As a new Pilot, you may have tagged your name in marker on the whiteboard outside your dorm room, tapped your first meal points, collected syllabi and discovered River Campus.
But do you know all the secrets to The Bluff?
To kick off the school year, The Beacon asked seasoned Pilots to submit their advice and campus hacks. The following guidance comes from upper-year students and Beacon staffers to ease the nerves of being new to campus.
Find comfort in discomfort
One of the lessons you might learn in college is to find comfort in spending time alone. Solo study dates and walking to class by yourself will soon become part of your daily routine.
“I wish I had been told that the awkwardness is a part of it,” junior News Reporter Nandita Kumar said. “You’re not always going to have someone to eat with, and you’re not always going to feel comfortable. But over time, college starts to feel like home.”
Not quite ready to eat alone in Bauccio Commons or the Pilot House? Purchasing a reusable eco-container and taking meals to go can help you work your way up to dining solo.
Start the conversation
As you find yourself surrounded by people with similar interests and goals, college is the best time to meet your people for life.
Senior Alanna Navarro Garcia is familiar with first-semester jitters, especially when it comes to making friends.
“I was nervous about making connections, friends and finding community,” Navarro Garcia said. “But it turned out that so many people are in the exact same position, just waiting for someone to start the conversation.”
Friends from classes and extracurriculars can quickly turn into your best friends. Try the brave thing and introduce yourself.
Say yes to everything, for now
There are many opportunities to explore your passions, hobbies and communities here on The Bluff.
For senior News and Managing Editor Maggie Dapp, finding your niche on campus comes from embracing new opportunities while setting clear boundaries with your time.
“Say yes to everything, but be ready to say no,” Dapp said. “Getting very involved very early on is your ticket to feeling at home on campus and finding your people. Eventually, you’ll have to prioritize what you really care about. When that time comes, don’t be scared or feel guilty to let go.”
If you’re unsure of where to start discovering clubs and attending events, check out Engage.
Also keep in the know by following University Instagram accounts like the Campus Program Board, Associated Students of the University of Portland, Pilots After Dark and Portland Pilots Athletics.
Tap into the freebies around campus
College may be the only time in our adult lives when free food, events and amenities are often available. Sophomore Kayla Matsuoka is not wasting the opportunity, and neither should you.
“Take advantage of all the opportunities and resources you have access to,” Matsuoka said.
Make use of The Learning Commons peer tutoring services, The Career Education Center guidance, Beauchamp Recreation and Wellness Center machines and rentals, Clark Library resources and the Health and Counseling Services available to you.
Fill your weekends
Weekend activities are often closer than you think. Explore nearby neighborhoods, eats and things to do with UP resources and The Beacon’s favorite local activities for those under 21.
“Get off campus,” senior Opinions and Copy Editor Kaylee Monahan said. “UP may be on The Bluff, but there's so much activity within walking distance — trivia at Chill N Fill and Revolutions Bookshop in St. Johns, to name a few.”
Keep these ideas in your back pocket for the days you’re craving a break but can’t decide on a plan.
Spin smarter, not harder
For some first-year students, the days of family doing their laundry are now a distant memory.
Busy dorm laundry rooms taught sophomore Photographer Sarah Knight-Weiss the best times to get laundry done throughout the week.
“Try to get your laundry done Monday through Thursday instead of trying to find machines during the busy weekend,” Knight-Weiss said.
Don’t forget to set an alarm to switch loads or you might find your clothes sitting on top of the machine instead of inside it.
Find your flow at Beauchamp
Want to move your body but don’t know where to start? Take the guesswork out of exercising with fitness classes offered this fall at Beauchamp.
Sophomore News Reporter Clara Pehling says fitness classes double as physical activity and a mood booster.
“Go to the gym classes, especially in the winter,” Pehling said. “They’re super fun and helpful for getting your energy out during crummy weather.”
Try your hand at restorative yoga, cycling, personal training, hip hop or Zumba by registering here.
Your study, your style
Whether your vibe is silent and focused or buzzing with energy, begin the semester by securing the perfect study spot on campus. For senior Nick Chiong, how you study is just as important as where you study.
“Take risks, study and read ahead. Don’t forget to take breaks,” Chiong said.
The Dundon-Berchtold first-floor Franz Lounge and the quiet floor of Clark Library are great for when you need to lock in.
The fireplace lounge of the Pilot House and the Shiley-Marcos Center for Design and Innovation are go-to places to study with friends.
Balance your day
In high school, your days were likely packed from first bell to last period, with homework and activities filling the rest. In college, you might find yourself with more free time than you’re used to.
Plan ahead to include everything you need to fill your cup, such as academics, extracurriculars, time with friends and self-care.
“I was nervous about the workload and how I'd be able to manage it all, along with being social with my peers,” junior Satara Meksavanh said. “After looking back, I was able to attend class, do homework and socialize with an amazing balance of everything.”
Kalena O’Connell is the Living Section Editor for The Beacon. She can be reached at oconnell27@up.edu
