And just like that, the first day of classes has come and gone.
I hope Monday was a good day for your student and that they’re well on the way to settling in here on campus.
I know that one of the things on a lot of parents’ minds—especially parents of freshmen and transfer students—is how the whole “making new friends” thing is going.
Honestly, the easiest time to make new friends is when so many people are new to campus: That’s now, fall semester. And one of the easiest ways to meet and connect with other Lancers is through student organizations.
Friend Factory: Student Organizations
Longwood has more than 100 of these student groups, all of which are organized around shared interests and activities. Belly dancing? Investing in the stock market? Music ensembles? Service dog training? Anime? Sports? We’ve got organizations for all of that—and much more. It’s so much easier to make friends in the small groups that these organizations provide.
Encourage your student to “find their people” at the Involvement and Volunteer Fair next Thursday, Sept. 5, from 4-6 p.m. on Brock Commons. They’ll have the opportunity to talk to students in these organizations, which are always looking for new members.
Mix and Mingle: Go to The G.A.M.E., Get a Scarf, Meet New People
Another great opportunity for students to mix and mingle is First Friday Back and The G.A.M.E. (Greatest Athletics March Ever), one of Longwood’s annual traditions, which is set for next Friday, Sept. 6. (If you’ve been wondering how your student can get a Longwood scarf, keep reading.)
First Friday Back and The G.A.M.E. Schedule
—Students get a wrist band that they can redeem later that day for a Longwood scarf.
New students: noon-3 p.m.
Upperclassmen: starting at 3:15 p.m.
Brock Commons
—Games and activities
3-4 p.m.
—Pep rally and Longwood scarf reveal
4:15 p.m.
Joan Perry Brock Center
followed by the march to the Athletics Complex, where students can exchange their wrist band for a Longwood scarf
—Field Hockey vs. Davidson
6 p.m.
Athletics Complex
Location, Location, Location
Meanwhile, the dining hall, the library, Upchurch University Center, the Fitness Center and classes are other places where your student can meet new people.
I know it can be hard for students to put themselves out there in a new setting, but please encourage your Lancer to take the chance: say hello, smile at someone, sit down and start a conversation. And they should remember that a lot of students here at Longwood are trying to make new friends, too. Your student might be surprised that, when we interview new students during move-in, the most common answer to the question “What are you looking forward to most?” is “Making new friends.”
—Sabrina Brown