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The Essential Guide for the First-Year Student’s First Weeks

Starting your first year at the University of ÎçÒ¹¾ç³¡ is an exciting time. You’re suddenly in charge of your time, your space, where you go, what you do – ok, it can also be a little overwhelming. We’re here to help you focus on what’s important, and how to make your first few weeks at the University of ÎçÒ¹¾ç³¡ feel less like an alien planet and more like your home.Ìý

Before You Arrive

There are a few social media accounts that you’ll definitely want to follow to feel more involved at the University of ÎçÒ¹¾ç³¡, right from the start. Here are five accounts that will keep you in the loop:

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5. Your college – full list here

Also, you’ll want to remind yourself of your NetID, check your student email, and download the Duo Mobile app, which serves as a two-step authentication for many university logins.Ìý

Dorm Move-In

Housing & Residential Life has created for what to bring and what not to bring when moving into your University of ÎçÒ¹¾ç³¡ dorm. This includes essentials like twin xl sheets and pillows, and clarifies when you’ll need to bring things like shower shoes (for dorms with shared bathrooms) or a shower curtain (private bathrooms).Ìý

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All of the dorms have laundry facilities with high-efficiency washers at $2.00 per wash and $1.60 per dry. Laundry services are paid for with the or a debit/credit card. If you don't have a debit/credit card, you can use the reverse ATM on campus to get a prepaid debit card.Ìý

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Here are a few more things that you’ll be glad you brought.

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Nice to Have

•ÌýSunscreen

•ÌýTissues

•ÌýSome first aid stuff, like bandaids, headache medicine and cough drops

•ÌýA water filter system, such as Brita

•ÌýCondiments such as hot sauce, mayonnaise, mustard, and ketchup

•ÌýPosters (use 3M strips to attach, and remember that a lot of tables will be giving them away at Bash at the REC)

•ÌýSome aesthetic decorations, such as twinkle lights, a cool table lamp, or a plant (just remember that many dorms don’t get great sunlight, so a fake plant might be better)

• Some first aid stuff, like adhesive bandages, headache medicine, and cough drops

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Don’t Need

•ÌýCandles – diffusers and air fresheners are ok, just make sure your roommate(s) approve of the scent (more tips below!).Ìý

•ÌýA bike pump – there are air pumps all over campus, and you can even get your bike repaired at the . That, or just and/or use the bus.Ìý

• A printer – there are wireless printers all over campus; just use CatCa$h to pay!

•ÌýA vacuum – you can rent one from your dorm front desk

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If you forget anything, the nearest Target is at 3699 E. Broadway Blvd., but the Target at 4040 N. Oracle Rd. is a little less crowded during dorm move-in.

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The First Weeks

The first few weeks of school are fast-paced. All other Wildcats are so excited to welcome new students, and you’ll be bombarded (in a good way!) with tips, tricks, opportunities, and more. Here are two events you should definitely plan to attend:

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1. , August 20–22: Think of it as your orientation to ÎçÒ¹¾ç³¡, where you’ll be surrounded by other first-year students (aka: people who will be as excited to make a new friend as you would be).

2. Bash at the Rec, Sunday, August 23: An energetic, welcomingÌýenvironment where you can learn about student clubs, club sports, and campus rec programs – andÌýget lots of free food, swag, and coupons from our sponsors.

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Wildcat Fridays

Get into the Wildcat spirit every Friday before home football games by wearing red and blue. It’s an easy way to show school pride, connect with other students, and be a part of the excitement on campus. Bonus: You can also enjoy 25% off at the Campus Store on Wildcat Fridays! It’s a great excuse to grab some new U of A gear.Ìý

Roommate Tips

In the past few years, more than 50% of incoming first-year students elected to be assigned a roommate – meaning, they didn’t decide to live with a friend or acquaintance. That means a whole bunch of the first year class is going to be living with someone they don’t know.Ìý

Sharing space with someone else is one of those essential college experiences that you’ll reflect on for years after you graduate. There are a few things you and your roommate can do in the first few weeks of school to make sure those memories are happy ones.Ìý

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1. Share your schedule with each other. It’s nice to know when you’ll have some privacy because your roommate will be in class or at work. And, if you happen to have the same class, you may even be able to share notes and study together.Ìý

2. Decide what’s shared and what’s not. Did one of you bring a clothing steamer and the other didn’t? Is that fair game to share? If one of you pays for HBO and the other pays for Netflix, is it cool to make a profile and share those streaming services?

3. Prep for challenges. Make a plan for what should happen if a roommate loses their dorm key. Also, decide who’s going to restock the toilet paper when you run out (if you have a private or suite-style room).

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Remember: You don’t have to be very best friends with your roommate, but you do need to be considerate and respectful. You share space, so that means you also share responsibility. If you allow some room for getting to know each other and encourage honest communication, you may even decide to be roommates again next year!

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Helpful Tech

Staying up to date with the latest and greatest in campus technology is key to starting your college career off right. Here's a list of tech information you'll want to know when you arrive on campus:

•ÌýYour University of ÎçÒ¹¾ç³¡ student identification card – or CatCard, in U of A lingo – is in your Apple Wallet or Google Wallet. Ditch the back pocket shuffle and go digital.

•ÌýWhether you're walking home after dark and want to keep a friend updated on your route, or need a staged call to get you out of a date gone awry, the is your new campus safety resource. Download the app to get access to several tools tailored to help you stay safe navigating campus day and night. The SafeCats app is also where you will receive messages starting Fall 2025.Ìý

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Your New Favorite Assignment Organizer

One of the biggest challenges students face when beginning college is staying on top of their assignments. The THINK TANK has a lot of to help students organize their schedule and assignments – one of the coolest is the (SOAP). The SOAP helps you plan out your assignments for each semester and keep track of them on one page (or two pages, if your schedule is packed).Ìý

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Welcome to the University of ÎçÒ¹¾ç³¡, Wildcat! Start this semester feeling confident, and ready to explore.Ìý

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