Anxious about your first year as a college student? Completely psyched? Both? We have plenty of ways to help you navigate your first year.
The Summer Before
Even before the fall semester begins, you’ll begin to learn what life is like as a student at Purchase College.
Orientation
Orientation and Welcome Week both help smooth your transition to college life. You’ll learn to navigate campus, meet your neighbors, and hear all about what Purchase offers to keep you healthy, safe, and on track.
Success Fellows
For some, it begins with our Summer Success Fellows program. An expanded, overnight orientation program, it provides a little extra insight into the transition from high school to college. By invitation only.
First-Year Learning Community Seminar Foundation Program
Those who choose a Learning Community as their required seminar experience may opt for an extended overnight orientation that dives a little deeper into the transition to college life. By application for those enrolled.
We provide a solid footing at the starting line for all. College Writing and a choice of either First-Year Seminar options are required.
1. Seminar Options
Choose from either a First-Year Seminar or a First-Year Learning Community seminar. Both bring together BA and BS students in the liberal arts and sciences in small group discussions. Students in the arts earning BFAs and MusBs have first-year programs built into their curriculum.
First-Year Learning Community Seminar
First-Year Learning Community seminars (FYLC) are small innovative classes promoting critical thinking and community. These are led by faculty-in-residence with discussions reflecting their intellectual interest. FYLC participants may also opt to attend a 2 1/2 day summer orientation program. (3 credits)
In a First-Year Seminar, you’ll learn about academic expectations, our many campus resources, and co-curricular opportunities. You’ll be immersed in campus culture to discover ways to feel connected. (1 credit)
And, your academic advisor is your instructor, so you’ll have weekly advisement built-in. (BA/BS only)
In College Writing, you’ll gather in small seminar groups, and through reading and discussion, you’ll think critically, communicate effectively, and produce work at the college level. (4 credits)
Whether in two weeks or three years, there may come a time when you need help. Your faculty advisor assists in a variety of ways, from clarifying academic requirements to planning a course of study in your major. There’s more.
The Advising Center
The Advising Center is available for course selection, major exploration, and broader issues like planning a pathway to your career.
This new fee-based coaching program goes beyond our standard options to provide a little extra support transitioning to college life—such as starting and planning tasks, focusing, getting organized, managing emotions, and staying on track.
It’s open to any full-time student who would benefit from resources, strategies, and individualized coaching to enhance their learning experience.
There are so many ways to get involved. Find a niche in a student club. Spend a day with Purchase in the City. Find some collaborators and create something new. Your college experience will be better for it.
