You've been preparing all summer, now you're finally here.
We've put together tips to ensure a successful first semester on campus, and ways to take advantage of all Colgate has to offer.
Getting involved with one (or more!) of our 150+ clubs and organizations is a great way to find your people. Attend the Student Involvement Fair on Friday, September 8, to meet club representatives and see what clubs match your interests at getinvolved.colgate.edu.
Athletic events, lectures with guests renowned in their field, concerts and theater productions, weekly trivia — and that’s only the tip of the iceberg — there is always something happening on campus. Stay up to date with events on campus.
We want to see you succeed, so Colgate has a network of academic support services in place. You can meet with your FSEM advisor or Administrative Dean for one on one guidance and advice. Stop by the CLTR to discover learning and study strategies that work for you, or make an appointment at the Writing and Speaking Center to become an effective communicator.
You’ll study and live alongside a group of peers with similar interests — members of your Commons will be in the same FSEM course as you. Commons also host events and activities throughout the semester.
It’s normal for new students to feel a bit out of place at first. We encourage you to get out of your comfort zone — attend events solo, try a new club or intramural sports team, volunteer through the COVE, or talk to your CL or administrative dean — be open to new experiences, and you’ll soon settle in.
With five different dining halls, cafes, and other eateries, there are abundant options for delicious and nutritious food. If you have questions — or dietary restrictions and concerns — talk to the dining hall employees and our on-staff nutritionist. Dining on campus.
At some point, you may get sick or feel unwell — for any variety of reasons. Caring medical and counseling services are available right on campus. Our professional staff is committed to providing you with the best outpatient health and wellness care. Learn more about health and wellness.
There are many ways to stay active on campus. Free to all students, Trudy Fitness Center is home to fitness and strengthening equipment, and students can take advantage of classes and personal training. If team sports are your thing, join an intramural or club sport. See all athletic and recreation opportunities.
There are filling stations around campus so make a habit of bringing your water bottle with you wherever you go.
The Colgate Cruiser is a free transportation service that gets you around campus, downtown Hamilton, and the local shopping area. The cruiser arrives and leaves their scheduled stops promptly — be on time! Check out the schedule.
Recognized as one of the country’s most friendly towns, Hamilton is the spot to get off campus and grab a slice, catch a movie, and browse the bookstore. Whether you take the Colgate Cruiser, ride a bike, walk, or drive, there are grocery and convenience stores, as well as drugstores, boutiques, and a general store.
If you haven’t already, be sure to sign up for Colgate Alerts, which will notify you of any emergencies and weather-related cancellations. You’ll likely see our Campus Safety Officers out and about on campus. In addition to being NYS-licensed security guards, they’re trained and certified in basic first aid and emergency medical care.
The Colgate Hello is a campus tradition — a simple “hello” on campus has the potential to lead to involvement, lifelong friendships, internships and jobs, and more. With so much to explore at Colgate, students forge their own unique paths, but they never travel alone — there’s always the chance to exchange hellos along the way.
