an interview suit, or club fees. There’s also Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) available at all times should you ever be in an emergent situation. To my surprise, the friends I’ve made through clubs such as the National Society of Black Engineers and the Black Mentorship Program have been my most effective resource. Upperclassmen, in particular, are eager to offer advise on classes, help you study for exams, and assist you with finding housing. All of this is to say that no matter your woes, there is more likely than not a resource at your disposal.

Don’t be afraid to make friends

Rafael Rodriguez, Class of 2022

The first few months of college can be overwhelming. Looking back, one of the things I wish I did better was frequently talk to people I didn’t know. Try to get to class 5 minutes early, sit next to someone and talk to them. It might feel a little uncomfortable, but chances are those people also want to make friends. You never know if they turn out to be some of your closest friends throughout college! This applies to other scenarios as well, such dining halls, club meetings, and social gatherings. As a bonus tip, don’t run out of the classroom once the class ends. If you sat down with someone, walk with them out of the room and see if you’re headed somewhere similar. That might give you a chance at continuing to build a closer relationship with them. In the end, engaging with as many students as possible will allow you to put your best foot forward in building a social circle that will be an integral part of your Northwestern experience. Keep in mind that the hardest part is gathering the courage to strike a conversation. Everything else that happens after that is smooth sailing!

Know what to bring to campus

Denise Sanchez, Second Year

When going to college, one of the most important things is packing the right items for your campus arrival. In my experience, I took time to research online the essentials to bring to a college dorm. Lucky Northwestern’s Residential Services provides an online list for incoming first-year students that highlights the essential items that every residential dorm should include while explaining the forbidden objects students should not bring inside their dorms. In addition, I consulted outside resources such as blogs and online videos to help me create a list of the things I needed to bring on campus. However, considering Midwest weather, students should bring clothing for all types of weather. At Northwestern, summers are warm and sunny, but winters are freezing. So, do not forget to bring a thick winter coat, snow boots, gloves, and hats to campus. For students that need assistance in obtaining winter gear, Northwestern can help with that too! Student Enrichment Services at Northwestern assist low-income students with FREE clothing for the winter. Overall, as you transition into college, make sure to be on the lookout for essential items to bring once you move into Northwestern.

Join clubs and organizations

Andrés Polanco Molina

A big part of the College experience is the people you meet, and it may be out of your comfort zone to reach out or try and join student organizations, but at Northwestern these groups can be very useful resources to find community. During your first week at Northwestern there will be a club fair right outside of the Norris student center and there you will be able to find so many clubs and organizations (I’ll probably be there for my orgs, shameless plug). Other than the club fair, social media is the perfect place to club activities and past events. You can find social media links on the northwestern wildcat connections pages of each org and other fun information. Clubs on campus are super welcoming and supportive of new students and it’s a fun way to get experience in leadership positions as well!.

As always, if you have any questions do not hesitate to reach out to us at nu.ambassadors.clave@gmail.com

 

	Kiki Ogbuefi Ambassadors Coordinator Lake Forest, IL Class of 2022 WCAS: Neuroscience
	Francine Kibwana Ambassadors Coordinator Suwanee, GA Fourth Year McCormick: Industrial Engineering
	Andrés Polanco Molina CLAVE Coordinator Sleepy Hollow, NY Third Year WCAS: Latinx Studies
	Rafael Rodriguez CLAVE Coordinator Caguas, PR Class of 2022 WCAS: Computer Science and Psychology
	Denise Sanchez CLAVE Coordinator Chicago, IL Second Year SESP: Social Policy