discover
1st year
Focus on a successful transition to UGA and DISCOVER everything UGA has to offer to build your college experience!
Pathway to Success
Welcome to UGA! There are so many exciting opportunities waiting for you both inside and outside of the classroom. This pathway is designed to help you navigate your first year at UGA. Integrate these suggestions as they best fit into your personal and academic goals.
Get Started
- Attend First-Year Orientation.
- Consider participating in a Dawg Camp Extended Orientation Program before you start your first semester.
- Take placement exams with University Testing Services.
- Participate in North of the Arch at College Square Plaza, located on College Avenue between East Clayton Street and East Broad Street. This event gives you the chance to explore the businesses of downtown Athens and win exciting prizes!
- Attend Freshman Welcome!
- Attend Welcome UGA Events!
- Write down personal goals for your first year. Check out this worksheet from the UGA Mentor Program to help you craft your SMART goals for your first year.
- Use a planner (paper or digital) to get organized.
Get to Know Campus
- Download the UGA Mobile App to help you find your way around campus.
- Take time to walk around campus before classes start to locate your classes and reduce the stress of having to find them on the first day.
- Familiarize yourself with campus resources such as the Division of Academic Enhancement, Counseling and Psychiatric Services (CAPS), and the Well-Being Network.
- The Division of Academic Enhancement offers a variety of programs and services that support your academic success at UGA, such as peer tutoring and student success workshops.
- Students have access to 24/7 mental health support by calling CAPS directly at 706-542-2273.
- The Well-Being Network provides a single location for students to navigate UGA's numerous well-being resources.
- Take advantage of the Ramsey Student Center to stay active.
Get Curious
- UGA offers numerous majors, minors, certificates, and courses as well as experiential learning opportunities. Talk to your advisor and explore the UGA Bulletin to learn more.
- Use SAGE to schedule an appointment with your academic advisor to find out if your major requires an application/when to apply for your major.
- Notice courses that spark your interest and talk to your academic advisor about them, even if they are outside of your intended major.
- Undecided? Visit the Career Center’s website to view their major/career exploration resources and complete career assessments to help explore your interests, values, and personality or visit the Exploratory Center to meet with an advisor who will help you discover the right major for you!
- Attend the Study Away Fair and explore your international study options.
- Shadow professionals through the Career Center's Intern for a Day program.
- Look for ways to gain experience in the career path you want to pursue through internships, undergraduate research, part-time jobs, or volunteering.
- The UGA Career Center and Handshake can help you prepare for and get to connected to internship and part-time job opportunities.
- Your professors and CURO at UGA is a great place to start if you are looking for research opportunities.
- The Office of Engagement, Leadership, and Service and GivePulse are great places to start if you are looking for volunteer opportunities.
Make a Plan
Stay on Track
Learn About Tradition
- Learn about UGA Traditions.
- Begin your participation in as many of UGA’s traditions as possible such as Ringing the Chapel Bell, Snellibrating, and Homecoming.
Get Engaged
- Explore student organizations on the Involvement Network.
- Attend an Engagement Fair to interact with hundreds of student organizations. Join at least 1 organization that aligns with your passions and interests or join an organization centered around a topic you want to learn more about!
- Attend programs hosted by resident assistants (RAs) in your residence hall and programs hosted by the Residence Hall Association (RHA).
- Further your involvement with the Residence Hall Association by running for an officer position on your residence hall's Community Council.
- Follow University Union on Instagram to learn about upcoming campus events created by students for students.
- Participate in Dawg Day of Service
- Attend the Annual Student Leadership Conference, held during the fall semester.
- Attend Career Center Arch Ready Programs.
- Attend a student success workshop presented by the Division of Academic Enhancement (DAE).
- Join LISTSERVS in your (intended) major or college to receive timely information about upcoming events. Explore departmental websites to learn more.
- Learn about (and sign-up for) opportunities to serve in the Athens Community on GivePulse.
- Consider applying to be a member of SGA’s First Year Programs.
- Attend free (or discounted) campus events:
Get Support
- Consider academic coaching, working with a peer tutor, attending a student success workshop, or UNIV or drop back course through the Division of Academic Enhancement.
- If you need help with a writing assignment, visit the UGA Writing Center.
- Get 24/7 mental health support by calling Counseling & Psychiatric Services (CAPS) at 706-542-2273.
- Get in touch with Student Care & Outreach to create a network of support.
- Attend a free BeWellUGA well-being workshop at the University Health Center.
- Be aware of resources such as Wellness Coaching, the ASPIRE Clinic, or Financial Hardship Resources.
- Be aware of UGA’s mental health and well-being resources.
Capture the Moment
Build Connections
- Introduce yourself to your professors after class or during office hours. Return throughout the semester with questions.
- Connect with upperclassmen sharing similar interests and majors for mentorship and guidance. A great place to start is with the ambassadors in the college that houses your intended major or leaders in the student organizations that you are a part of. Check out the Interactive Student Transition Guide for quick links to student ambassador information for each college.
- Join the UGA Mentor Program to connect with the Bulldog family.
Focus Forward
- During your advising appointment for the spring and summer semesters, discuss how to make the most of your approaching summer with your advisor.
- Register for sophomore courses including any summer classes you want or need to take. Begin compiling your resume.
- Explore and apply for scholarships available through your college and/or the Office of Student Financial Aid.
- Start building your college resume and seek feedback from the Career Center. Check out "Resume Breakdown" on the Career's Center's website to guide you as you craft your resume.
Adapted from Mercer University’s Orangeprint