ORLANDO, Fla. — University of Central Florida students are returning to class as the fall semester kicks off Monday.
To help students get settled on campus, the university is hosting Welcome Week events.
They can attend a Support Pop-Up Station at the Student Union on Tuesday, Aug. 25, and Thursday, Aug. 27, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Academic Success Coaches will be available to provide on-the-spot support and guidance.
UCF’s Welcome Expo is scheduled for Wednesday in the Student Union Key West Ballroom from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Outside the classroom, students can get free sports tickets to home games or join one of more than 650 student organizations.
Dwayne Jones, a UCF student studying electronic journalism, said the best advice he has for freshmen is to get involved.
“I would say any interest that you have, anything that you’re curious about, just do it. Put yourself out there,” Jones said. “That’s kind of how I was able to grow throughout my past two years here, and I’ve met some of the best people of my entire life and friends for a lifetime.”
Jones, now a senior and the student government vice president, described the first day back on campus as “electric.”
“There’s so much going on. There are a lot of events. It’s Welcome Week, so we’re embracing those new students that are coming to UCF for the first time,” Jones said. “We’re welcoming back those returning students, as well. There’s still much planned, so much to do, and I think it’s about getting everybody acclimated. This is such a large school, but there’s something for someone everywhere across campus. And that’s the message that we try to get out.”
UCF has about 68,500 students across all of its campuses. Students are encouraged to check parking and shuttle routes online to save time as campus gets busier over the next few weeks.