Start Strong at UConn
The beginning of college brings new opportunities, expectations, relationships, and routines. Use this guide to take small, meaningful steps during your first six weeks at UConn.
Start with Week 1 and continue through the guide, or go directly to the section that best matches where you are now.
Academic Dates
Review official semester dates, academic deadlines, and registration information.
Events and Involvement
Find current activities, student organizations, and opportunities to meet people during your first six weeks.
Help and Support
Find academic, health, accessibility, and student-support resources.
How to Use This Guide
Everyone experiences the transition to college differently. You do not have to complete every action during the exact week shown.
1. Find your stage
Choose the week that most closely matches your experience.
2. Pick a few actions
Select two or three actions that would be most useful right now.
3. Use the support links
Ask questions and explore resources before a concern becomes overwhelming.
WEEK 1
Find Your Footing
Become familiar with your schedule, surroundings, and daily responsibilities.
Try this
- Locate your classrooms and important campus spaces.
- Review each course syllabus.
- Add assignments and exams to your calendar.
Connect
Introduce yourself to someone in a class, student space, residence area, or campus program.
WEEK 2
Build Your Routine
Establish habits that support your academic success and personal wellbeing.
Try this
- Choose regular study times and locations.
- Create a manageable weekly schedule.
- Review the academic calendar for upcoming deadlines.
Connect
Explore a student organization, activity, event, or student community.
WEEK 3
Use Your Resources
Learn where to go for assistance before you begin to feel overwhelmed.
Try this
- Attend an instructor’s or teaching assistant’s office hours.
- Explore tutoring, writing, or quantitative-course support.
- Ask questions about unclear instructions or course material.
Connect
Invite a classmate to study, share a meal, or attend an event.
WEEK 4
Check In With Yourself
Reflect on how your transition is going academically, socially, and personally.
Try this
- Review your grades and instructor feedback.
- Notice which routines are helping and which are not.
- Make one manageable adjustment.
Connect
Return to an activity, space, or community where you felt comfortable or welcome.
WEEK 5
Prepare and Plan
Look ahead to exams, projects, papers, and other responsibilities.
Try this
- Review your upcoming assignments and assessments.
- Break large projects into smaller tasks.
- Create a realistic study plan.
Connect
Join a study group or attend a review session.
WEEK 6
Reflect and Move Forward
Use what you have learned to make intentional choices for the rest of the semester.
Try this
- Review your progress and feedback.
- Identify one success that you want to continue.
- Set one academic goal and one personal goal.
Connect
Continue participating in a community or activity that feels meaningful.
Events During Your First 6 Weeks
Meet new people, explore campus, build community, and discover resources
through events offered by UConn offices and departments.
Browse First 6 Weeks Events
Updated on a regular basis.
Find the Support You Need
UConn has people, services, and communities ready to help. Start with the area that best matches what you need right now.
STUDY AND LEARNING
Academic Support
Get help with courses, studying, advising, assignments, and accessibility.
CARE AND WELLNESS
Health and Wellbeing
Find support for your physical health, mental health, and overall wellbeing.
Immediate emergency? Call 911.
COMMUNITY AND BELONGING
Connection and Guidance
Find communities, activities, and guidance when you are not sure where to begin.
Find Information for Your Campus
Services, programs, events, and locations may differ by campus. Choose your campus to find information that is most relevant to you.
You Do Not Have to Navigate UConn Alone
Your transition will continue beyond the first six weeks. Return to this guide whenever you need to reset a routine, find a resource, make a connection, or ask for support.