Being a part of the Honors College is both exciting and daunting. Students get a break from lecture halls in favor of intimate classrooms, and they trade copying notes from slideshows for small-group seminars. Outside of the class, Honors offers students opportunities to travel abroad, engage with the Salt Lake community, and craft a thesis based on original research. But between the events, required coursework, and extracurricular opportunities, deciding how to make the most of the Honors College can be its own lofty task. Here are six tips that Honors advisors and upper-division students attest to.
1) Log off and talk to people.
In-person socialization can determine a student’s success and happiness in college. “Life happens outside the internet,” says Honors advisor Liam Hammons. Socializing, which is professionally referred to as networking, is how students make friends, establish connections across campus, and, often, find jobs during and after college. Within the university, students can connect with research opportunities by networking at poster shows or seminars. Students can also develop relationships with professors, which are invaluable for furthering their knowledge in their field, gaining access to waitlisted classes, and exploring the realm of on-campus research. They can utilize these connections outside of the university to find jobs and cross-disciplinary opportunities.
2) Take big swings.
With so many new opportunities for first-year students, knowing how to respond can be difficult. One rule is to take big swings, or to dedicate a “college try” to opportunities outside one’s comfort zone. First-year students should take classes beyond their field to discover hidden interests for electives, potential minors, emphases, or even “plan B” majors! Students can also take big swings by saying yes to opportunities they are unsure of or by applying to programs they find even marginally interesting. The Honors College offers unique study opportunities like the Integrated Minors, Praxis Labs, and the Oxford Human Rights Consortium. Each incorporates learning beyond the classroom, whether in the local area or abroad.
3) Live right now.
College is a great time to begin building a healthy work-life balance. Honors students should remember that academic achievement is not everything. Students should focus on making life outside of school satisfying and enjoy time with friends and with outside interests. Utah is a beautiful place to attend college; make time for the outdoors, live music, sports, and everything else Salt Lake has to offer.
4) Befriend your profs.
Establishing relationships with faculty is an excellent way to make the most of a student’s courses. It is also a strong first step for the honors thesis. However, making the jump from being one of many students in a course to declaring a professor as your thesis mentor is no small feat. To initiate that shift, students should talk to professors after class or attend office hours (professors are happy to talk about content beyond the class!) and take subsequent classes to “get facetime” with them. Once the relationship is formed, students can more easily engage in research (which counts for honors electives), request letters of recommendation, and find a mentor for their thesis.
5) Follow Utah Instagram accounts.
Nearly every club, college, and event that the U has has its own Instagram. By following a plethora of accounts, students can stay updated on internship/career/research fairs, student life events like Crimson Nights, self-care activities like Dogs & Donuts and other free-food giveaways, and so much more. Students can also look at campus-wide and departmental events calendars for more information.
6) Be candid & learn to self-advocate.
Universities are special places because of their unified dedication to student success. But university resources can only help when students voice their needs. Students can inquire about their interests and ask for support from advisors, peers, and professors. Meet with advisors often, and be honest about any doubts, plans, and goals. Honesty is crucial to establishing healthy bonds and accessing helpful resources. Above all, speak up – your unique experiences and perspective matter. Additionally, the U offers mental health and safety resources that are available 24/7.
McKenna Hall | Journalism Intern, University of Utah Honors College