Nadira Kakonge ’27 shares six steps for a successful first year as a Cobber.
Moving away for college is scary and yet exciting. You’ll have a lot of mixed emotions, and one of them is realizing just how far from home you really are. For many of you, that’s a little overwhelming.
But Concordia isn’t just a college; it’s a community that starts to feel like home. It’s a place where you learn to stand on your own. No more curfews, no more asking permission before going out, no more wake-up reminders. You have all the freedom and independence you didn’t have before, and it’s up to you to make the most of your college experience.
Be the best student you can be. Be the best athlete you can be (if you’re a student-athlete). But outside of that, remember you still have a life to live and unforgettable memories to make with your friends. After all, college is supposed to be “the time of your life.”
Whether you’re a domestic student or an international student like me, here’s how to have it all at Concordia.
You need to put yourself out there.
New people, a diverse environment, and so many different clubs. It’s time to discover your other interests. You will find your people but, in the meantime, don’t be afraid to put yourself out there and follow your interests to new experiences. Go to the athletic games, attend campus events, join a club. College is a time to step out of your comfort zone and try something new.
It’s OK to be a little homesick.
But don’t go locking yourself in your room and reminiscing about everything you left behind. There are so many incredible memories waiting to be made here. Don’t let homesickness stop you. Just because one chapter has closed, it doesn’t mean the whole book is over.
Struggling to find a balance?
Learn time management. Block out time for everything you need to do before you start adding things to your day. And do your assignments early — you don’t want deadlines piling up. Balance is a skill you learn over time. It doesn’t mean saying no to experiences; it means finding a way to make it all work for you.
Are you falling behind?
Don’t be afraid to ask for help from your advisors, professors, classmates, the Writing Center, and the Center for Student Success. Concordia has many resources to help you succeed. Use them to find the academic aids you need. Don’t let yourself fall behind; utilize the support that’s available to you.
Looking for a quick caffeine hit or energy drink?
Head to The Maize for freshly made Starbucks coffee, energy drink infusions, and other caffeinated options. Trust me, there will be days when you need it.
Understand your meal plan.
Seriously, don’t blow through your Dining Dollars in the first half of the semester. They may seem like a lot at first, but they run out fast. Your end-of-semester self will thank you.
And remember, your college experience is exactly what YOU make it.
Published August 2026