<p>Im a high school senior who really likes Willamettes music program and international studies. I am drawn to its rigorous yet non competitive academics and its warm and friendly community. </p>
<p>Does Willamette help freshmen navigate around the campus and decide what they want to major/minor in? How do you get paired with a roommate? Is there any guidance on doing laundry, figuring out public transportation, and other things related to independent college life? </p>
<p>Though I have really enjoyed going to a Catholic all-girls high school, in college I want to branch out and meet more diverse people with different cultures, views, and interests. I feel shy about having male peers and I am wondering how Willamette helps you feel comfortable in the new college environment and most importantly, make new friends. </p>
<p>Thanks!!</p>
<p>Hi I am a freshman at Willamette this year so I should be able to answer some of your questions!</p>
<p>Well Willamette has opening days which in my opinion helped me to get used to living in the dorm area but it was sort of hard to meet other people besides the people in my OD group because you literally do everything with them that first week. However, I am a shy person though so this could be partly my fault.</p>
<p>As far as guidance for picking a major/minor, the flexibility of scheduling allows you to try out courses in different areas before you decide. You just have to declare by the end of your sophomore year. You can also talk to your advisor. He or she will be your colloquium leader unless you are declared or until you declare.</p>
<p>For roommates, you fill out a housing survey before you go to school and they say they try to match you up with people that have similar answers. I found that my first roommate and I did not seem to have much in common however, most of my friends seem to get along well with their roommates. </p>
<p>Laundry, it just depends what building your in, but it is a skill you should ask your mom about before you come here. For public transportation I feel like I’ve been on my own for figuring that stuff out but its really no big deal.</p>
<p>Willamette has lots of sessions and discussions in the beginning about acceptance, and other serious topics. It also organizes a lot of social events to meet people.</p>
<p>The people here are for the most part very friendly. I won’t lie, I felt a little lonely when I first got here for first semester, but now that I have made friends I am really having fun. For sure try to attend the club fair and sign up for things you are interested. Also make sure to meet the people in your hall. </p>
<p>Hope this helped !</p>
<p>Willamette’s Jump Start Program begins a few days earlier and provides an opportunity to get to know a much smaller group of incoming students well. My son made some good friends this way. You can check it out here: [Jump</a> Start | Willamette University](<a href=“http://www.willamette.edu/dept/osa/od/jumpstart/index.html]Jump”>Jump Start - SEAL | Willamette University)</p>