
Don't be scared to introduce yourself to people you meet during welcome weekend and beyond, everyone is nervous so don't be afraid to put yourself out there!
Don’t be afraid to ask stupid questions and always feel free to reach out about anything. Everyone in McGlinn (and on campus in general) are so open and willing to answer questions, take advantage of that! Also, attend hall events and be open to trying new things that happen throughout the entire school year!
Be sure to attend all the welcome weekend dorm events! It can feel intimidating not knowing anyone at first, but everyone at ND is so incredibly nice. Don’t be afraid to ask people to grab lunch, dinner, or hang out, and know that upperclassmen are always happy to help and support you!
Please don’t feel shy to reach out to anyone helping out with Welcome Weekend if you need advice or help, even though it may seem scary. Welcome Weekend is so fun and exciting to meet new people, but it can be overwhelming for some people so make sure to prioritize some downtime alone. The people at Notre Dame are so kind and loving, and we are here to support you.
Go to all of the events during welcome weekend and try to talk with as many new people as you can, even if you are feeling nervous! Everyone is in the same situation during welcome weekend and there are so many great people at Notre Dame to meet!
McGlinn Hall is such a great community to lean on, so don’t be scared to reach out to any upperclassmen or other Shams! Don’t be scared to branch out, and be open to meeting new people!
Your roommate does not have to be your best friend! It's great if they are, but don't try to force a close knit relationship if the same interests do not align.
Be patient and don’t compare your experiences with anyone else. College is a big change
If there is ever a time of need we shamrocks have eachothers back. There should never be a time when you feel alone because you will be surrounded with loving shamrocks!
I advise you to make friends as soon as possible but also don’t feel pressure to make friends with the first group of people you talk to. Also just joining every club and see which one you like!
Don’t be afraid to put yourself out there! Take advantage of free events and fun opportunities, you will have a great time and will make new friends!
It’s going to be an overwhelming weekend but you’re given so many opportunities to meet new people so don’t be afraid to step outside of your comfort zone!
Don't stress! There is more to life than school. You will succeed I promise!
Take time to let yourself breath and rest. It’s a lot going on in such a short amount of time.
Don't be scared to introduce yourself to people you meet during welcome weekend and beyond, everyone is nervous so don't be afraid to put yourself out there!
Every first-year feels lonely at the beginning of college, so don't be fooled when other people around you seem to have found their best buds already. Keep meeting people, and don't be afraid to ask someone at the dining hall if you can join them for a meal! You can also schedule meals with the people you meet since that is a great way to get to know people and ensure that you'll have someone to eat with!
Take advantage of all the events, even though they may be optional I met some of my closest friends from these events. Everyone is looking to make new friends and form connections so take advantage of the opportunities that allow you to do so. Also, feel free to go to anyone on the Welcome Weekend Committee for advice, that is why we are here! Welcome Weekend is a unique experience specific to Notre Dame, it is designed to make the move-in process easy and fun, take time to relax and enjoy it!
Be friendly and talk to everyone!! That’s how you can find great friends and just awesome people.
Get to know people in your classes!
Try to enjoy the moment while making lots of new friends
Take in the little moments and go to every football game you can!
Try to go to as many events as you can and interact with as many people as possible!
Be open to any new opportunities that pique your interest. You never know what you might find or who you might meet. There's so many amazing opportunities on campus so be open to it all.
Don't be scared to introduce yourself to people you meet during welcome weekend and beyond, everyone is nervous so don't be afraid to put yourself out there!
Don’t stress yourself out over having your life pre planned out. You have so much time! Enjoy each moment and let things happen the way they’re supposed to. Everything will fall into place.
Go to section events! It is a great way to meet people and there is usually yummy food.
Go to every event that you can. Embrace the first two months, you will never again meet so many different people at once.
My first piece of advice is to get involved and try new things. The beginning of the year is the time to do this when everyone else is and you can easily meet new friends. My second piece of advice is to never be afraid to ask for help. Professors, dorm staff, and classmates are more willing to help you than you think!
Talk to as many people as possible and go to dorm events (especially first semester!) Ask for help when you need it, everyone wants you to succeed (especially your older shams!) Be brave and have so much fun!
Immerse yourself in everyone and everything, and don’t panic about what you can’t do! There are so many things on this campus with so much time to explore, so don’t worry if you can’t hit it all in the first weekend.
Go to section events—they are very fun and a great way to meet other McGlinn gals.
Get involved in dorm events—go to hall council, mass, formals; volunteer for signature events, and even just study in your section lounge. The McGlinn community is so accessible to you, so take advantage of it and don’t be afraid to be outgoing and try new things! You’ll make some of your best friends and memories in the process :) .
Talk to as many people in the dorm as you can, especially in your section! Some of my best friends are in McGlinn as well as some upperclass mentors that I wouldn’t have met unless I had gone to dorm events or reached out when I heard they were involved in a club I was interested or had the same major as me.
I definitely recommend going to the student organization fair at the beginning of the year. Don't be afraid to try a bunch of things out as you figure out what activities you want to stick with. And I especially recommend going to lots of McGlinn events to get closer to girls in your dorm.
Make time for yourself, be open to new experiences and people, try to consider your mistakes as learning experiences rather than 'failures', and avoid 8am classes when possible!!!
Everyone is nervous! If you are feeling anxious about starting college, don't feel like you are the only one. Turn to your new friends in McG and all over campus and have fun!
It’s okay to be afraid. Every other freshman feels overwhelmed and scared as well, just remember that you’re not alone and you can contact any of us for anything. Have fun, be true to yourself, and try new things. You never know, you might meet your closest friends that way.
