First-Year Experience

Weeks of Welcome

At Boise State, we don’t just welcome you during orientation or your first week. We keep on welcoming you throughout the beginning of your first semester. We understand that the first five weeks are a particularly important time for making connections and setting yourself up for success.

This week-by-week guide offers key dates, experiences and opportunities in the first five weeks of the semester. Set the goal of taking advantage of at least one opportunity per week.

Week 1

Key academic deadlines

• August 23: The last day to register for a regular course without a permission number. Connect with an advisor if you have questions about classes.
• August 25: Drop fees applied for course changes.

Must-do Bronco Welcome events

• Shortstack Shindig: August 19,  8:00 am – 10:30 am, The Quad
  Kick off your semester right and grab some blue and orange pancakes on your way to or from class.
• Fraternity and Sorority Life Fair: August 19, 4:00 pm – 7:00 pm, Intramural Field
  Learn about our local fraternity and sorority chapters and meet Greek life students while enjoying food and music.
• On-Campus and Part-Time Job Fair: August 21, 11:00 am – 2:00 pm, The Quad
  Meet with campus and community employers looking for part-time employees.
• Splatter Party: August 22, 9:00 pm-midnight, The Quad
  Join the most epic dance party of the year! Wear white and you will leave painted with the colors of Bronco nation. Tickets are $5 in advance or $10 at the event.

Week 2

Key academic deadlines

August 30: Last day for students living on campus to downgrade residential meal plans.

Must-do Bronco Welcome events

Involvement Fair: August 20, 2:00 pm – 5:00 pm, The Quad
Come check out the Involvement Fair to learn more about the latest involvement opportunities on and off campus from Student Organizations, local non-profit agencies and other campus groups. Enjoy free swag and fun activities, and learn how to get involved at Boise State University.

Academic and campus opportunities

• Check out Boise State Radio to stay up-to-date with on-campus news.
• Think about creating a LinkedIn profile and visiting the Boise State Career Center for on-campus opportunities.

Week 3

Key academic deadlines

September 2: Labor Day (No classes, Boise State is closed.)

Must-do Bronco Welcome events

• Be Well: Kickoff Pop-up: September 3, 11:00 am – 1:00 pm, The Quad
  Kick off your semester with well-being tools and resources. Meet the Be Well Peer Health.
• Field Night: September 5, 7:00 pm – 10:00 pm, The Quad
  Fun event FREE for all students during Bronco Welcome Week with games, obstacle courses, inflatables, snacks and more. Come out for a good time and some competition.

Academic and campus opportunities

This is a great time in the semester to visit one of our Learning Centers.

• Taking a math course? Visit the Math Learning Center.
• Working on an essay assignment? Book an appointment at the Writing Center.

Remember, we have five learning centers in the College of Arts and Sciences alone.

Week 4

Must-do Bronco Welcome events

Here for You Fest: September 10, 11:00 am – 2:00 pm, The Quad
Swing by and grab a snack or refreshment, get connected with different campus and community resources that benefit your mental health, challenge a friend to a massive blow-up challenge obstacle course race or spend some time with our four-legged furry friends from Helping Idaho Dogs.

Tips for success

• Connect with professors: Introduce yourself during office hours or after class. Building a rapport can be helpful if you need support later on.
• Balance work and play: While academics are important, make sure to find time for relaxation and social activities. Maintaining a balance is key to avoiding burnout.
• Set goals: Whether academic, personal or social, set short-term goals to keep yourself motivated and on track.
• Take care of your health: Pay attention to your physical and mental well-being. Get enough sleep, eat well, exercise and seek support if you’re feeling overwhelmed.

Week 5

Tips for success

• Start preparing for midterms: Midterms are often just a few weeks away. Begin reviewing your notes, readings and any material that will likely be on the exams.
• Refine your study techniques: By now, you should have a sense of what study methods work best for you. Make any necessary adjustments to improve your effectiveness.
• Join or form study groups: If you haven’t already, consider forming or joining study groups with classmates to review material together.
• Organize your notes and materials: Make sure all your class notes, assignments and resources are organized and easily accessible.
• Get involved: If you haven’t already, consider joining a club or organization. This is a great way to meet new people and explore your interests.
• Adjust as needed: If you’re finding it difficult to keep up with your workload, re-evaluate how you’re managing your time. Consider cutting back on non-essential activities if necessary.
• Look toward the rest of the semester: Begin thinking about your plans for the rest of the semester. This includes academic goals, any projects or papers that will require significant time and any social or extracurricular commitments.