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First-Year Experience Checklist

This list is a guide to help you navigate your first year at Saint Louis University. It is your responsibility to integrate the list as it fits best into your personal and academic goals. These are suggestions to help you throughout your year, but should not be seen as an all-encompassing list or required checklist.

SLU students at Billiken game

SLU students cheer on the Billiken soccer team during Fall Welcome. 

Academics

  • Explore your proposed major.
  • Meet with your academic adviser.
  • Talk with your faculty mentor about your intended major.
  • Use tutoring and writing resources in the Student Success Center.
  • Connect with members of the SLU community who are in your classes; discuss forming study groups and exchange contact information.
  • Connect with an upperclassman in your intended major to find out about his or her experience.
  • Learn how to calculate your GPA.
  • If applicable, renew your FAFSA.

Community and Involvement

  • Orient yourself with campus buildings and places of interest, such as SLU’s museums.
  • Join at least one student organization.
  • Show your Billiken pride at SLU athletic events.
  • Be sure to use your SLU email (this is the official means of correspondence for the University) or arrange to have it forwarded to an email address that you check regularly.
  • Participate in a community service project and consider ongoing service opportunities.
  • Visit Campus Ministry — it is for students of all faith traditions. Explore options for retreats, mission trips, service and involvement in faith-based student organizations.
  • Explore the city of St. Louis, and consider using public transportation. Visit St. Louis' arts district, Grand Center (just blocks away from SLU), and other great neighborhoods.
  • If you live on campus, complete a roommate agreement.
  • If you are a commuter, check out the Commuter Student Lounge in BSC 140.
  • Begin to consider where you will live on campus as a sophomore. Students commuting from home need to resubmit the residency exemption request form.

Career Preparation

  • Meet with a career development specialist to discuss career assessment tools that can help you identify your values, interests, abilities and personality type.
  • Use Handshake to review employment opportunities, on and off-campus.
  • Visit Career Services for assistance in developing a résumé to apply for a summer job.
  • Attend a SLU Career Fair to know what to expect for future years.

Personal Growth