Advice for the Class of 2029

Introduction

Hey everyone, I am Camila Canavati, a first-year student at Furman Univeristy. As my first year of college comes to an end, I have so many amazing things to reflect on. This year has been a great foundation for all my college years, and I would love to share some insight to help others achieve the same outcome. Furman is a place like no other, and it does not take long to realize everything that it has to offer. I know that the transition from high school to college can be extremely difficult, and I hope that this blog can help make that process easier!

Embrace the Experience

Enjoy and make the most of orientation week! From the second you step foot on campus in the fall, you are greeted by the most friendly faces, your o-leaders! These orientation leaders are there to help make Furman feel like home. Throughout orientation week, numerous activities occur. A fan favorite orientation activity is the fair that is held on the last day of the week. The fair has carnival foods, drinks, and games. These events are so fun to go to with friends in your orientation group or anyone else you meet along the way! Furman makes that first week of college so easy since no classes are going on and only first-year students are on campus! Take this time to catch lunch with a friend, walk around campus, and meet as many people as you’d like.

Get Din-volved

Furman makes getting involved on campus so easy, whether it’s during summer or fall orientation, Furman Forward, or even Showcase Saturdays, Furman always has their academic departments and involvements there. This is done to show all the amazing things that Furman has to offer in and out of the classroom. A huge piece of advice that I tell people is to get involved on campus, join clubs and organizations like FUOC, FUSAB, SGA, or Heller Service Corps, to name a few. You can also get involved within the academic department you want to major in. As a Communication Studies Major, I joined the Com Advisory Board in my first week on campus. This club provides a meeting space for all Communication Studies majors and allows us to discuss certain things within the department.

Furman has over 160 clubs, and if none of those interest you, you can always make your own! Everyone has a place on campus, and Furman wants students to express their interests. Other than getting involved within your major or clubs, Furman also has on-campus jobs for students. Students can work in the James B. Duke Library, Trone Student Center, the PAC, and the Hartness Admissions Center, to name a couple. All Furman wants is for students to find their community on campus, no matter the outlet!

Set Your Own Pace

Don’t ever feel like you are behind. The first couple of weeks at college anywhere can feel like there are so many things going on at once. No matter if it’s school work, involvements, or spending time with friends, don’t overwhelm yourself! All of these things are important and help make college the best experience, but don’t harp on them so much. Set a pace for yourself and follow it because comparison never helps. In the past, I have felt like I was falling behind, this was by no one’s doing but my own, and in all actuality, I was perfectly okay. All this goes to say, there is no mold to follow in order to have a good college experience!

The Adventure Begins

College is not a linear path! There may be bumps in the road, and unexpected things may occur, but do not let them deter you! Change is normal and inevitable, so the sooner that is realized, the easier you can adapt. College is what you make of it; always remember that. As always, this period of your life is designated for growth. Thank you for reading this, and I hope that these simple tips can help with the adjustment to Furman!

See you all in the Fall!

– Camila Canavati ’28