Meet as many people as possible! I met some of my best friends during Welcome Weekend.
Time flies, especially when having fun, so make sure you taken in every moment.
Keep an open mind! You never know when you'll meet your new best friend! :)
Take advantage of all the opportunities and free events Notre Dame offers, even if you aren't sure you are interested in something, it never hurts to try it!
Work hard but take the time to enjoy your first year or you’ll regret it. Take advantage of how many things there are do to/ join, and don’t be afraid to meet new people, you’ll find that the community here is amazing.
Don’t be afraid to try new things! Step out of your comfort zone and take advantage of all the wonderful opportunities this university has to offer
Take a deep breath and relax. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, remember that everyone else is too! And never be afraid to come to us or the girls in your section for help and advice :)
Walk out your class schedule with other first-years during your down time on welcome weekend! It’s a great way to meet friends and not feel as stressed for your first day of classes.
Don't be afraid to introduce yourself to everyone you meet during welcome weekend; everyone is nervous so don't be afraid to put yourself out there! Also, don't be afraid to take some time for yourself in your room; your friends will be there when you get back!
Don't be afraid to be ambitious. College is a place to try new things and pursue goals independently. If you don't take that first step, you might miss something that you could truly excel at. So like that gazelle says in Zootopia, "try everything"!!
Be outgoing and try to be in the moment as much as possible. Welcome Weekend can be an absolute whirlwind (of FUN) so try to live it to the fullest! It’s also important to take some time for you. The transition to college can be a lot, but focusing on building friendships on campus and in McGlinn can help make this place your new home under the dome!
Be patient while making friends they will eventually come.
Talk to people in your classes! It is a great way to make friends and create an exciting class experience.
Go to section events! It is a great way to meet people and there is usually yummy food.
Don’t be afraid to ask others for help or advice!
My biggest piece of advice is to lean into discomfort and make the most of everything campus has to offer. Whether you’re facing a new academic challenge, adjusting to being far from home, or stepping out of your comfort zone socially, embrace that discomfort and let it help you grow. Your time at ND and in McG is one of the greatest opportunities you’ll ever have—take full advantage of it!
Ask someone to grab lunch or play a game on McG fields or go do homework somewhere! It may seem scary, but I asusure you, everyone just wants to be included and make friends too!
Try new things and meet new people! You will eventually find your group and discover your passions.
You don't have to have everything figured out after a couple days, a couple weeks, or even a couple months. If it all feels overwhelming, know that you are SO loved and cared for by the shamrock community, and that you should never have to go far to find support!
Do not stress out about making friends the first week of school it may seem that everyone has a friend group but that isn't really the case you will find your people. Welcome weekend is a lot and very tiring, make sure you take some time for yourself and give yourself time to settle in.
Everyone is in the same boat and it’s totally normal to be nervous. Try to meet as many people as possible during those first few days.
Take it slow! There’s so much to do and get involved in, it can feel overwhelming at first. Find a few things you know you’ll enjoy and meet some new people. College is supposed to be fun, and you made it this far, so just have fun with it!
My advice is to say yes! College is so much fun when you lean into and take advantage of all of the opportunities we have! Don’t be afraid to try new things and meet new people!
Leave your door open during Welcome Weekend and go to EVERYTHING!! You never know when you might meet your future closest friends.
While you navigate your first few weeks take every step with an open mind and positive attitude. You will learn and grow more than you expect!
Welcome weekend can be super overwhelming but try to have fun and take time to enjoy yourself!!! Reach out to an upper class man if you are feeling super overwhelmed and they can give you some guidance!
It is okay not to find your "go to" friends right away, have fun and enjoy meeting lots of people and it will happen naturally!
Be open to new opportunities and try to remember that everyone is nervous.
Don’t be nervous to talk to people! Welcome Weekend is a great opportunity to make friends and everyone is looking to meet people. Also, feel free to talk to sophomores and upperclassmen in your section. Everyone in McGlinn is super nice and excited to welcome you!
Don’t fret over little things. If you’re stressed or worried about something, think about if it will still matter in a few weeks. All you really need to do for now is pay attention in class and read your emails!
Welcome weekend can bring out all sorts of emotions so remember to take some time to appreciate the present moment and the exciting things that are right in front of you.
Try to meet everyone in your section, don't be afraid to organize social events yourself, like doing a Trader Joes run!
It's totally normal to be anxious! I promise everything will work out okay in the end, just take a deep breath, and don't be afraid to lean on your fellow shamrocks for support!
My advice for incoming students is to take advantage of the opportunities to meet new people, especially during welcome weekend.
Jump into activities but don’t forget it’s okay to take time for yourself!
Take time to relax and process the start of your Notre Dame experience!
Use Welcome Welcome as an opportunity to meet a ton of new people! Everyone is in the same boat and is looking to make friends, so don't be afraid to start conversations with new people. Attend the scheduled McGlinn dinners with other dorms during Welcome Weekend so that you can make connections with people from other dorms too!
Take advantage of all that college has to offer! There are so many new people and so many new experiences available to you and this is the time to step outside of your comfort zone! Try new things and don't be scared to reach out, the girls of McGlinn will always be there to support you!
Leave your door open during Welcome Weekend!
Put yourself out there as much as possible your first weeks of school. Introduce yourself to as many people as possible in your dorms, classes, and Welcome Weekend activities! and Ask upperclassmen questions - we definitely had the same ones as you do when we were in your shoes <3