Welcome Week allows new students to settle into The Nest

by LAUREN BOYETT

Staff Writer

Moving into college is always emotionally charged. A typical mix of excitement, anxiety and homesickness hits new students full force, but that’s where Welcome Week comes in.

Once move-in began on Aug. 21, the freshmen class of 2028 and new transfer students were immediately ushered into the new academic year. Known as Welcome Week, this period before the start of classes is packed full of seminars, activities and events to help new Eagles get to know campus and make connections with their peers.

From a visit by magician Peter Boie to workshops that sought to prepare students for success in their college classes and an all-hands-on-deck move-in period, Welcome Week kept freshmen busy and strived to keep them entertained. 

“My favorite activity was one hundred percent the magician!” said freshman Ellie Tjaden. “I went to see him with a wonderful group of people that made the experience even more elevated than it was just by itself.” 

During these first few days of getting to know neighbors and classmates, new students begin forming relationships that have the potential to last a lifetime. Tjaden experienced firsthand the type of community advertised at UMW at the very start of the week during move-in. 

“I had so many people helping me unload the car and helping me move in,” she said. “My roommate was truly the star of that day and I will forever be grateful to her and her boyfriend for helping me move in in such an efficient and timely manner.”

It took others longer to get settled. The anticipation of moving in, coupled with the realization of just how much stuff you have to squeeze into a tiny dorm room, can be overwhelming. 

“I was nervous and anxious,” said freshman Kaylah Bettucci. “It was a bit overwhelming with all the stuff in the room, there was a lot going on.”

Designed to break the ice and alleviate some of that nervousness, Welcome Week offered a series of events that aimed at fostering relationships and helping students feel prepared for this next chapter of life. 

“I think my favorite activity was the small amounts of free time that we got to ourselves, and the small events around campus like karaoke and the Just Dance party in the Underground,” said freshman Nataly Arita. 

First-year students also met their peer mentors, received a glimpse of the university’s ASPIRE values and had the opportunity to enjoy ice cream with the University President Troy Paino at his home, known as Brompton House. 

However, the busy schedule and constant social interaction proved draining for some. Bettucci would have preferred flexible meal times and more downtime between activities. Tjaden echoed those feelings.

“My least favorite part was probably having to get up at seven thirty for breakfast and then the presentations,” she said. “The presenters did wonderfully, I just missed my bed sometimes.” 

Some students also offered suggestions for following Welcome Weeks in years to come. Arita suggested an opportunity to give incoming students more chances to make friends on their floor during those first few days.

“Each floor in the residence halls should host a game night or social event for everyone on that floor to get to know each other better because you will end up living with and seeing those people for a whole year, so might as well be able to form friendships out of them,” she said.

Tjaden would have also enjoyed a more relaxing activity, like showing a movie on Jefferson Square or the Rec Field.

“It would be so fun for new freshmen and students,” she said. “A nice stress relief between the business of Welcome Week and the first day of school.”

With Welcome Week complete, new eagles can now settle into the nest and reflect on the joy they are bringing to campus and can begin their year on a high note.