Your life, especially in college, will start to make sense if you give it some time. You’ll find your people. You’ll find the right clubs and organizations. You’ll find a major suited to your talents and goals, and eventually you’ll find a job. What may seem hopeless and overwhelming in your first few months at college will become brighter and even fun by spring semester. While it’s hard, try to be patient with yourself and the process — you will settle in. Here are some tips for finding your place at college.
Find a buddy. Try to make a connection with someone in each of your classes. You may not become close friends, but at least you’ll have someone to text about homework, bounce project ideas off, or commiserate with over an upcoming exam. Most people are also looking to meet people and make new friends, so don’t be afraid to reach out.
Get involved. Most schools hold club fairs early in the semester. It’s helpful to chat with students who are already in the various organizations about what’s involved and the time commitment. Whether during the club fair or independently, look for groups, clubs, and organizations that match your interests to meet like-minded students you’ll want to spend time with.
Embrace your dorm. Your residence hall is a built-in community — if you let it be. Connect with your neighbors, attend floor meetings, and participate in residential life activities to build connections. While many students today retreat to their devices, try keeping your door open when you’re just hanging out in your room. People might notice and pop in to say hi.
Attend events. There’s more to college than classes. Many colleges do a good job of creating an on-campus buzz. Check out planned events and other social outlets that pop up. Sign up for an exercise or yoga class to get your body moving while still engaging with other students.
Be true to yourself. Throughout the transition to college, it’s important to stay grounded in your own values. Seek out people and environments where you can be your authentic self. Remember that finding your place takes time and can involve a bit of trial and error. Be patient with yourself.
Ask for help. If you need support — academically, socially, emotionally — reach out to the various student support services available on campus. Everyone wants you to succeed, and they are there to help in any way they can. Know and use your resources.
AISES FACES
The AISES team is made up of passionate people striving to provide Turtle Island with Indigenous STEM knowledge, resources, programming, and events. Every individual contributes their skills and expertise to support the advancement of Indigenous students and professionals in STEM studies and careers. Meet one valuable team player who is focused on supporting student members, like you.
Shelly Dreadfulwater
Director of Chapter Engagement
What is your role at AISES and how does it impact members?
My role at AISES centers on building and nurturing meaningful relationships across a diverse range of stakeholders, including students, professionals, tribal communities, and PK–12 institutions. A key part of this work is serving as a bridge between these groups, fostering connections that strengthen the broader AISES community.
The entire Chapter Engagement team understands that a strong sense of community is fundamental to the success of our members. Over the past year, our team has taken on additional grants that directly support our members, creating opportunities that might not otherwise be available. These initiatives have expanded the resources, programs, and experiences we can offer, further empowering our members to thrive academically, professionally, and personally.
Above all, my primary responsibility is to support my team, ensuring they have the guidance, tools, and resources necessary to continue growing and advancing Chapter Engagement. Together, we strengthen our collective capacity to serve AISES members and propel the organization forward.
As college students continue to settle into their home away from home, what are some ways they can combat loneliness and homesickness?
I spent 18 years working on a college campus supporting students in exactly this way. Native students thrive when they feel connected to place, to community, and to one another. It’s important to have spaces where they can share laughter, build memories, and feel a sense of belonging. One of the most valuable steps a student can take is to “find their people” when they arrive on campus. For some, that community may be through Native student organizations like NASA or AISES. For others, it might be the drama club, the college band, or their athletic team. What matters most is having a space outside the classroom to continue growing personally and culturally. Within these supportive communities, students naturally develop as leaders whether through volunteerism, collaborating on student projects, or organizing events. These experiences not only strengthen their leadership skills but also nurture the sense of belonging that is so vital to student success.
How can new students get involved on campus? Is there such a thing as doing too much?
Most campuses host a student organization fair during the first couple of weeks of classes. This type of fair is a wonderful way for student organizations and clubs to share what they’re all about, giving students the chance to explore new opportunities and discover where they might belong. How much is too much? The answer is different for each student. It’s easy to get swept up in wanting to join everything, especially when students are eager to build experiences that will give them an edge in their field. But balance is key. Having a trusted mentor can make all the difference in staying grounded and keeping the end goal in sight: completing that degree. That mentor might be a faculty or staff member, a supervisor at work, an AISES professional member, or even a peer. Sometimes the most powerful support comes from students encouraging and guiding each other through peer-to-peer mentorship.
How can students join their AISES college chapter?
Students can learn about an AISES college chapter through their university’s student organization fair, campus flyers, or by visiting the campus engagement office. They can also contact chapter engagement at chapters@aises.org or visit the AISES website to see if their institution has an active chapter.
What are the benefits of joining an AISES college chapter?
There are so many benefits to joining an AISES college chapter, but perhaps the most powerful is that students aren’t just signing up for a campus organization, they’re becoming part of a much larger AISES family. This community provides mentorship and support that can extend well beyond their college years. Within a chapter, students find cultural connection, leadership development, and both academic and professional support. On a more practical level, being part of AISES can open doors to scholarships, internships, and career development opportunities that students might not otherwise know about. Those connections and experiences can be the very thing that propels them into their chosen career fields.
Is there anything you’d like to add?
When I worked in higher education, the student recruitment motto was “Join AISES, Go PLACES.” I think that perfectly captures the spirit of the AISES experience. Those “places” don’t always have to be geographical, though for many students it might mean boarding their first flight to attend an AISES conference. It can also mean finding a platform to share their voice or stepping into fieldwork opportunities through internships in places like our national parks. The possibilities with AISES are limitless.
