Set Sail for Success: Tips for a Successful Transition to ECU
Welcome aboard, new Pirates!
ARRRGH you excited?! It is almost time for you to embark on your journey in Pirate Nation and everyone here at ECU is eagerly awaiting your arrival!
Now that you have registered for classes, attended orientation, and been assigned your residence hall and roommate…it is time to map out a plan for you to make a smooth transition into college life.
Tip #1: Attend all opening weekend events.
Opening weekend is one of the most exciting times on campus! It really is not the same without you all here, trust me. I have been on campus all summer and it has been pretty quiet around here, so it will be so great to have everyone back!
Not one…not two…but three long-standing ECU traditions happen during opening weekend! Raid the Rec on August 16th, Pirate Palooza on August 17th, and New Student Welcome on August 18th. All events are FREE with your ECU 1-card. Come on out, meet new friends, create lifelong memories, collect some free pirate swag, and let’s kick this year off strong!
Students attend Pirate Palooza
English Literature class
Tip #2: Introduce yourself to your professors & build strong relationships with them.
Show up early to the first day of class and sit in the front row! This will show your professors that you are interested and want to be here. Trust me, this will go a long way in the future. If you need extra help, be sure to attend their office hours and connect with them. It is so important to build your network here at ECU early on as you will definitely need it later in your journey. Do you plan to apply for scholarships or an on-campus job at some point? Professors make GREAT references, and they are always happy to help support students!
Tip #3: Attend on-campus events throughout the year.
ECU hosts hundreds of on-campus events throughout the year that are FREE for you to attend! Highlights include: Halloween Havoc and Barefoot on the Mall, presented by the Student Activities Board and Homecoming week, presented by the Student Government Association. On-campus events provide a safe way for our students to get involved and meet new friends!
Barefoot on the Mall concert
Tip #4: Pay close attention to the on-campus TV screens.
As you are strolling around your new home in Pirate Nation, keep an eye out for our informational TV screens around campus. These can be found in every campus building, including your residence hall. These screens are a major way that the university communicates with you. The TV screens will display everything from important announcements to upcoming events to on-campus employment opportunities. Do not miss news you can use!
Tip #5: Be aware of all campus resources and use them when needed.
My final tip is to be aware of all of the on-campus resources that ECU provides to help you be successful! There are many helpful resources including Campus Recreation and Wellness, the Counseling Center, Student Health Services, Dean of Students Office, Disability Support Services, the Pirate Academic Success Center, and ECU Police just to name a few.
The best way that I can sum up this blog post and my advice to the class of 2028 is with five words…get out of your room!
I understand that the transition to college is daunting, and change is scary, but this is an exciting change! College is your first introduction to adulthood, and I encourage you to come out and engage with others once you arrive on campus. Make the most of your time here at ECU, as these four years will fly by, and graduation day will be here in the blink of an eye.
Also, remember that everyone here in Pirate Nation wants you to be successful, so please ask for help whenever you need it. We are all Pirates, and we are here to support one another!
Welcome aboard!