5 Tips to Have the Best First Week as a Blue Demon

A blue and red balloon archway with DePaul spelled out in silver balloons at the top, inside a hallway.

Starting college is always exciting and a little nerve wracking. With classes starting up, clubs having first meetings, and learning your way around campus and Chicago it keeps you busy. I do have some helpful tips so you can start your school year off right and get to experience DePaul to your fullest.

1. Participate

There are so many things happening especially in the first couple weeks, from the Loop DeBlock Party to the Involvement Fair. There are also a lot of small things going on too, and this is the perfect place to meet people. I have not only made new friends from going to things, but also run into classmates who have become great friends. Also, participating offers something to do between or after classes.

DePaul Center’s rooftop patio with a blue and red roller rink and benches.

A collared striped shirt laying on top of white and black nike shoes.

2. Plan Out Your Outfits

Now this might seem a little silly, but I feel laying out my clothes and knowing what I’m wearing really helps make the mornings go smoother. Taking the 5 minutes to check the weather app and then pull out something to wear for the next day relieves a lot of hassle in the morning. And having an easy morning sets the whole day up.

3. Explore

Getting to have a campus in the heart of Chicago means there are so many cool things to do and see. But that’s not the only thing, I definitely suggest checking out all the buildings on campus too. There are so many things like the IRL (Idea Realization Lab), Writing Center, and Ray Fitness Center. These are great places to hang out, try something new, and meet people.

On the left is a photo of downtown chicago with high skyscrapers and the street, with the words city written in white. The right is a picture of a sign that says “IRL’ and in the background is an art studio, with the words school written in white on the bottom.

4. Get Enough Sleep

The first week of school can be very exciting with so much stuff happening that it can be easy to skimp on your rest. However, you will feel so much better if you don’t. I always try to prioritize getting enough hours of sleep. It helps keep you healthy and to be fully present in class and activities.

5. Be Present in Class

One of the best things to do is come to class prepared. Preparing doesn’t have to be very involved. For instance, I always try to at least log onto D2L and glance over the syllabus. First classes often are overloaded with information, so I always keep either my notebook or laptop open to write down notes and dates. I try to introduce myself and talk to classmates too, so we can start getting to know each other. This helps later on when you need to pick groups to work in.

These are things I have found really help make my first week as a Blue Demon successful! The best thing is to remember to enjoy yourself. DePaul has so much to offer, not only in the first week, and I suggest taking advantage as much as possible.