Why You Should Get Involved Early at Drexel
“Dragons Everywhere” — it’s a phrase so often heard at Drexel University, especially when you first arrive on campus, it’s ingrained in your mind by the time you are a second-year.
This is probably because Dragons are truly everywhere. They come from different cities around the world, and then join the approximately 350 different organizations on campus.
So to truly experience the University’s diversity and make the most of your first year at Drexel, the best way is to get involved and fully immerse yourself in all that campus has to offer.
If you are scared, do not worry and don’t wait. Trust us, we have been there before so let us save you from that possible regret. Here’s how to best get yourself into the Drexel life and make your freshman year memorable:
- Welcome Week: Welcome Week is the perfect time to get to know the campus and start meeting friends! Of course, it's intimidating at first, but remember, you are not alone — everyone is in the exact same boat that you are! Definitely take advantage of Welcome Week because it's a whole week dedicated to help you get acclimated to campus and to the city. So, go explore and see what the campus and Philadelphia have to offer and attend events! Organizations will be holding different sessions and we urge you to go because they might help shape what your college experience could be about.
- Residence Halls: Your hall will be your home for your first year here at Drexel. There, you will meet some of the best and lifelong friends that you have, even well into the future. Therefore, stay connected to your peers on your floor and your roommates (even if they are random, they might become your best friend). Go to hall events and stay in contact with your RA. They are there to make sure you have the best living situation. Do not hesitate to just go talk to your peers on the floor. Some of the best memories from freshman year will be made here. Thank us later :)
- Campus: Drexel’s campus is full of opportunities for you to get out of your comfort zone and get used to your new home here. Our Recreation Center is the best gym in the whole city (and you get access for free being a Drexel undergraduate student) and it offers plenty of classes, from yoga to swimming. Your campus also has plenty of fun places to socialize with your new friends: Starbucks, KungFu Tea, Chipotle … we have them all right on our campus. Drexel also has plenty of cool places on campus to just sit and relax (hint: Main Building is a sight to see with its intricate layout and hidden rooms). Go explore the campus and you will be surprised what you find.
- Organizations: This campus might feel big at first and it definitely is intimating to meet people. The best way to do it is to get yourself involved with organizations. During your third week here, which will be Week 2 of classes, Campus Engagement will be hosting the Involvement Fair! It’ll be a time where about 100 organizations will line up and be ready to talk to you about their mission and how to get involved. We 500 percent recommend you go just to see what’s out there. We both went our freshman year and, to this day, it has defined our entire experience. Without going, we wouldn’t have gotten involved in the organizations we have and wouldn't have met the friends we have now. Getting involved has made Drexel our home and through it, we’ve gotten to work on stuff that we’re truly passionate about. If you're interested in getting involved, make sure to attend the Involvement Fair and check out DragonLink! All organizations are listed there, as well as the events they have coming up. If you are interested in any organization, reach out to its officers and see how you can join! We promise it’s worth it.
- Philadelphia: Your new home is chock full of history and culture. Being America’s first-ever capital city, this lovely city is your playground and your home for the next few years of college. So, go out and explore all the history available, from the Independence Hall to the Liberty Bell, immersing yourself in Philadelphia’s history is the best way to make the city your new home. Philadelphia — being the middle ground between the nation’s capital (Washington, D.C.) and the world’s sleepless city (New York City) — is also full of culture and diversity, which equally means that there is plenty of cuisine and interesting events and sights for you to explore. Go to Reading Terminal Market. Go to Spruce Street Harbor Park. Go see a Phillies or Eagles game. Pick up that SEPTA Key Card and go explore what the city of brotherly love has to offer.
College is your time to learn and get out into the world. Take advantage of the opportunities and create your own. Get involved and go out of your way to meet people. Work hard and take care of yourself. It might be daunting, but you’ll be a pro before you know it. Drexel will get you prepared for your future, but it’s your job to take the steps toward it. Best of luck on your journey and welcome to Drexel!
Sam Hubner is a fourth-year student studying marketing and management information systems with a creative writing certificate and is the student body vice president for the Undergraduate Student Government Association (USGA).
Kenneth Tran is a fourth-year honors student studying business analytics and finance and is the director of communication for the USGA.