by Ashley Mecham, College of Science, ’27

When I first decided to attend the University of Utah, I felt unprepared for the new adjustment of living on a college campus in a new city. I had lived in Utah my whole life but feared the new sense of independence that moving to Northern Utah would bring. I knew it was normal to feel daunted by such a significant life change, but I had what felt like a million questions and was overwhelmed trying to find the answers myself. It wasn’t until I attended my Utah Bound Orientation that I felt all my questions were answered, and many, if not all, of my concerns were alleviated! Not only did attending Utah Bound answer my questions, but it also confirmed my commitment to the U. Learning about all the campus resources, seeing the city and mountains, and meeting so many new people who were in the same situation as I’d been, provided me with a great vision and outlook on what my years in college could look like. Utah Bound solidified that The University of Utah could be my new home.

Near the end of my first year, I started seeing advertisements from The Office of Orientation and Transition asking for applications for upcoming Orientation Leaders. I was immediately drawn to the idea and applied to the role that same night. Given how supportive my Orientation Leader was, I hoped I could make a similar impact on new students over the summer. I also hoped that it would be a great way not only to share my personal experiences of being a first-year student but also to strengthen my connection to other students and the University as a whole. After I was offered the position and started training, it was clear to me how important Utah Bound was for reasons I didn’t initially consider—reasons that differed from my own experience.

One of the most valuable things I learned from my time as an Orientation Leader is how important it is to make connections early during your college career. The day of your Utah Bound marks your first official day as a University of Utah student! Whether you are coming from Utah or are an out-of-state student, college is a big adjustment, and support systems are crucial. Having a good support system at home, paired with a support system on campus, makes your time as a student here more comfortable, fun, and enjoyable. While at Utah Bound, you will meet others from your same major, along with some who might not even be in the same college as you. Meeting a variety of people with many interests allows you to connect with others and attend the first day of classes already seeing familiar faces on campus. I am an introverted person and understand meeting new people can be stressful, but Utah Bound recognizes that everyone is unique and makes the process of meeting others comfortable and safe.

However, Utah Bound isn’t just for meeting new people; it will also provide you with information about an array of student resources that may be applicable to you! The U understands that many factors affect wellness and offers countless resources to ensure students succeed during their time here. Because our campus has such a variety of resources, Utah Bound includes a fair where all available campus resources set up a table and talk to new students. This is one of the most individualized experiences that you will participate in during the day. Essentially, you will be able to talk to as many or as few campus partners as you want. Knowing what our campus has to offer and where to turn to in times of need will provide you with a great foundation of support prior to starting your first semester.

One of my favorite resources on campus is the University of Utah Counseling Center. The counseling center is free to any current student and is located right on campus, making it super flexible and convenient to find an appointment that fits within your daily schedule. Another great campus resource is the Learning Center. The Learning Center offers free tutoring for your courses. My favorite aspect of this resource is that the tutors are real students who have taken the course in the past. This allows them to understand what professors are looking for, as well as the teaching styles that are used in lectures. This helps the tutoring be as beneficial as possible.

Attending my Utah Bound and then working for The Office of Orientation and Transition has provided me with so much insight into the care that this school has for its students. truly love The University of Utah and recognize its commitment to ensuring that new students feel valued, supported, and seen! I loved my time as an Orientation Leader and will always look back on it fondly. I hope to continue to be able to advocate for our school. Utah Bound is a unique experience designed to fit whatever your needs may be. It will not just prepare you for your arrival at The University of Utah, but, most importantly, get you excited for your future here!

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