You’ve made it to college. Boxes line the dorm hallway. Your family helps haul in crates and blankets, while you steal glances at your new roommate, silently hoping they become your new best friends. Your first week at College is officially underway, and everything is new.
There’s no way around it: the transition from high school to college can feel overwhelming. That’s normal. The good news? You’re not in it alone. From your first chapel service to the moment you navigate your class schedule on your own, Grace surrounds you with people ready to support you.
Let’s walk through what you can expect during your first week and how to make the most of it, academically, socially, and spiritually.
The Importance of Orientation
Orientation is your first real introduction to life at Grace. While it may include the usual name games and icebreakers, it serves a much greater purpose. During these events, you’ll walk through your class schedule, meet key faculty members, and become familiar with Grace’s core student services, academic advising, counseling, technology support, and discipleship.
At orientation you’ll receive detailed information on your courses, chapel expectations, housing policies, and even how to navigate Grace’s student platform. Orientation will show you what it means to be part of the Grace community.
By the time orientation wraps up, you’ll have a clearer picture of what your semester will look like and where you can turn if you need support.
Be Intentional About First Impressions
Your first day of class matters more than you might think. Show up early, prepared, and ready to engage. Being on time shows respect for your instructor and classmates.
Dress appropriately. You don’t need a suit or heels, but pajamas or bedhead send a message you likely don’t intend. This is your time to begin developing your academic and professional identity.
When you walk into your first class, choose your seat thoughtfully. If you need fewer distractions, sit closer to the front. If you have a short passing time before your next class, consider sitting near the exit. These small decisions can ease your transition and allow you to stay focused throughout the day.
College Isn’t High School
The first thing you’ll notice is the shift in expectations. In high school, teachers often reminded you about upcoming assignments and helped manage your academic progress. In college, that responsibility is yours. At Grace, professors expect students to manage their own schedules, communicate directly about questions, and advocate for themselves when challenges arise.
This new level of independence might feel intimidating at first. However, it becomes empowering over time. You’ll gain confidence in emailing professors, showing up on time to class, and managing your schedule.
According to a 2023 National Survey of Student Engagement, students who take ownership of their academic experience early in the semester are more likely to stay on track for graduation. Grace encourages this same kind of self-leadership.
Building Your Routine
Once classes begin, you’ll quickly discover that time management is essential. You’re responsible for showing up on time, staying engaged, and keeping track of assignments and deadlines. Professors won’t hand out daily reminders; instead, they’ll distribute a syllabus that outlines the entire semester. Guard this document carefully, it’s your road map.
Consider investing in a planner or using a digital calendar app. Write down every due date, quiz, and paper listed in your syllabi. This simple habit can help reduce anxiety and ensure you stay on top of your academic responsibilities. In a 2023 study from Harding examined how student-athletes balance commitments with academic responsibilities using the Time Management Behavior Scale (TMBS). The study found a significant positive correlation: students who scored higher on time management behaviors, such as goal-setting, planning mechanics, and prioritization, also reported higher GPAs
In addition to academic preparedness, your first week is the perfect time to begin exploring community. You’ll meet classmates in chapel, during meal times in the dinning hall, and at on-campus events. While you may not find your closest friends in the first few days, starting conversations early builds the foundation for deeper connections.
Know Your Professors and Use Office Hours
In high school, students often relied on teachers to initiate help. In college, the dynamic shifts. Your professors at Grace want to see you succeed, but they want you to take the initiate and responsibility for your academic success.
Every professor holds regular office hours. Stop by during the first week, even if it’s just to say hello. These conversations help build trust and make it easier to ask for help later on. If you’re not sure how to start, simply ask about their career background or share your goals for the course.
Many faculty members also have connections to internships, local churches, and ministry opportunities. Forming those relationships early can open doors you didn’t even know existed.
Life Outside the Classroom
College isn’t all textbooks and lectures. At Grace, your education extends far beyond the classroom walls. You’ll grow spiritually through chapel three times a week, and mentorship opportunities in campus ministries.
You’ll also find countless opportunities for fun. Look for bulletin boards around campus that highlight events like welcome back bash, worship nights, or game nights. During your first week, don’t be afraid to try something new. Go to a volleyball game. Join a small group. Say yes to coffee with someone you just met. Each step builds community.
The Emotional Side of Week One
Don’t be surprised if emotions run high. Joy, anxiety, exhaustion, homesickness, sometimes all in the same hour. That’s okay. Transitions are hard, even when they’re good. Give yourself grace, and don’t compare your journey to someone else’s.
At Grace, we believe transformation happens in community. You don’t have to navigate change alone. Talk with your RA. Pray with a professor. Call home. Take a walk. Journal in the chapel. These small steps help you find your footing and stay encouraged.
If you’re struggling, know that there are people here who care deeply about your well-being. The counseling center, academic support team, and Student Affairs staff are all ready to support you.
You Belong Here
Your first week at Grace Christian University is the foundation of a new chapter. You’ll face new expectations, meet people who challenge and inspire you, and discover what it means to live in a transformational community.
You were brought here for a reason. God has a plan for your time at Grace, and it begins with small steps, showing up, asking questions, listening well, and staying open to growth.
So walk into that first class early. Sit with someone new in the dining hall. Take notes. Keep your syllabus. Go to chapel. Most of all, lean into the journey ahead.
Welcome to Grace. You’re right where you need to be.
