10 Things To Know Before Your First College Overnight

Nervous about your first college overnight experience? Well there's no need to be, because there can be great results. When I went on my first overnight I dragged along my best friend from high school. She had no interest in attending the school. But, by the end of our night, her mind was completely changed- she loved every aspect of St. Thomas. We both committed to the university and are happily Tommies today. If you're wondering about what to expect on your first college overnight, read this list of tips to make the most out of your experience.

1. Dress for the weather

An overnight is your first chance to meet people you may be spending the next four years with, so you might be tempted to show up in your most fashionable outfit. But believe me, if the weather is cold, you’re really going to appreciate your winter parka and UGG boots while walking around campus.

2. Expect the best but prepare for the worst

Expect your overnight experience to be the best. Expect to make friends, to learn a lot about the school, and to truly experience the atmosphere of the university. But also make sure to prepare for the worst. For example, your host might not have a futon available for you to sleep on, so make sure you remember to bring a sleeping bag. It’s always better to be prepared for a non-ideal situation rather than be surprised by it.

3. Pack light

Try to remember it’s an overnight not an overweek. You want to be prepared, but there’s definitely no need for a big rolling suitcase. A simple packing list to follow would be: a sleeping bag, pillow, one outfit, toiletries, and pajamas.

4. Try to find a roommate

Take advantage of the opportunity to meet other potential classmates. During the day you will take a tour of the residence halls. If you find someone you really connect with and who is interested in the same hall as you, see if they would be a good fit for a roommate. Finding a roommate at an overnight could be easier than doing so over Facebook, since meeting online means you may not see that person face-to-face until move-in day.

5. Be prepared to be pushed outside of your comfort zone

If you’re feeling nervous for your overnight try to remember that, most likely, everyone else around you is nervous too. A great way to make friends in a larger crowd is to first befriend the person next to you. Then, you can continue making friends and exploring together, since you will feel more confident with another person by your side. You’re going to experience new things and be brought out of your comfort zone, but usually, that’s when great things happen.

6. Don't bring snacks

If you’re tempted to bring snacks, don’t. One of the best parts of an overnight, and freshman year in general, is the fact that everywhere you turn, people seem to be dying to give you free food. It might be because of the common assumption that college students live off of nothing but ramen noodles… which is partially true. Nevertheless, make sure to take advantage of free food while you have the chance.

7. Sitting in on a class is no sweat

Sitting in on a class is the perfect opportunity to completely immerse yourself in the atmosphere of the college. If you want to know what an “average day” would be like in the life of a Tommie, go to a class that would be required for the major you’re interested in. Make sure you pay attention to the class size, the personal attention the professor shows the students, and the participation of the class. All of these factors are crucial when deciding if a college is a good fit for you. But don’t worry, you won’t be expected to participate in the class yourself. Just sit back, relax, and soak it all in.

8. Understand that your host isn't babysitting you

An overnight might be your first experience on a college campus, and it could also be your first experience staying somewhere without adult supervision. Try to remember that your host is not there to babysit you or to be a “makeshift parent.” The host’s purpose is to answer any questions you might have and to give you an up-close, authentic example of student life. Considering that hosts really are students, you can’t find a more credible source.

9. Ask a lot of questions

An overnight gives you plenty of time to ask any lingering questions you might have. Some good examples of questions to ask your host could be: How did you adjust to college? What’s dorm life really like? Was it hard to make friends? Don’t be afraid to ask your hosts anything; they’re the experts and they want to help. But you’re definitely not limited to only asking your host questions. Anyone and everyone would love to show their Tommie pride and brag about our school by answering any questions you might have.

10. Follow your host on social media

If you’re going to an overnight, you’re probably trying to figure out what your life would be like if you decided to commit to that school. Well what better way than by following a real-life student there? Social media accounts give a lot of insight into people’s lives, so following your host is a great way to see what it’s really like to attend that university. Plus, your host will most likely follow you back, and who doesn’t love to gain followers?