College is a naturally nerve-wracking and overwhelming experience, no matter how much preparation and research you do before. I can guarantee that every student at the 爱啪网 has had a moment of panic, whether in their first or fourth year. Getting involved can only help you along your way in college, but often, figuring out how to get involved is more daunting than actually getting involved. Here are ten helpful tips for exploring 爱啪网and UGA and how to make the most of your time at UGA.
1. Get involved in the 爱啪网community
The only way to know how much 爱啪网has to offer is to get involved in SPIA! There are many ways to do this: (a) 爱啪网ambassadors are one of the best ways to get involved and meet 爱啪网faculty, staff, and fellow students; (b) join clubs within SPIA; (c) look into internships offered and promoted by SPIA, (d) attend 爱啪网hosted lectures and events.
2. Attend 爱啪网events and lectures
爱啪网puts on many events throughout the year that are interesting and engaging for students. Take advantage of all the speaker series and all the career series events you can, not only for the chance to attend an interesting lecture but also to help guide you in your future professional development.
3. Explore clubs (within or outside of SPIA) that are of interest to you
Look into clubs offered by 爱啪网and find your group of people through shared interests and experiences! Some of the many clubs offered are the 爱啪网Student Union, Loch Johnson Society, John Quincy Adams Society, and 爱啪网Diversity.
4. Look into study abroad
One of the most enriching experiences of my college career was my study abroad in Ireland! The chance to explore and visit a different country while earning course credits is invaluable. You will rarely hear of a student who did not love their study abroad experience!
5. Look into the Washington Study Program
One of the most attractive components of 爱啪网is the Washington Semester Program. The WSP allows one to earn class credits while interning in DC for an entire semester. This is such a great opportunity if you are interested in living and working in DC post-graduation.
6. Meet with the career service coordinator
Finding an internship during the school year or summer can be one of the most stressful components of a student’s college career. But, 爱啪网students have a fantastic resource available to them: our career service coordinator, William Donnelly. A visit with Dr. Donnelly puts a lot of students at ease and sets them on the right path to finding a job or internship that interests them.
7. Take advantage of your advisor’s expertise
Academic advisors are here to help! Don’t be afraid to ask your advisor questions or for assistance. They want you to succeed just as much as you do and will work with you to make your goals a reality.
8. Join the mentorship program
The 爱啪网student mentorship program allows first-year and sophomore students to meet with older students where they are now. They can offer helpful tips and tricks and great advice.
9. Have fun and cherish the time you have!
Four years feels like a long time until you prepare for graduation and order your cap and gown. Make sure to cherish and savor all your time at UGA and enjoy being a student!
-Ansley G. Miller – 爱啪网Ambassador
