Helpful Hints for Incoming Students
This page is designed to help both Freshmen who are new to the university system, and transfer students who are new to WestConn and/or the Danbury area, to get acclimated to life at Western. Just look around the site and make use of the information made available to you here. If you can't find what you are looking for, don't be afraid to ask.
First Things First
If you are new to the Danbury area, as many of you will be, check out this schematic map of Danbury and the various restaurants and businesses you'll find in each area of the city. Notice the curved flow of I-84 through the center of the city and the various exits and larger street names to help orient you.
For other things to do in and around Danbury, check out the "Best of Danbury" brochure. There is something to do for everyone around here. Or you could check out our helpful instruction page on "How to get to ..." New York City or the Mall.
If you are an incoming Freshman, wondering what the difference is between high school and college and what you should or should not do in the classroom and out, check out this web site which contains very helpful hints for students from a professor's perspective.
How to Go to College - The Unofficial Rules
Here are some other tips for students new to Western. Read through the information to learn about the different building codes, program sheets, advisement, how to get involved on campus, and other services that are available to Western students.
College Survival Vocabulary List
How To Get Involved
There are many things for you to do at Western besides go to classes and study. As a matter of fact, we recommend that you get involved. If you are not a member of the Athletics Teams, become a member of a recreation or clubs sport team to keep you physically fit. If you don't like to run around yourself, become an active supporter, a SuperFan, and attend WCSU Games. Join a student organization to make friends and to get involved on campus and in the community. These kinds of activities always look good on your resume - and they are fun in the process. Western offers many other events that are worth attending: concerts and recitals, theater productions, musicals, and opera to name just a few. Check out the events calendar on the main web site, look for announcements in WestConnduit, or refer to one of our weekly flyers to keep you up to date. And being a commuter should not be an excuse not to get involved.
Recreation, Intramurals, and Club Sports
Student Clubs and Organizations
And remember: you can always attend events open to the public even if you have not been accepted yet or gone to orientation. Theatre Plays, Opera Performances, Sporting Events, Lectures, and even many student organization events are open to the public and can be attended by anyone. Just look for the announcements in the Events calendar on the homepage and start getting involved and connected to Western NOW.
Other Services Available
There are a number of services available for students on campus. We recommend that you familiarize yourself with Western's main web page. Use the SEARCH to look for anything you want to know. It's all there, you just have to find it. Here are some of the main links you should be aware of:
Campus Life
See many links related to Campus Life in one view.
Cashier's Office
Find information regarding your bill, insurance waivers, and payment
plans.
Housing and Residence Life
There may still be time to sign up for Housing. Check out the
website and find out what it means to be living on campus. Look at
the FAQs for any questions you may have.
Parking
In order to get your parking decal, please go to the parking office on
the Westside campus. Check for location, office hours, and what
you need to bring before you drive over there.
Registrar's Office
Find information regarding registration and other information regarding
your classes.
Sodexo Dining Services
Find out about meal plans and opening hours for our many dining
facilities.
Student Affairs
Contains links to various Student Affairs departments as well as the
Midtown Coffeehouse, the "What's On?" flyers, the Student Leadership
Recognition Banquet, information for commuter students, etc.
Student Financial Services
All the information regarding Financial Aid as well as jobs on campus can
be found at this web site.
Tutoring Resource Center
Stop by this center for FREE tutoring help in any subject, the Math
clinic, and the Writing Lab. This is the place for students who
want to be successful and aren't too proud to ask for help.
WestConnect Office
This is the office where you receive your ID
Card and security PIN once you are registered. You can also get
information on meal plans, Connect Cash and the Student Advantage program.
