Welcome Home

As they haul their belongings to Bloomington today, freshmen will experience a variety of emotions, ranging from excitement to sheer aggravation.\nThey've heard all the myths and rumors about college life; now they finally get to experience it.\nThe scramble to move into campus residence halls marks the start of Welcome Week, one of the most important parts of the freshman experience, said Patrick Conner, executive director of Residential Programs and Services.\n"This is truly the only time when the students have the chance to explore IU without thinking about the other demands of their time that will be present during the academic year," Connor said.\nWelcome Week offers many activities such as the Freshmen Induction Ceremony, Culture Fest, a work-study and non-study job fair, the Traditions and Spirit of IU, Midnight Madness, and the Hillel Open Barbecue.\nFreshman Jehan Abubakr is looking forward to moving into her new home.\n"I'm really excited about meeting my roommate," she said.\nAbubakr, though, said she also worries about other factors, such as the inevitable traffic jams that plague the entire campus the first day.\n"And of course the showers in the dorms," she added.\nMoving in for the first time last year was nothing to worry about, said sophomore Mike Marzal.\n"I was most apprehensive about meeting my roommate," Marzal said. "I had a predetermined idea of what he was going to be like, but once I got to know him, he turned out to be a really nice guy."\nThe toughest part of the moving experience for sophomore Angela Fonyuy was adjustment.\n"It took awhile to adjust to noise at different times of the day when you are trying to do work, she said. "And sharing a bathroom of course."\nThe orientation staff\nThe Office of Orientation Programs has three major goals this year, said Associate Director Melanie Payne.\n"One, to get the students to meet other people on campus, especially staff and faculty," Payne said. "Two, to have students experience things they might not have had exposure to, such as different cultures. Also, to have students learn about all the resources IU has to offer. We know that students will feel more comfortable if they know where to go when they need help."\nOne way for students to relieve the stress of moving in she said is to attend Welcome Week. \n"The purpose of Welcome Week is to make new students more familiar with the campus," Payne said. "If students pay attention, they will be amazed at what this campus has to offer."\nPaying attention also shows what other students have to offer, Fonyuy said.\n"I attended functions around my dorm, just to see people and try to get to know them," she said. "it helped with socializing and made it easier to adjust."\nThe first few weeks are the time to make connections with others who live on your floor, Connor said.\n"For many students, this is a time where new lifelong friendships are formed," he said.\n"In addition, get involved in your residence hall. It is another great way to meet others with the added benefit of learning more about what's happening in your hall and finding something that matches your personal interests."\nOrientation Schedule