Eastern Kentucky University welcomed more than 2,000 new freshmen to campus Friday.

After their parents helped them move in, many of the students will be on their own for the first time.

How they adjust to their new surroundings depends on the individual student, said Cari Wallace, director of First Year Programs at EKU.

“Some students are more independent, motivated, mature,” she said. “Others struggle with new freedom, time management, increased workload and homesickness.”

“I think it’s critical to get started on the right foot for many reasons,” Wallace said. “It’s very hard to dig your way out of a really bad first semester academically. It’s not impossible, but very challenging.”

Some freshmen recently got a head start to their year by participating in Colonel Camp, a three-day, two-night program where campers participated in bonding and leadership experiences with other first-year students while learning about EKU and extracurricular opportunities available.

The campers were able to move in early and assist their fellow first-year students as student leaders during move-in day.

“Finding a place to fit in is important,” Wallace said. “Colonel Camp takes a smaller group of students and helps them to get acquainted, teaches them a little bit about Eastern and student leadership in hopes that they will dive right in when they get back on campus.”

“They have lots of time to talk to other students and they evidentially learn there are other students who are scared and anxious just like they are,” she said.

Freshmen also are invited to the President’s Picnic at 5 p.m. Sunday where they will have an opportunity to meet President Doug Whitlock, faculty and staff members as well as receive free food and a gift.

“They should participate in early programming that will help them meet other students and learn about their new environment,” Wallace said. “That includes their orientation class. These classes are designed to encourage participation in programs about EKU support services, clubs and organizations, cultural events and academic lectures.

Freshmen can find out about programs designed for first-year students at www.firstyear.eku.edu.

Once they get orientated to campus, new students also have other issues to worry about, including books, food and money.

Despite the rumors of the “freshman 15,” studies do show that students on average gain three to 10 pounds during their first two years of college, with most of the weight gain occurring during the first semester of freshman year, according to www.kidshealth.org.

The ability to eat what you want, when you want combined with the stress and anxiety of college likely is the cause of the weight gain, the Web site states.

“Once they are accustomed to their schedule they should plan their meals accordingly,” said Larry Puscizna, director of food services at EKU. “They should get familiar with the locations and operating hours of the numerous venues that will be available to them.”

“They also should eat less of fried fast foods and try to eat balanced nutritious meals as often as possible,” he said. “We have a wide variety of nutritious foods available night and day.”

Information about the university’s dining options is available at www.ekudining.com.

Another new process for freshmen is purchasing sometimes multiple books for each of their courses.

While the on-campus bookstore is easily accessible, students can shop online at www.whywaitforbooks.com 24 hours a day, said Lisa Crowe, manager of Barnes and Noble at EKU Bookstore.

“Freshman have never had it easier to get their books,” she said. “This is a terrific way to get your freshman books reserved in advance, so all you do is the pickup. With so much going on during move-in, nearly all freshman take advantage of reserving books in advance. You can also choose shipping directly to your door.”

“Unless students are in a specialized program, the typical number of books that an incoming freshman needs isn’t overwhelming at all,” Crowe said. “EKU strives to make freshman programs challenging, but not overwhelming.”

Purchasing books as soon as possible will give students the best chance at getting used books at a more inexpensive price, she said.

The bookstore, which recently unveiled its new look after renovations, also is a good place to bring back books to sell, Crowe said.

“If your instructor is using the same book in the spring term, you’ll receive half back,” she said.

Food, books and even getting enrolled in college in the first place all takes one thing: money.

EKU provides students with a variety of financial assistance, said Shelley Park, director of Student Financial Assistance, Scholarship and Veteran Affairs.

“Having enough financial aid to cover the cost of a student's education is an integral part of a freshmen’s ability to stay in school,” she said. “Besides tuition, students can also receive assistance to pay for books, room and board. Financial aid will cover all of these areas because they are associated with a student’s cost of attendance. Other program that can assistance with these costs include Vocational Rehabilitation, Americorp, ROTC programs and KEES funds.”

“Students may not be as in tuned to financial options as their parents since parents are generally paying the college bill,” Park said. “Many financial options are online for students, but before securing a loan with a company online students and parents should check with the Better Business Bureau.”

Freshmen should apply for every form of aid they may qualify for regardless of the amount because even a small grant or scholarship will help pay for lab fees or books, she said.

Park said students should not give in to credit card companies and make sure to protect their personal information.

One of the most important things freshmen can do when it comes to their financial aid is to understand the types of financial aid they are offered, Park said.

If the aid is a grant or a scholarship, she said it is generally money that does not have to be paid back.

If it is loan, then it is money the student will need to repay and understand the terms of repayment.

If the student received a work study job, Park said they need to understand how many hours they can work each week.

“Come up with a spending plan and budget that coordinate within your financial means,” she said. “Make school your first job. A college education is the biggest payoff.”

For more tips about being a first-year student, go to www.college-freshman.com.



Bryan Marshall can be reached at bmarshall@richmondregister.com or 624-6691.