The impending fall semester evokes plenty of emotions, especially for new incoming students. Whether you are feeling eager, nervous or excited, we are happy to officially welcome you to Temple University and the Fox School of Business and School of Sport, Tourism and Hospitality Management.

While it might be hard to imagine now, you will soon reach a point where you can’t believe there was ever a time when you couldn’t find the classroom for your 9 a.m. class or that you didn’t know where the best spot on campus was to get a bagel.

In the meantime, though, we have you covered. We checked in with a few of our second-year students for their best advice on navigating your first few weeks at the university’s Main Campus.

What do you remember about your first few weeks at Temple?

Riley: The first week or two of classes as a freshman were definitely a big adjustment for me. You envision it feeling happy all the time, and you do feel happy because of how exciting it is, but I also did feel a strong sense of being overwhelmed, which is normal. I think it’s important to understand that beginning college is a huge transition.

Gio: I felt a sense of intensity – it’s an adjustment getting acclimated to classes, etc., but STHM did a very good job of making incoming students not feel too overwhelmed. Although the initial few weeks feel like a lot, it’s quick to balance out as you get further into the first semester.

Mary: I remember feeling very nervous, especially because I came into my freshman year undecided regarding my major. You feel unsure about meeting people, making friends, etc., but everyone I met in all my classes ended up being so friendly. It made that time of uncertainty much easier to navigate.

Kori: The campus was filled with so much excitement and happy students! I remember feeling nervous about whether I’d make friends and how I was going to get involved, two things looking back on that I had no issue accomplishing! Although it was normal to feel nervous, I look back on those first couple weeks as some of the best memories I’ve had here. It was great to meet new people, make friends, attend on-campus events and go to college classes for the first time.

What are some ways that helped you get acclimated to being a college student?

Riley: One of the best things that worked for me was to stay busy and meet new people. I found it hard in my first few weeks to keep myself from just staying in my dorm all the time, but I’m glad I pushed myself because that feeling of adjustment gets easier and your family is always just a phone call away. Academic wise, I highly recommend a planner! It was a lifesaver for me during my freshman year because of how much it kept me organized.

Gio: What worked me for was joining as many activities as possible – it was the best way for me to get acclimated. While you might be quick to join something new, I utilized skills I already had to get involved. An example: I played basketball and soccer in high school. I joined those pickup games and some of those friends I made initially are now my closest friends today.

Mary: My best advice for getting acclimated and comfortable would be to meet people! Some of the first people I met here quickly became new friends during the first few weeks of school. Getting acclimated might seem daunting at first. I was someone who missed home and went home often during my first semester – try the best you can to enjoy it here, because you don’t get your first year of college back.

Kori: I think one of the best things you can do as a new student is speak to as many people as possible! It might be scary to be a new student at first, but once you realize everyone is feeling pretty similar to you, it’s the best way to meet your new classmates. Another piece of advice is to actually go to class! You might not always feel like it, but you don’t want to fall behind. Lastly, there are so many resources to take advantage of that Fox and STHM offer to its students. One resource I highly recommend is the Business Communication Center – it specializes in reviewing students’ writing and offers them integral feedback before submitting work

What should a new student expect to experience in their first week at Fox/STHM? And what are the best ways incoming students can get involved with on-campus activities/clubs/groups within the first few weeks of classes?

Riley: As an incoming student you feel a rollercoaster of emotions. It can be very tough adjusting to being away from your family, but everyone at Temple is really great and the school community does a great job at making new students feel included in their first two weeks here. Especially for the experience within Fox and STHM, it feels like a big family.

Gio: Across the first few weeks, you definitely feel the excitement of the environment around you! Especially in terms of Fox and STHM, from the beginning you feel a greater sense of community than you could imagine. The faculty and staff make you feel so welcome and showcase that they really care about you and your future – it reminds you that you made the right decision in coming here.

Mary: As a new student in Fox and STHM, you have a chance to interact with and meet so many new classmates and professors – try to talk to as many of them as you can because you can learn a lot about their experiences and their interests. Campus itself has such a fun feel to it when the semester just starts. There are so many students around, events or places to go to and people to meet.

Kori: The first few weeks are filled with so many fun activities and events, especially for Fox and STHM students! I highly recommend attending Fox and STHM’s Student Professional Organization’s fair (Friday, Aug. 30, 10:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m., first floor hallways of Alter and Speakman Hall), which is a great way to learn more about our student organizations and ways to get involved. I would also highly encourage attending as many “Weeks of Welcome” events as possible. Those events are designed to help you get acclimated to campus life and make your transition into Temple significantly smoother.

What are some ways that an incoming student could learn more about or become a student worker at Fox or STHM?

Riley: My best advice for becoming a student worker would be to put yourself out there! Talk to professors, staff, etc. Every year is a bit different, but don’t be afraid to reach out to anyone if you see a job opening – I did just that and became a STHM student ambassador

Gio: I think getting to know your professors and showing them that you care is a great way to be considered. They have the connections to put you into a great student worker opportunity. Show them, beyond just raising your hand in class, that you have a devout willingness to learn and are hungry for opportunities to increase the experiences you have on campus!

Mary: One of the best ways to become a student worker is to put yourself out there to anyone you meet. It’s not something you need to worry about right away during your first semester, but professors, faculty and staff will notice if you are outgoing and passionate and help find a position for you on campus. I began working as a STHM ambassador during the second semester of my freshman year – I was offered the job through my academic advisor who recommended me.

Kori: Although I didn’t begin my student worker job right away, I was grateful to become a Fox Student Ambassador in the spring of my freshman year! I’d recommend any incoming students interested in a student worker position visit the career center, advising office or the online job portal to see what openings are available.

Any other tips or tricks you can offer incoming students?

Riley: Make sure you get a coffee from Saxby’s – my favorite is the peppermint mocha iced coffee! I love to sit at one of their tables and do classwork or study or just enjoy being there. Also, make sure you attend/participate in Homecoming and Family Weekend (Oct. 14 – 20, 2024)!

Gio: Make sure you go to Temple Fest and the STHM career fair! Especially with the career fair, they have so many opportunities lined up for you to take advantage of. Food-wise, I’d highly recommend the Honey Truck on 12th and Norris streets. Lastly, if you’re interested my student professional organization, the Society of Minorities in Sport in Sport, is hosting our general body meeting in the first week of September – I’d love to see you there!

Mary: Richie’s is the best coffee spot on campus and Bagel Hut has the best bagels. Don’t be like me and spend all your money on them!

Kori: While it’s so important to remember that academics come first, make sure to have fun, too. Make time for the fun things: go to a Temple sports game, explore the city of Philadelphia, spend time with your friends or join a club/organization that isn’t a part of Fox or STHM!