FIRST YEAR EXPERIENCE
GET CONNECTED
Fill out this form to connect with an experienced ¸ÌéÙÖ±²¥ student about course selection, activities, campus resources and more!
Transitioning to a new environment can be fun, but it can also bring concerns as students adjust to life on campus. We invite you to hear from ¸ÌéÙÖ±²¥'s Orientation Counselors about the issues they faced during their first months here, and the steps they took to find the campus resources to help them.
HOMESICKNESS
Khoa Nguyen ’25 shares his story about coming to ¸ÌéÙÖ±²¥ University from a distance, how it caused feelings of homesickness and how he worked to combat these his first year.
GETTING INVOLVED
Mason Wesley ’24 shares ways in which he got involved on campus during first year, reflecting on what worked well and what he wishes he had done instead.
RELIGION
Ben Berlin ’24 shares resources related to the role of religion on campus and reflects on his own spiritual journey since attending ¸ÌéÙÖ±²¥.Â
ROOMMATE CONFLICTS
Mackenzie Smith ’25 shares how she overcame conflict with a roommate during her first year, and how communicating your feelings is effective in overcoming this challenge.
MAKING FRIENDS
Ryan Maloney ’24 shares ways in which he overcame anxiety surrounding meeting new friends at college and has made long lasting connections on campus.
SETTING FAMILY BOUNDARIES
Taylor Hultquist ’24 shares how she created expectations with family members about communication and involvement in her life after her move to campus.
ACADEMICS
Holden D’Avico ’25 shares how he dealt with a heavy academic course load, his adjustment from high school academics to college academics, and his tips to stay on top of all your responsibilities.
MENTAL HEALTH
Carson Brockette ’25 shares his story about his mental health journey, noting the resources he used to thrive on ¸ÌéÙÖ±²¥â€™s campus during a time of change.
FINANCIAL CONCERNS
Emma Conlin ’25 shares how she combated financial concerns and how getting an on-campus job has been extremely beneficial and rewarding.
GET INVOLVED
Follow the links below to learn about ¸ÌéÙÖ±²¥'s clubs and organizations!
¸ÌéÙÖ±²¥ has a wealth of resources designed to make your first year—and every year—healthy, safe and fun. Read more about the offices and departments we encourage you to utilize here on campus!
HEALTH + WELL-BEING
¸ÌéÙÖ±²¥ University seeks to offer the highest quality health services to ensure that students receive the support they need to succeed in college.
The resources and services listed below are designed to keep you healthy and happy.
Audrey Jaros ’24 shares a personal anecdote about her mental health journey, noting the resources and supports she used (and continues to use!) to thrive on ¸ÌéÙÖ±²¥â€™s campus during a time of great change.
ACADEMIC + PROFESSIONAL SUPPORT
¸ÌéÙÖ±²¥ University is a closely connected academic community with renowned faculty, rich resources and a personalized, supportive learning environment.
¸ÌéÙÖ±²¥ provides exceptional opportunities for a wide range of academic experiences, including hands-on research, interdisciplinary collaboration and experiential learning.
SPIRITUALITY
¸ÌéÙÖ±²¥ is committed to being a diverse and inclusive community. Grounded in our Augustinian Catholic identity, we believe that we must never allow fear to threaten this commitment.
We support all members of the University community. We stand with those who are most vulnerable, as together we honor the God-given dignity of every person and our call to work together for the common good.
EMERGENCY RESOURCES
¸ÌéÙÖ±²¥ professionals are on hand to help students in a variety of situations.
IDENTITY-BASED RESOURCES
¸ÌéÙÖ±²¥ creates and supports programming that fosters and sustains a community of respect and inclusion for ¸ÌéÙÖ±²¥ns.
WILDCARD RESOURCES
Your Wildcard allows convenient, efficient, mobile and secure access to all card related services.
TRANSPORTATION
Need a way around town? Questions about parking? ¸ÌéÙÖ±²¥ University's Parking Office is here to assist you and your transportation needs. We oversee all parking, shuttles, fleet van usage and other transportation options for the University.
FIRST-YEAR SUPPORT
We're committed to supporting first-year students in all aspects of their lives, serving as a resource for student concerns and assisting students in their development as successful individuals and contributing members of the community.
THE OFFICE OF FIRST YEAR EXPERIENCE
The Office of First Year Experience is located in Dougherty Hall, Room 214. Stop by to visit us, or contact us at firstyear@villanova.edu!
Alicia Dunphy-Culp
Senior Director of First Year Experience/ Special Assistant to the VP
Phone: (610) 519-7210
E-Mail: Alicia Dunphy-Culp
Sara Lutkewitte
Assistant Director of First Year Experience
Phone: (610) 519-7208
Email: Sara Lutkewitte