By Fatima Salinas
Are you new to campus? Or do you just need help familiarizing yourself with the resources and opportunities offered by the University of Iowa? Read through these tips curated by another student in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences.
My name is Fatima Salinas Gutierrez, I am a third-year student majoring in journalism and mass communication, as well as pursuing a writing certificate. I work as a student writer for the CLAS marketing and communications team, and I am a member of Sigma Lambda Gamma National Sorority, Inc.
The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences is the place to discover, explore, and create your story at Iowa. No matter which of our 70 majors you are studying—your education in CLAS will give you a solid foundation.
As the school year begins, here are a few pieces of advice to get going.
Attend the student employment job fair
The student employment job fair will be held on Wednesday, Aug. 27, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Main Lounge of the Iowa Memorial Union. This event is a great opportunity for students to learn about the many part-time employment opportunities offered on campus.
Be sure to bring your class schedule and a list of your available work hours, as well as a copy of your resume and contact information for your references. If you need help polishing your resume, the Pomerantz Career Center has you covered!
Get involved on campus
The Student Engagement Fair will be held Wednesday, Sept. 3, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Hubbard Park, next to the Iowa Memorial Union. With over 600 registered organizations, this event will allow you to learn about the various groups on campus.
If you're a new student, the fair is also a great way to connect with other students and explore ways to get involved on campus.
Aside from student organizations, if you're interested in theatre, dance, opera, or music, auditioning for upcoming plays or productions might be the way to go. Whether you’ve been performing for years or just want to try something new, everyone’s welcome to try.
Stay in the loop on events
The event calendar on the Division of Student Life website is a great way to stay in the loop about what’s happening on campus. Each event listing includes the time, location, a short description, and who’s hosting it. You can also filter events by department or interest, like wellness, performances, or student orgs so it’s easy to find things that match what you’re interested in.
Along with the calendar, the student life website offers other helpful tools, like student job postings, information on different departments, and details about awards and programs available to students. It’s a one-stop spot for getting more involved and making the most of your time at Iowa.
Finding a study spot
Finding a study spot can help the semester’s workload feel easier to digest. There are many study spots on campus that offer the necessary space to be productive, study with friends, and tackle those upcoming deadlines.
I love studying in Voxman, as the quiet and calm space allows me to truly focus on my work. The natural light that comes through the floor to ceiling windows helps me have peaceful study breaks by watching the busy scenery downtown, and if I’m lucky, I get to have music accompany my study time.
Get to know your advisor
Whether you’ve already declared a major or are still exploring your options, building a strong relationship with your advisor can make a big difference. They're here to support you throughout each semester and help you stay on track.
Advisors are approachable, knowledgeable, and genuinely invested in your success. Beyond class scheduling, they can connect you with valuable resources and unique opportunities both on and off campus. Be sure to log into MyUI to check who your advisor is and schedule your advising appointment early in the semester.
Personally, I always take time at the beginning of the semester to connect with my advisor and other resources to help me with career- or university-related questions. Even if you already have a plan, a quick introduction can go a long way.
Taking care of yourself
Whether you're an incoming first-year student, a transfer student, or returning to campus, taking care of your mental health is essential, especially as you navigate new challenges. The University of Iowa offers a variety of counseling services for both undergraduate and graduate students, including individual, relationship, and group therapy.
Your first visit to University Counseling Services (UCS) will begin with some brief paperwork to help them get to know you and understand your concerns. If you think this might be helpful during the school year, visit the UCS website for more detailed information about appointments and services.